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The History of Brownies: From 1893 Chicago to Today’s Luxury Brownies

From the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to today’s luxury brownies, the journey of this American icon is rich with history. Now we’re writing the next chapter.

Designed for Everyday Indulgence

Brownies are not just dessert, they’re an American invention with a fascinating backstory. First created in Chicago in the late 19th century, brownies have gone from a simple confection to a cultural icon enjoyed worldwide. At LEXINGTON BAKES, we’re proud to continue this legacy by reimagining the brownie as a New American Classic®: indulgent, ethically sourced, and crafted for peak chocolate experience.

A Sweet Beginning at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

The brownie’s origin story traces back to the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. Bertha Palmer, a prominent Chicago socialite and wife of hotelier Potter Palmer, requested a portable dessert for ladies’ lunches at the Palmer House Hotel. The hotel’s pastry chefs responded with a dense, chocolatey square topped with walnuts and an apricot glaze. This creation, still served today at the Palmer House, is considered the very first brownie.

From that moment, brownies captured America’s imagination. Unlike European chocolate tortes or cakes, the brownie was distinctly American: compact, rich, and designed for everyday indulgence.

From Home Kitchens to Cultural Icon

By the early 20th century, brownies had become a household staple. Recipes appeared in community cookbooks as early as 1904, each one tweaking the balance of butter, sugar, eggs, and chocolate. As home baking evolved, the brownie became synonymous with comfort: a simple square that bridged the gap between cake and cookie.

The mid-20th century brought mass production. Boxed brownie mixes from companies like Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker introduced brownies to millions of households, solidifying their status as a beloved American treat. But with convenience came compromise: preservatives, artificial flavors, and a departure from the richness of the original Palmer House creation.

The Modern Brownie Renaissance

In the last two decades, brownies have experienced a renaissance. Artisanal bakeries and luxury dessert makers like LEXINGTON BAKES are reimagining the brownie, bringing fresh creativity and quality ingredients to the classic treat. Today, food lovers seek out brownies that are not just sweet, but memorable: rich in flavor, carefully sourced, and made with integrity.

This shift mirrors broader changes in food culture: consumers want to know where ingredients come from, how they’re sourced, and how they align with their values. The best brownies are no longer just indulgent; they’re ethical, transparent, and unforgettable.

LEXINGTON BAKES: A New Chapter in Brownie History

At LEXINGTON BAKES, we honor the brownie’s American roots while reinventing it for today’s global discerning dessert lovers. Our brownies carry forward the richness of that first creation, and elevated with:

Raaka Dark Chocolate made with Zorzal Cacao, a farm within a bird sanctuary in the Dominican Republic.
Organic, Fair, Ethical sourcing standards that protect farmers and the planet.
No Naughty Ingredients® – no artificial preservatives, flavors or dyes, no soy, gums, corn, or weird oils.

Our signature Fleur de Sel Brownie is our classic American fudgy square topped with delicate French sea salt, amplifying the depth of chocolate. Our Hazelnut Crunch Brownie delivers indulgence without gluten or grains, proving that dietary inclusivity and undeniably extraordinary flavor can go hand in hand. And our Raspberry Velvet® Brownie which ****pairs rich chocolate with bright tangy raspberries and sweet cream cheese icing for a bold and delectable take on red velvet without the toxic food dyes.

Why Brownies Are So Popular

Brownies endure because they are more than just dessert, they’re a classic American experience. They remind us of bake sales, family gatherings, late-night indulgences, and moments of joy. Our reimagining of the brownie as a feel good luxury treat, ensures that this timeless dessert continues to evolve while staying true to its fudgy chocolatey roots.

From 1893 Chicago to today, the brownie has been reinvented countless times. But at LEXINGTON BAKES, our brownie story is just beginning.

Order a New American Classic Brownie

Discover why food critics, chocolate lovers, and thousands of happy customers agree: LEXINGTON BAKES is elevating brownies to a new level of feel good indulgence.

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