This homemade brownie recipe stands out for its rich, intense chocolate flavor and perfect balance of fudgy interior with crisp, irresistible edges.
What makes it especially appealing is its simplicity—minimal ingredients deliver maximum indulgence without any complicated steps or specialty items.
Fudgy Brownie
Equipment
- 8×8-inch square baking pan
- Microwave-safe mixing bowl
- Parchment Paper
- Spatula
- Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Begin by lightly greasing an 8×8-inch square baking pan with baking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and helps your brownies release easily after baking. Next, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit inside the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Press it down firmly so it lies flat against the surface. This lining not only prevents sticking but also makes lifting the brownies out for cutting effortless and keeps cleanup simple.
- Preheat the Oven to Optimal Temperature: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This ensures that your brownies will bake evenly from the moment they go in, which is crucial for achieving a moist, fudgy texture with crisp edges. Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking as this can cause temperature fluctuations.
- Melt Butter Slowly and Evenly: Place 1 cup (226g) of unsalted butter into a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat the butter in the microwave using 20-second bursts, stirring between each interval. This gradual melting prevents overheating or burning, ensuring the butter melts smoothly and evenly. Continue until fully melted, which typically takes about 2 minutes depending on your microwave’s power. The melted butter forms the rich base that contributes to the brownies’ luscious texture.
- Combine Sugar and Cocoa with Butter: Once the butter is melted and slightly cooled, add 2 cups (400g) of granulated sugar and ¾ cup (75g) of unsweetened cocoa powder to the bowl. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fully combined. This step dissolves the sugar and activates the cocoa’s deep chocolate flavor, creating a luscious batter foundation.
- Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings: Next, add 3 large eggs (at room temperature) one at a time into the butter mixture. Whisk thoroughly after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated, which helps develop the batter’s structure and richness. Follow with 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract for aromatic depth and 1 teaspoon of salt to balance sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor. Continue whisking until the mixture is uniform and silky.
- Gently Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Sift together 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour to avoid lumps, then gradually add it to the wet mixture. Using a flexible spatula, gently fold the flour into the batter just until combined.Avoid overmixing, as this can make the brownies tough. Next, fold in 1½ cups (270g) of semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter, distributing bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.
- Spread Batter Evenly in Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Using your spatula, spread it evenly from corner to corner, smoothing the surface. If desired, sprinkle a handful of extra chocolate chips on top for an added layer of melty chocolate goodness and visual appeal.
- Bake with Care and Timing: Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, starting to check doneness at the 35-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies: for fudgy brownies, the toothpick should come out with several moist crumbs attached; for cakey brownies, it should come out with only a few crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this will dry out the brownies.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Let the brownies cool entirely in the pan—this allows them to set and makes slicing cleaner and easier. Cooling also helps the flavors develop fully, making your brownies richer and more satisfying.
- Slice and Serve with Ease: Once cooled, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 even squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices. Serve these decadent brownies plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, or fresh berries to elevate the dessert experience.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels and flavor balance.
- Always bring eggs to room temperature before mixing; this ensures smoother batter and better texture.
- For measuring flour accurately, use a kitchen scale or fluff and level with a knife to prevent dry, dense brownies.
- Avoid overmixing once flour is added to keep the brownies tender, not tough.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Check doneness with a toothpick starting at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking, which dries out the brownies.
- Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for an indulgent chocolate layer.
While traditionally considered a treat, these brownies also offer some nutritional perks: they provide a moderate amount of protein from eggs and good fats from unsalted butter, making them more satisfying than typical store-bought options.
Additionally, the cocoa powder adds antioxidants and a small boost of dietary fiber.
Perfect for everyday cooking, this recipe is quick to prepare, ideal for beginner bakers, and highly adaptable—whether you want to add nuts for texture or amp up the chocolate with extra chips.
Its straightforward approach makes it great for meal prepping sweet bites or sharing at gatherings, striking a wonderful balance between decadence and ease.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
8×8-Inch Square Baking Pan
Essential for shaping your brownies into perfect squares with even cooking. Its size ensures uniform thickness and browning, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of baked goods from bars to casseroles.
Microwave-Safe Mixing Bowl
Perfect for melting butter quickly and safely, this bowl simplifies the initial preparation stage. Its heat resistance also allows you to whisk ingredients directly, reducing cleanup.
Parchment Paper
This indispensable kitchen liner prevents brownies from sticking, making removal effortless and protecting your pan. It also speeds up cleanup, saving time for your next baking project.
Spatula
A flexible spatula helps gently fold ingredients without overmixing, preserving the brownie’s tender crumb. It’s a multi-purpose tool perfect for batter handling, scraping, and spreading.
Toothpick or Cake Tester
A simple but crucial tool to check doneness without disturbing the bake. It ensures your brownies are perfectly fudgy or cakey according to your preference.
Chef’s Secrets for Ultimate Fudgy Brownies
Achieving the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey brownies requires attention to a few critical details.
First, melting the butter slowly and whisking it thoroughly with sugar and cocoa helps dissolve sugar granules fully, creating a smooth, glossy batter that bakes evenly.
Incorporating eggs one at a time ensures the mixture emulsifies properly, enhancing the brownie’s structure without becoming rubbery.
Using high-quality cocoa powder, ideally Dutch-processed, intensifies the chocolate flavor dramatically.
Another insider tip is adding a tablespoon of instant espresso or coffee powder to deepen the richness without making the brownies taste like coffee.
Finally, resist the urge to overmix the flour and chocolate chips to preserve tenderness and maintain pockets of molten chocolate throughout the bake.
These subtle techniques elevate your brownies from good to extraordinary every time.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Brownies
These brownies shine best when paired with complementary flavors and textures.
Serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
For a fresh contrast, top with a handful of fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce to add tartness and brightness.
Dusting with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor layers and presentation.
For an indulgent twist, try layering brownies with whipped cream and sliced strawberries to create a quick chocolate trifle.
These serving ideas transform simple brownies into an elegant treat perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or cozy nights in.
Storage Tips for Fresh Brownie Enjoyment
To maintain the brownies’ moistness and flavor, store them properly after baking.
Once completely cooled, place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay fresh for up to four days.
For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Avoid refrigerating brownies as this can dry them out unless your kitchen is very warm.
Always separate layers with parchment or wax paper if stacking brownies to prevent sticking.
Proper storage keeps your brownies tasting freshly baked and delicious for days to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can replace butter with an equal amount of neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil. However, butter provides flavor and helps create those crispy edges, so the texture may be slightly different.
2. How do I make cakey brownies instead of fudgy?
To get cakier brownies, bake a few minutes longer until the toothpick comes out mostly clean. You can also reduce the butter slightly and add a teaspoon of baking powder for extra rise.
3. What is the best way to measure flour for brownies?
Using a kitchen scale is ideal for precision. If measuring by cup, fluff the flour with a spoon, lightly spoon it into the cup, and level off with a flat knife to avoid packing and using too much flour.
4. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts along with the chocolate chips to add crunch and flavor.
5. How do I know when brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center around 35 minutes. For fudgy brownies, expect moist crumbs to stick to the toothpick; for cakey brownies, fewer crumbs or a clean toothpick means done.
