The Best Homemade Fudgy Brownies Recipe

This brownie recipe is insanely delicious and once you try it, you’ll never go back to the box mix. With seven pantry staple ingredients, you can make these fudge-rich brownies at home anytime!

You know those store box mixes that promise rich, fudge-like brownies? Well, this recipe gives you that same amazing texture but takes it a hundred times further in terms of flavor and affordability.

If you’re a fan of homemade treats, you’ll also love these Texas brownies and blonde brownies. Another great option is marshmallow brownies that are exactly like these fudgy ones but with a marshmallow topping.

Why I Love This Recipe

• One Bowl: This recipe is incredibly easy. With just one bowl and a few simple steps, you can have a batch of delicious brownies ready for the oven.
• Family Favorite: These brownies are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
• Classic Flavors: The combination of butter, cocoa, and vanilla in this recipe results in the most amazing, classic brownie flavor.
• Perfect Texture: If you’re a fan of fudge brownies with a crackly top, you’ll love this recipe. The brownies come out perfectly fudge-like with a beautiful, shiny crust.

Key Ingredients

• Butter: You use a lot of butter in this recipe, and so you want it to be good quality butter. No margarine as it will change the recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: That sweetness that you crave comes from the sugar. You only need regular white sugar. The sugar balances the unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The depth of flavor and richness comes from the cocoa powder. No chocolate in this recipe!
• Salt: What’s a recipe without salt to bring out the flavor.
• Eggs: You want to use large eggs as the change in size will affect the end result of the recipe. Eggs give the brownies their structure.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: I highly recommend getting good quality vanilla extract that is pure. There really is a difference in flavor and taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Lightly spoon your flour into your measuring cup to make sure you get the right amount for the recipe. Too much and your brownies will become chocolate cake!

Equipment

• 13×9 inch baking pan – This is where you’ll spread the brownie batter and bake it to perfection. Make sure to lightly grease it to prevent the brownies from sticking.
• Large Microwave-Safe Bowl – This is essential for melting the butter and combining all the ingredients. It’s a quick and convenient way to make the brownie batter.

How to Make Brownies

Preparation

To start, preheat your oven to 325˚ F and grease your 13×9 baking pan. This will make sure that your brownies don’t stick to the pan and are easy to remove after baking.

Step 1 – Combine the Butter, Sugar, and Cocoa

In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Then, pop the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 1 minute. Stir the ingredients again to make sure the butter is melted and the batter is smooth.

Step 2 – Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs to the batter one at a time. Stir the batter between each egg to make sure it’s well-mixed. Then, stir in the vanilla to give your brownies a rich, aromatic flavor.

Step 3 – Mix in the Flour

Now, it’s time to add the flour. Stir vigorously to combine the flour with the other ingredients. Keep stirring until the batter is smooth, and you can no longer see any flour. Your batter should be thick and lusciously chocolatey.

Step 4 – Spread the Batter and Bake

Pour the batter into your greased 13×9 baking pan. Spread it out evenly, then pop it in the preheated oven. Bake the brownies for 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5 – Cool and Serve

Once your brownies are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for one hour. We all love a warm brownie, but if it’s too warm it will fall apart.

Expert Tip

To make the best brownies, be careful not to overbake them. Keep a close eye on the timer and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your brownies are ready. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 – 1 cup of chocolate chips to take the chocolate flavor to the next level!
• Nuts: I like to add walnuts to give it an added crunch as well. Add 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on how nutty you are!
• Mint chocolate Chip Cookies or Oreos: Yes, you read that right! Grab some good cookies and crush them up. Add 1/2 – 1 cup into the batter before baking. You can even sprinkle a few on top. Bake as directed.

What to Serve With

• For a classic dessert presentation, serve your homemade brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cool, sweet ice cream is the perfect complement to the rich, fudgey brownies.
• If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over your brownie before serving. This extra touch will take your brownie to the next level of chocolatey deliciousness.
• Looking for a mid-day treat? Pair your brownie with a cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. The bitter coffee or the creamy milk is the perfect balance to the sweet, dense brownie.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: After enjoying these delicious brownies, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, brownies can also be frozen. Once cooled, cut them into individual servings and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: When ready to enjoy, simply let the brownies thaw at room temperature. This should take about 1-2 hours.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This brownie recipe yields a deliciously rich and fudge-like treat. You can expect to get a 13×9 inch pan full of brownies, about 24 squares.
• How to Scale: If you want to make more than one pan of brownies, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased batter. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed, and you’ll have double the amount of delicious brownies.