The BEST Fudgy Brownies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the ultimate chocolate bliss with these rich and fudgy brownies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a luscious texture, intense chocolate flavor, and a crackly top, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. Simply melt, mix, and bake your way to the best brownies ever. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them on their own for a decadent treat.

Holly James

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2025-12-01T15:39:32.156Z

The journey to the perfect brownie is one filled with rich chocolate, a crackly top, and an irresistible aroma. After countless tests, we've finally captured the essence of what makes a brownie truly great.

Perfectly Fudgy Texture

Achieving the ultimate fudgy brownie texture requires a delicate balance of ingredients and baking time. The combination of melted butter and sugar creates a moist base that is essential for that signature fudgy feel. Unlike cakey brownies, which can often be dry and crumbly, these brownies are rich and dense, melting in your mouth with every bite.

One of the key factors to achieving that perfect fudginess is the careful mixing of ingredients. Overmixing can introduce air into the batter, leading to a lighter, cake-like texture. It’s important to mix until just combined, ensuring you maintain that dense, fudgy quality that makes these brownies so irresistible.

Intense Chocolate Flavor

These brownies are truly a chocolate lover's dream, boasting a deep, rich chocolate flavor that comes from using both cocoa powder and chocolate chips. The use of high-quality cocoa powder can elevate your brownies, imparting complexity and richness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar.

To take the chocolate flavor to the next level, consider incorporating espresso powder. Just a teaspoon can enhance the chocolate notes without adding a coffee flavor, making the brownies taste even more indulgent. Each bite delivers an explosion of chocolate, satisfying even the most intense cravings.

Serving Suggestions

While these brownies are delicious on their own, serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience. The contrast of the warm brownie against the cold ice cream creates a decadent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a simple weeknight treat.

For a gourmet touch, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the brownies before serving. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a delightful sweet and salty balance. Pairing them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add freshness and color to your dessert presentation.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience.

Brownie Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pan before starting.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your brownies with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat!

Storing Your Brownies

To keep your brownies fresh and fudgy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, though they are best enjoyed within the first few days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for several months.

When you're ready to indulge again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For a quick treat, you can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that just-baked goodness.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to experiment with mix-ins and toppings to create your perfect brownie. You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor. Alternatively, try incorporating peanut butter or Nutella swirls into the brownie batter for a delicious twist.

For a fun variation, consider adding a layer of cream cheese or cookie dough in the center of the brownies. This will create a delightful surprise when you take a bite. Be creative with your toppings as well; a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a handful of crushed candy bars can add fun textures and flavors.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, brown sugar will give the brownies a richer flavor and additional moisture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.

The BEST Fudgy Brownies

Experience the ultimate chocolate bliss with these rich and fudgy brownies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a luscious texture, intense chocolate flavor, and a crackly top, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. Simply melt, mix, and bake your way to the best brownies ever. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them on their own for a decadent treat.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Holly James

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 brownies

What You'll Need

Brownie Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  2. 2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 4 large eggs
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  6. 1 cup cocoa powder
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 06

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Sugars: 20g