The Ultimate Fudgy Brownie Recipe (Easy & From Scratch)

The best brownie recipe creates rich, fudgy chocolate squares with a signature crackly top. It involves melting butter and chocolate together, whisking in sugar and eggs until glossy, and gently folding in flour and cocoa powder. The key is to avoid over-mixing the batter to ensure a dense, chewy texture rather than a cake-like one.

We all dream of sinking our teeth into perfectly fudgy, deeply chocolatey homemade brownies with an irresistible crackly top. However, finding an easy recipe that consistently delivers can be a challenge, often leading to complex instructions or disappointing, cakey results. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner recipe or a perfect dessert, you want pure joy without the fuss.

At Recipesmondial, we believe making classic treats should always be enjoyable. That’s why we perfected this brownie recipe for home cooks, ensuring a joyful, stress-free experience. Our comprehensive, step-by-step guidance walks you through every detail. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you are guaranteed to achieve incredible, fudgy brownies every time.

You don’t need professional skills to create a show-stopping dessert. Our approachable home cooking philosophy shines through in this easy brownie recipe, which promises rich, decadent results that will impress everyone. We’re here to help you enjoy stress-free baking by transforming basic pantry staples into a stunning dessert. Ready to discover your new go-to recipe for foolproof, homemade brownies?

Why Is This the Best Brownie Recipe for Beginners?

Welcome to the world of baking! If you’re ready for the perfect start, this is the best brownie recipe for beginners. We designed this easy brownie recipe to make your first time baking simple, successful, and incredibly delicious.

At Recipesmondial, our goal is to help you enjoy cooking without stress. This fudgy brownie recipe removes the guesswork, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Instead, you’ll find clear, step-by-step guidance that builds your confidence in the kitchen.

Here’s why this homemade brownies recipe stands out as the ideal choice for new bakers:

• Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need everyday kitchen staples. No obscure items are required to make these rich chocolate brownies.
• Straightforward Steps: Each instruction is broken down into clear, simple actions. We avoid technical jargon, making this one of our top beginner-friendly recipes.
• Minimal Equipment: You don’t need fancy gadgets. Basic bowls and a whisk are enough to create amazing brownies from scratch.
• Guaranteed Fudgy Results: Our method ensures consistently moist, intensely chocolatey fudgy brownies every single time.
• Confidence Boosting: Successfully baking this perfect chocolate brownie recipe brings a real sense of achievement and is an ideal first step into approachable home cooking.
• Quick & Reliable: This recipe is designed to be fast. You can whip up these delicious brownies quickly, making it a reliable solution for any sweet craving.

This recipe delivers on our promise of stress-free baking. Get ready to make incredible brownies and impress everyone—including yourself!

What Ingredients Do You Need for Homemade Brownies?

You don’t need a trip to a specialty store to craft delicious, homemade brownies. In fact, this easy brownie recipe uses simple pantry staples you likely already have. Follow along as we turn those everyday items into the most fudgy brownies you’ve ever tasted.

Here’s what you’ll need for these incredible chocolate brownies from scratch:

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 226g): Essential for richness and a fudgy texture. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level perfectly. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt by half.
• Good Quality Chocolate (4 ounces / 113g): A bar of unsweetened or bittersweet chocolate provides a deep, complex flavor. Avoid using chocolate chips, as their added stabilizers prevent them from melting smoothly.
• Granulated Sugar (1½ cups / 300g): This provides sweetness and helps create the wonderful shiny, crackly top on your homemade brownies.
• Light Brown Sugar, packed (½ cup / 100g): Adds essential moisture and chewiness, making this the ultimate fudgy brownie recipe.
• Large Eggs (4): Eggs act as a binder and give the brownies structure. They are also crucial for achieving a rich, fudgy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Don’t skip this ingredient! Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, making your brownies taste even more indulgent.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup / 120g): Provides just enough structure to hold the brownies together without making them cakey. Remember, we want fudgy, not cakey!
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¼ cup / 25g): This deepens the overall chocolate flavor. See our note below on why we use both cocoa and melted chocolate.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): A little salt is a key flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the rich chocolate notes.

A Note on Cocoa Powder vs. Chocolate

You might wonder why this best brownie recipe uses both melted chocolate and cocoa powder. While both add deep chocolate flavor, they play different roles.

• Melted Chocolate: This provides the richness, fat, and smooth, luxurious texture that gives brownies their signature fudginess. Higher quality chocolate will always yield better results.
• Cocoa Powder: This provides an intense, concentrated chocolate flavor without adding fat. It also absorbs a little moisture, which helps create a denser, more fudgy brownie texture and a beautiful dark color.

By combining both, you get the ideal result: intense chocolate flavor from the cocoa and incredible fudginess from the melted chocolate. This powerful pairing creates truly spectacular chocolate brownies that are both rich and deeply flavorful. Achieving this balance is a key secret in many easy recipes for baked goods.

For more insights into different types of cocoa powder and their uses in baking, you can explore resources like King Arthur Baking Company ^[1].

How to make brownies step by step

Ready to bake the most amazing, fudgy brownies from scratch? This simple, step-by-step recipe is incredibly rewarding and perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Follow along to go from mixing ingredients to enjoying a delicious homemade treat in no time. Get ready to build your confidence in the kitchen!

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first, let’s get organized. This quick prep work ensures a smooth baking process and guarantees your fudgy brownies come out perfectly.

• Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s fully heated when your batter is ready.
• Prepare your baking pan: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. These “handles” make it easy to lift the brownies out for cutting.
• Gather your ingredients: Lay out all your measured ingredients. This practice, known as “mise en place,” prevents last-minute searching and makes the baking process stress-free.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate

This step is key for a signature fudgy texture, creating a rich chocolate base for the batter.

1. Combine butter and chocolate: In a medium, heatproof bowl, combine the unsalted butter and unsweetened chocolate.
2. Melt gently: You have two easy options for melting:
   • Microwave method: Heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one to prevent scorching. Continue until it is smooth and fully melted.
   • Double boiler method: Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth.
3. Cool slightly: Once melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This important pause prevents the eggs from scrambling in the next step.

Step 3: Whisk in Sugars and Eggs

Now it’s time to add sweetness and structure. This step builds flavor and helps create the signature shiny, crackly top on your brownies.

1. Add sugars: Whisk the granulated and brown sugars into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture until they are well combined.
2. Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until the batter becomes lighter in color and slightly thick. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

This is where the brownie batter comes together. The key is to mix gently, as overmixing will result in cakey brownies instead of fudgy ones.

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
2. Gently fold: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and use a spatula to gently fold them together. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which creates a tougher, more cake-like texture.
3. Optional additions: If using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them in now.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

You’re almost there! Baking with precision is the final step to achieving a perfectly fudgy texture.

1. Pour and smooth: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
2. Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Note that baking times can vary slightly between ovens.
3. Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the pan.
   • For fudgy brownies, the toothpick should come out with moist crumbs attached, not clean.
   • A clean toothpick means the brownies are likely overbaked.
   • The edges should look set while the center has a very slight wobble. This is perfect!
4. Cool completely: This is a crucial step for the best texture. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Cooling allows them to set fully, which concentrates their rich flavor and makes them much easier to cut into clean squares.

And there you have it—perfectly fudgy homemade brownies! Enjoy this delicious dessert or snack. This step-by-step guide makes the baking process stress-free and fun.

Expert Tips for Perfect Fudgy Brownies

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making truly fudgy brownies. We’ll share simple yet powerful tricks to help you bake a batch that’s rich, dense, and perfectly moist every time. You don’t need to be a professional baker—just follow these beginner-friendly steps for the best results!

Mastering Fudgy Brownies From Scratch

Creating the perfect fudgy brownie is easier than you think. With these practical insights, you can avoid common pitfalls and boost your confidence in the kitchen. If you’ve struggled to achieve that ideal chewy texture, our tips will help transform your baking experience from uncertain to successful.

• Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Great brownies start with great components. Use good-quality butter, a rich cocoa powder, and high-grade bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate. Using premium ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor and texture.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is a golden rule for fudginess. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your brownies cakey instead of dense. Gentle folding is the key to that perfect, fudgy texture.
• Slightly Undercook Your Brownies: This is the secret to maximum fudginess. When testing for doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. A completely clean toothpick means they are likely overbaked. This simple trick ensures a moist and gooey interior—the hallmark of a perfect brownie.
• Patience in Cooling is Key: It’s tempting to slice into them right away, but letting brownies cool completely is crucial. Warm brownies are too delicate and will crumble. Cooling allows them to set properly, which results in cleaner cuts and a firmer, fudgier texture. Resist the urge to slice them too soon!
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Take your eggs out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you begin. Room-temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother emulsion with the butter and sugar. This leads to a more uniform and fudgy texture, elevating your final result.
• Consider Your Baking Pan: A light-colored metal pan is often best because it conducts heat more evenly, while darker pans can cause the edges to overbake. For easy removal and perfect slicing, line your pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles.
• Add a Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip the salt! A small amount enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness, making your brownies taste richer and more complex. It’s a simple addition with a big impact.

Common Brownie Recipe Variations

Eggless Brownie Recipe

Don’t let dietary restrictions stop you from enjoying a batch of fudgy, homemade brownies! Creating an eggless brownie recipe is simpler than you might think. This variation is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for family-friendly treats that cater to different needs.

In a typical recipe, eggs provide structure and moisture. However, several simple substitutions work wonderfully to achieve the same delightful chewiness and rich flavor using everyday ingredients.

To make your fudgy brownie recipe eggless:

• Flax Eggs: For each egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens into a gel. This creates a binder similar to an egg.
• Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. This adds moisture and a slight sweetness, helping to keep your brownies tender.
• Mashed Banana: Substitute ¼ cup of very ripe mashed banana for each egg. Be aware that this will add a subtle banana flavor to your brownies.

Simply swap the eggs in your recipe for one of these alternatives and follow all other steps as written. You’ll be amazed at the delicious results!

Brownie Recipe with Nuts

Adding nuts to homemade brownies is a classic choice for a reason. They provide a satisfying crunch and a layer of nutty flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate. This simple variation adds wonderful texture without complicating the recipe.

To create a delicious brownie recipe with nuts:

• Choose Your Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with almonds or a mix of your favorite nuts.
• Toast for Flavor: For the best results, lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the batter. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to enhance their aroma and taste. Let them cool completely before chopping.
• Chop the Nuts: Roughly chop the cooled nuts into medium-sized pieces. You want them to be noticeable but not too large.
• Fold Them In: Gently fold ¾ to 1 cup of chopped nuts into the brownie batter right before pouring it into the pan. You can also sprinkle a few extra on top for a beautiful finish.

This simple addition transforms your fudgy brownies into an even more satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion.

Double Chocolate Chunk Brownies

For the ultimate chocolate lover, this variation is a dream come true. Double chocolate chunk brownies take your favorite fudgy recipe to the next level. They create an intense burst of flavor and delightful pockets of melted chocolate in every bite, making for an easy yet impressive dessert.

To make decadent double chocolate chunk brownies:

• Select Your Chocolate: You will need 1 to 1 ½ cups of chocolate chunks or chips.
• Mix and Match: For a more complex flavor, feel free to use a variety.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chunks provide a classic, balanced flavor.
• Dark chocolate chunks offer a deeper, more intense cocoa experience.
• Milk chocolate chunks create a sweeter, creamier contrast.
• A combination of any two or three types adds wonderful depth.
• Fold Them In: Gently fold the chocolate chunks into the batter after mixing your dry ingredients. Do not overmix; you just want them evenly distributed.
• Optional Topping: Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chunks over the top of the batter before baking for a beautiful, melty finish.

Perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving, these brownies are a simple yet decadent dessert. This approachable recipe is a home-cooking delight that everyone will love.

How to Store Your Homemade Brownies

Keep Your Homemade Brownies Fresh and Fudgy

You’ve just baked a batch of irresistible homemade brownies using our easy fudgy brownie recipe. To ensure they stay wonderfully moist and delicious, proper storage is key.

Storing your brownies from scratch correctly will preserve their perfect texture, ensuring every bite is as good as the first. This simple guide will help.

Room Temperature Storage for Short-Term Freshness

If you plan to enjoy your brownies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is the best way to keep them soft and chewy.

• Cool Completely: Always wait until your chocolate brownies are fully cooled before storing. Warm brownies create condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Slice and Store: Once cooled, cut the brownies into individual squares.
• Use an Airtight Container: Place the brownies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• Layer with Parchment: If stacking brownies, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking.
• Location: Keep the container on your kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Enjoy By: Stored this way, your delicious homemade brownies will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

Refrigerator Storage for Extended Enjoyment

The refrigerator is a great option if your kitchen is warm or if you want your brownies to last longer. This method is also ideal for brownies with frosting or other delicate toppings.

• Prepare for Storage: First, let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares.
• Airtight is Essential: Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to seal out air.
• Refrigerate: Store the sealed container in your fridge.
• Enjoy By: Brownies can last for up to one week in the refrigerator.
• Serving Tip: For the best texture, let refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving. A quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave can also bring back that warm, gooey feel.

Freezer Storage for Long-Term Deliciousness

Baking a big batch? Freezing your fudgy brownies is an excellent way to enjoy them weeks or even months later. This method is perfect for meal prepping or having quick desserts on hand.

• Cool and Cut: Let your homemade brownies cool completely, then cut them into individual portions.
• Wrap Individually: To ensure freshness and prevent freezer burn, wrap each brownie square tightly in plastic wrap.
• Add an Outer Layer: For extra protection, place the individually wrapped brownies into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container.
• Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: When you’re ready for a treat, take out a brownie and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. You can also warm it gently in the microwave or oven.

Pro Tips for Perfect Brownie Preservation

Here are a few extra tips to keep your brownies at their delicious peak:

• Always Cool Completely: This is the most crucial step, no matter which storage method you choose.
• Airtight is Non-Negotiable: Exposure to air is the enemy of freshness. Always use a truly airtight container or wrap the brownies tightly.
• Add a Moisture Boost: For extra-moist brownies, place a slice of plain bread in the airtight container. The brownies will absorb moisture from the bread. Remember to replace the bread slice every couple of days.
• Avoid Open Air: Never leave brownies uncovered on the counter, as they will quickly become dry and hard.

With these simple storage tips, your homemade brownies will remain a delightful treat long after they come out of the oven. For more helpful kitchen information, check out our other step-by-step cooking guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

1. https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2016/06/23/dutch-process-vs-natural-cocoa
2. https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-make-brownies-crackly-top