These Best Fudgy Brownies are rich, chewy, and intensely chocolatey with a perfectly crackly top. They have a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center with slightly crisp edges, making them the ultimate homemade brownie recipe. Whether you’re a fan of dense, fudgy brownies or just looking for an easy and delicious dessert, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Fudgy Texture – A perfect balance of gooey and chewy with crisp edges.
- Deep Chocolate Flavor – Uses real chocolate and cocoa for an intense taste.
- Crackly, Shiny Top – Achieved by whisking sugar into warm butter for that classic look.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Whisk Sugars and Eggs – In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract for about 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – Slowly whisk the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar and egg mixture until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients – Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold until just combined (do not overmix).
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve – Let cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9-12 brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Brownies – Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
- Double Chocolate – Mix in chocolate chips for extra gooeyness.
- Caramel Swirl – Drizzle caramel sauce on top before baking.
- Salted Brownies – Sprinkle flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Espresso Kick – Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration – Keeps for up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing – Freeze brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
How do I get that shiny, crackly top?
Whisking the sugar into warm butter and chocolate helps create the glossy, crackled top.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the brownies will be sweeter and slightly less rich.
What’s the secret to fudgy brownies?
Using melted chocolate, brown sugar, and slightly underbaking them ensures a fudgy texture.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter adds more flavor, but you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil for a slightly different texture.
Why are my brownies dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Remove them when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not dry.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes.
Do I need to use a mixer?
No, a whisk and spatula are enough to mix the batter properly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best results.
Should I use Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder?
Both work, but Dutch-processed cocoa gives a richer flavor.
How do I cut brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife, wipe it clean between cuts, and chill the brownies for 15 minutes before slicing.
Conclusion
These Best Fudgy Brownies are the ultimate homemade chocolate treat, featuring an irresistible texture and intense chocolate flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain or with your favorite mix-ins, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them once, and you’ll never go back to boxed brownies again!
Best Fudgy Brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies 1x
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These brownies are ultra-rich, perfectly fudgy, and have a crackly top that makes them irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently.
- Mix in chocolate chips and pour the batter into the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is set but the center is slightly gooey.
- Let cool before cutting.
Notes
For extra fudgy brownies, chill before cutting.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *