fudgy brownie recipe

Dreaming of rich, indulgent chocolate with a gooey center and crinkly top? Dive into the world of classic fudgy brownies—a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

These brownies are everything a perfect brownie should be: intensely chocolatey, deeply rich, and irresistibly fudgy in texture.

They come together quickly in one pot and bake into a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients List

Creating the ultimate fudgy brownie starts with a carefully chosen blend of high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to achieve that iconic chewy edge and gooey center:

Brownie Batter Ingredients

• 10 tablespoons (145 g) unsalted butter
• 1¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 large cold eggs
• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ⅔ cup (80 g) chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

A few essential tools will make your brownie-making process seamless and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Medium Saucepan – Used for melting butter and mixing the batter.
2. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Ideal for stirring your thick batter thoroughly.
3. 8-Inch Square Baking Pan – The perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies.
4. Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil – For easy removal and clean-up.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Precision matters for the perfect texture.
6. Chef’s Knife – For cutting clean, sharp brownie squares.
7. Toothpick – A classic tool for doneness testing.

Having these tools ready before you begin helps ensure a stress-free baking experience and perfect brownies every time.

Batter Preparation

Proper preparation of the brownie batter is what gives these treats their signature rich and fudgy texture. Each step builds layers of flavor and depth.

Melting and Mixing

Begin by placing your saucepan over medium-low heat and add the butter. Stir gently as it melts; do not allow it to brown. Once melted, turn off the heat and immediately stir in the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt. The mixture may look gritty—that’s completely normal at this stage.

Let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 to 10 minutes. It should feel warm but not hot to the touch. This cooling step is crucial so that the eggs don’t scramble when added.

Adding Eggs and Flour

Crack the cold eggs in one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition. You’ll notice the batter becoming glossy and cohesive. This is when the magic happens—developing that distinctly fudgy texture.

Once the batter is well-blended and thick, add the flour. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir it in confidently and firmly—about 40 to 50 strokes. The batter should be very dense and begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.

At this point, fold in any optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. These add texture and extra indulgence but are completely optional.

Spreading and Baking

With your rich, chocolatey batter prepared, it’s time to move on to shaping, spreading, and baking the brownies to perfection. This part of the process will help you achieve those classic thick edges and soft, gooey centers.

Preparing the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (162°C) and positioning your oven rack in the middle position. This lower temperature setting allows the brownies to bake evenly without drying out.

Take your 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, allowing an overhang on two opposite sides. This not only prevents sticking but also helps you lift the entire brownie slab out of the pan effortlessly once cooled.

Spreading the Batter

Pour the thick brownie batter into your prepared pan. Use your spatula or spoon to push the batter into the corners and level out the top. It will be thick and sticky—that’s a good sign! The spreading may take a little patience, but it ensures even baking and a smooth, crinkled surface.

Baking Time and Temp

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, keeping a close eye toward the end of the bake time.

You’re looking for the edges to appear firm and slightly dry, while the center is still slightly underbaked. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick about an inch from the edge—it should come out mostly clean. When inserted into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs or a bit of batter clinging to it.

Cooling and Cutting

Once baked, your brownies need time to rest and set. This step is just as important as the mixing or baking—it helps intensify the flavor and gives you those clean, photo-worthy slices.

Cooling the Brownies

Remove the brownies from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely in the pan—this can take about 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. Cooling firms up the structure, making them easier to slice while preserving their gooey center.

For ultra-clean cuts or if serving later, transfer the entire pan to the refrigerator for an additional 1 to 2 hours. Chilled brownies slice beautifully and have a dense, truffle-like texture.

Removing and Slicing

Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper or foil handles to lift the slab out of the pan in one piece. Place it on a cutting board.

To keep the slices neat, use a sharp chef’s knife, wiping it clean between each cut. Cut the brownies into 16 squares for standard portions, or 9 squares if you want larger, bakery-style pieces.

You’ll notice the edges are chewy and slightly crisp, while the centers stay luxuriously soft and rich. This balance is what makes these brownies timelessly irresistible.

Serving and Decoration

While fudgy brownies are undeniably delicious on their own, you can elevate their appeal with a few simple toppings or serving suggestions.

Suggested Toppings and Add-ons

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting just before serving gives the brownies a delicate, elegant touch.
• Drizzle of Melted Chocolate: For an ultra-rich finish, drizzle dark or white chocolate over the cooled brownies.
• Sea Salt Flakes: A few flakes of sea salt on top add contrast and intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
• Fresh Berries: Add raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing, fruity counterpoint.

Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, giving them as a homemade gift, or just enjoying them as a cozy night treat, these simple touches can enhance the experience.

Storage Instructions

Brownies store surprisingly well and can taste even better the next day.

Storing at Room Temperature

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Refrigerating or Freezing

For longer storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 1 week in a tightly sealed container. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave for that just-baked feel.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of fudgy brownies is all about balance—rich chocolate, just the right bake time, and proper cooling.

With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can create a treat that’s decadent, moist, and irresistibly chocolaty.

So grab your saucepan, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the gooey goodness of homemade fudgy brownies. You deserve it.