These Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownies are rich, gooey, and absolutely irresistible. Featuring a crisp, crackly top and a decadently fudgy center packed with melted chocolate chunks, they deliver bold chocolate flavor in every bite. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, this recipe is the ultimate go-to for any occasion!
What Makes These Brownies So Special?
This recipe stands out because it’s incredibly simple yet delivers professional-level results. Using just one bowl and common pantry staples, you can have luscious brownies ready in under 10 minutes prep time—no melting chocolate or mixers required. The perfect balance of a crackly top and fudgy middle, combined with gooey chocolate pockets, makes these brownies a winner every time.
Key Ingredients for Fudgy Perfection
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa for deep, intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Chunks or Large Chips: These melt into rich, gooey pockets for extra indulgence.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds creamy richness and lets you control the salt level.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Sugar, Flour, Eggs, Oil: Simple staples that create the perfect fudgy texture.
How to Customize Your Brownies
- Add Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds bring a satisfying crunch.
- Extra Chocolate: Add more chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for gooey surprises.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Swap light brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor without sacrificing fudginess.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Set oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease an 8×12-inch pan and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine melted butter, oil, and sugars in a bowl. Whisk in eggs and vanilla until lighter in color.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined — don’t overmix!
- Add Chocolate: Fold in ¾ of the chocolate chunks.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, smooth top, sprinkle remaining chocolate on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes for fudgy brownies or 35-40 minutes for more set brownies. The center should be just set with a slight jiggle.
- Cool & Slice: Let brownies cool completely in the pan (about 15-20 minutes) before slicing into 16 squares. They will firm up as they cool.
Storage Tips
Store brownies at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Avoid overbeating after adding dry ingredients to keep brownies dense and fudgy.
- Bake on the top oven rack to prevent burning and drying.
- Use an 8×12-inch pan for the perfect thickness and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for fudgy brownies.
Can I bake in a different size pan?
Yes! Thicker brownies bake well in a smaller pan (7×11 inches), thinner brownies in a larger pan (9×13 inches) with adjusted times.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Grease the pan very well or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Try These Other Delicious Desserts
- Blueberry Mango Crumble for a fresh fruity treat
- No Bake Eggnog Cheesecake for creamy indulgence
- Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes for intense chocolate decadence