Ultimate Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brownie recipe stands out for its effortless simplicity and unbeatable results. With just one bowl and ingredients you likely already have on hand, these brownies are ready in under 10 minutes—no melting chocolate, no mixers, and no fuss. The combination of a crisp, crackly top and an incredibly fudgy center, along with pockets of melted chocolate chunks, makes every bite a rich, decadent experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 ¼ cups white sugar

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (good quality)

• 7 oz large chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×12-inch baking pan with cooking oil spray and line with parchment paper; set aside.

2. Combine melted butter, oil, and sugars together in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk well to combine.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla; beat until lighter in color (about another minute).

4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined (do not overbeat to maintain the texture).

5. Fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

6. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center of the brownies is just set to the touch. If testing with a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs for fudgy brownies.

8. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 16 squares

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

• Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Nut Additions: Toss in some crushed walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds for added crunch.

• Extra Chocolate: Increase the amount of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.

• Flavored Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To enjoy warm brownies, microwave individual squares for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

How do I achieve a crackly top on my brownies?

Using hot melted butter and whisking the sugar and butter mixture well helps create the signature crackly top.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

While the recipe calls for white and brown sugar, you can experiment with coconut sugar or other alternatives. However, the texture and flavor may vary.

Why are my brownies cakey instead of fudgy?

Cakey brownies often result from overmixing the batter or overbaking. Ensure you mix the batter until just combined and bake for the recommended time.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Keep in mind that the sweetness and richness will change accordingly.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add other mix-ins like marshmallows or caramel?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like marshmallows, caramel bits, or dried fruit to customize your brownies.

How do I know when my brownies are done?

The center should be set to the touch, and a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs for fudgy brownies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.

How do I prevent my brownies from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan well and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.

Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and ensure that the chocolate used is dairy-free.

Conclusion

These Ultimate Fudgy Chocolate Brownies are a chocolate lover's dream come true. With their rich, gooey center, crackly top, and pockets of melted chocolate, they offer a decadent treat that's easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

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Ultimate Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

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Rich, gooey, and fudgy chocolate brownies with a crisp crackly top and melted chocolate chunks, perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 squares
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 ¼ cups white sugar

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

¾ teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (good quality)

7 oz large chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×12-inch baking pan with cooking oil spray and line with parchment paper; set aside.
2. Combine melted butter, oil, and sugars together in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk well to combine.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla; beat until lighter in color (about another minute).
4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined (do not overbeat to maintain the texture).
5. Fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center of the brownies is just set to the touch. If testing with a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs for fudgy brownies.
8. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing into squares.

Notes

• Use hot melted butter and whisk sugar and butter mixture well for a crackly top.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free brownies.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Microwave individual squares for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm brownies.
• Do not overmix or overbake to keep brownies fudgy, not cakey.
• Try adding nuts or flavored extracts for variations.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/16th of the batch)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg