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Why I Love These Brownies
Too many times, I’ve heard friends say, “But homemade brownies are never like the box.” Well, that is true no more! You just need the right recipe, and if that were you, this is the one for you.
Box brownies have a few things right:
- They’re always consistent when you bake them.
- Each time, you will get a fudgy brownie with a crackly top.
But what they lack is real chocolate flavor. Yes, they’re sweet and maybe have hints of chocolate, but not rich, delicious chocolate.
To indulge in a brownie, it should be worth every single bite. The ingredients are fairly simple, and there aren’t too many of them, so each one matters.
And with this brownie recipe, you’ll get a foolproof fudgy brownie that’s worth making from scratch.
Baking Tip
Fudgy vs. Cakey
Fudgy brownies come down to fat-to-flour ratio and bake time. More fat (from butter and chocolate) and less flour result in a denser, moister crumb. Cakey brownies, on the other hand, use more flour and sometimes include baking powder for lift, which gives them a lighter texture.
If you want that gooey texture, here are the rules to obey:
- Use melted chocolate along with butter. This adds richness and structure.
- Don’t overmix the flour, which can toughen the batter.
- Pull them from the oven when the center still has a little jiggle. They’ll continue setting as they cool.
This balance of ingredients and technique is what gives your brownies that soft, chewy center and glossy top that everyone loves!
Fudgy Brownie Ingredients
When it comes to these brownies, it’s pretty much pantry staples with an emphasis on the chocolate (as it should be when it comes to brownies):
- Butter – Melted with the chocolate to provide richness and moistness.
- All‑purpose flour – The perfect amount to provide the correct structure without turning the brownies cakey. As discussed above, the less flour, the gooier the center.
- Granulated sugar – Helps sweeten and contributes to that signature crackly top texture.
- Dutch‑process cocoa powder – Adds even more chocolate flavor.
- Espresso powder – A secret little boost of flavor. If you don’t like coffee, don’t worry. It doesn’t give the brownies a coffee flavor, but instead intensifies the chocolate.
- Kosher salt and vanilla extract – Two ingredients that aid in providing these brownies with the right level of flavor.
- Eggs – Provide structure and richness without adding excess lift (which would make them cakey).
There are 3 types of chocolate in this recipe, and that’s intentional. Here’s why:
- Bittersweet chocolate – The base chocolate flavor that ensures deep, intense cocoa notes (not just “sweet chocolate flavor”).
- Semi‑sweet chocolate – For mix‑ins of melted pockets of chocolate.
- Milk chocolate – Adds a sweeter level of chocolate.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Fudgy Brownies
These 5 steps are so simple that you’ll pretty much think you’re making a box mix of brownies:
Step 1: Melt chocolate and butter – Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients – Add eggs and vanilla extract to the cooled, melted chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Add chocolate – Fold in chopped semi-sweet and milk chocolate.
Step 5: Bake – Spread the batter in a prepared 8 × 8-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Tips
- Use good chocolate: The better the chocolate, the deeper the flavor.
- Microwave in short amounts – When melting chocolate and butter, use 30-second intervals and stir well to avoid scorching the chocolate.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can make brownies tough, and we definitely want these to be tender.
- Keep an eye on bake time – For ultra-fudgy results, pull the brownies from the oven when the center still has a slight jiggle. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Cool before slicing – This helps the brownies set for clean edges and perfect squares.
- Customize with mix-ins – Add toasted nuts (walnuts are typical), homemade caramel swirls, or swap in different chocolates (like white or extra dark). This all helps to make these brownies perfect for how you like them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Too much flour or overbaking can dry them out. Measure carefully and watch your bake time.
Yes, it should be possible using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Personally, I haven’t tested this, but this swap should work.
Yes, for a 9 x 13-inch pan. The bake time will increase to about 35-40 minutes, so make sure to look for the same signs: set edges and a slight jiggle.
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or extra chocolate chips are all delicious. Sprinkle on some flaky salt while the brownies are still cooling for a “salted” brownie. You can truly make these your own.
Follow These Tips
Serving
Serve these on their own or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving takes these over the top and balances out some of the sweetness (if you like a little bit less sweetness).
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap individually or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reheat: You can microwave these brownies for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey bite, if that’s how you like to enjoy them!
More Dessert Recipes
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Homemade Fudgy Brownies
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate roughly chopped
- 4 oz milk chocolate roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan. Line with parchment to fit the bottom of the pan and overhang the sides. Grease parchment and set aside.
- Melt: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second increments until the butter and chocolate are melted and combined. Set aside to cool slightly.4 oz bittersweet chocolate, 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, espresso powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1 tsp espresso powder, ½ tsp kosher salt
- Prepare the wet ingredients: Add eggs and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate, whisking to combine. Then, add the eggs and chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients. Whisk or fold until only a few dry streaks remain. Do not overmix the batter, or the brownies could become tough.2 large eggs, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Add the chocolate: Add chopped semi-sweet and milk chocolate. Fold to incorporate.4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, 4 oz milk chocolate
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and spread to an even layer. Place in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges will become set, but the center will slightly jiggle. Do not overbake! If the center is completely set when you pull the brownies out, they will be dry and have less flavor! Let cool completely in the pan for 2 hours. Remove brownies using the parchment sling and slice.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
Love Love your videos.
Makes me so happy watching you.
Great recipes and your personality reminds me of my grandson ♥️
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter as I can’t have dairy?
This is an outstanding recipe. Decadent and delicious! Thanks, Caleb!
Just wrote down your recipe I’m going to make these.
I remember doing those box ones. They were so dense they stuck all over your teeth 😂
Yours look like those and I bet are better for you!
Can’t wait to bite into them, chocolate, dense, crackly top goodness!!!!
I can’t wait to make them, thank you Kaleb. chocolate chocolate chocolate chocolate chocolate
Is the espresso powder the same as instant espresso. I do t drink any type of coffee, so I’m lost.
I used Bustelos, which is ground espresso coffee. I literally just put mine in the oven I can’t wait to try them!
Delish!!
Hi Caleb, I watch your videos on Instagram all the time. I thought you used one cup of flour, but your recipe calls for 3/4 of a cup. Did you just estimate up in the video?
Best, Maureen
Hello! Thanks for watching and following along! I used 3/4 cup in the video like I wrote in the recipe! I have a 3/4 cup measuring cup in the set so it was willed to the top!
Made these yesterday for Valentines, and WOW! The best I’ve ever tasted!!! I spread the word on my FB page and texted recipe to many of my friends. This is the only way I will ever make brownies again. I made them exactly as you did, and instructed everyone to do the same. Thank you Kaleb!
Thank you for spreading the word! I am so glad you loved the brownies as much as I do!
Great recipe thank you so much
So glad you like the recipe!
Looks delicious… I am going to make them!
If I want to add some walnuts and dates, how would I modify the recipe? Can I just stir in some of each? Any change to baking time?
Thanks!
Walnuts are an easy addition, I would toast about 1 cup and then chop and add to the batter! As for dates that can be different. Dates have a lot of moisture and could change the recipe outcome. These brownies already are fudgey almost gooey in the center and I think dates may add too much moisture.
After reading your reply, I thought it best to try your original recipe. Excellent!
Next time I will add walnuts. The sugar is just right! Coffee is imperceptible.
Now I just wish my workspace is as clean as yours!
Thanks!
I can’t wait to make these! If they are as good as your chocolate chip cookie recipe I’m soooo excited!
Love watching you and trying your recipes…I literally haven’t made one thats not fantastic! XOXO
Wahoo, so glad you are going to make them!
My new best friend. I must say-your videos remind me of Entertaining With Beth; but better.
I am glad I tripped upon your site.