Homemade Brownies Recipe

The Ultimate Gooey Homemade Brownies Recipe Everyone Loves

Rich chocolate brownies can satisfy any sweet-loving palate with their decadent, gooey charm.

Dense squares of pure delight emerge from simple ingredients mixed with love.

Every baker knows the magic happens when cocoa meets butter in perfect harmony.

Crumbly edges and soft centers create a texture that melts instantly on your tongue.

Kitchen counters transform into chocolate havens when these treats start baking.

Warm aromas will drift through rooms, calling everyone to sample the delicious creation.

Grab a mixing bowl and let the chocolate adventure begin!

Homemade Brownies That Melt in Your Mouth

  • Boost Chocolate Cravings: Dive into a decadent dessert that satisfies the deepest chocolate desires with rich, fudgy texture and intense flavor.
  • Master Easy Baking: Create restaurant-quality brownies with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can confidently execute.
  • Customize Your Treat: Personalize the recipe by adding chocolate chunks, nuts, or swirling in caramel for a unique twist that makes each batch special.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend desserts that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Classic Homemade Brownies

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: The foundation that provides rich, smooth flavor and helps create a moist brownie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and contribute to the brownies' soft, chewy consistency.
  • Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the brownie mixture together and provide structure.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownies.
  • Flour: Provides structure and helps create the perfect brownie texture.
  • Chocolate Chunks or Chips: Extra chocolate pieces that create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, deep flavor that complements the chocolate.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall chocolate flavor.
For the Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly and creates a tender crumb.
For the Baking Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove brownies from the pan.
  • Baking Pan: Provides the shape and structure for baking the brownies.

How to Bake Perfect Brownies

How to Bake Perfect Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your baking pan and line it with parchment paper, giving it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Chocolatey Base

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Crack in the eggs one by one, giving each a vigorous mix. Pour in the vanilla extract and stir until everything looks smooth and glossy.

Sift in your dry ingredients:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Gently fold everything together until just combined. Toss in chocolate chunks or chips, stirring them through for those irresistible pockets of melted chocolate.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the luscious batter to your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the top looks shiny and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Patience is key – let the brownies cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to ensure they hold their shape and achieve that dreamy fudgy texture.

Tips for Fudgy and Moist Brownies

  • Select premium chocolate chunks or chips for richer, more intense flavor in your brownies.
  • Watch brownies closely during last 5 minutes to prevent overbaking and maintain fudgy texture.
  • Use parchment paper overhang for easy brownie removal without breaking or crumbling.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely to set structure and achieve cleaner, more precise slices.
  • Fold dry ingredients with minimal stirring to keep brownies tender and prevent tough texture.

Creative Brownie Variations

  • Nutty Crunch Brownies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra texture and rich, toasted flavor. Sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
  • Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the batter before baking. Create beautiful swirls using a knife and sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combination.
  • Espresso Chocolate Brownies: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder into the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate's depth. Top with chocolate-covered espresso beans for an extra coffee kick.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Brownies

  • Pair Velvety Red Wine: Dark, full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complement the intense chocolate flavor, creating a luxurious dessert experience that enhances the brownies' deep richness.
  • Brew Bold Coffee Contrast: Serve alongside a strong espresso or dark roast coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and adds a robust counterpoint to the fudgy brownie texture, elevating each delectable bite.
  • Create Creamy Ice Cream Match: Top warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream, letting the cold, smooth cream melt slightly against the warm chocolate, blending temperatures and intensifying overall dessert pleasure.

Proper Storage for Homemade Brownies

Store brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their moisture and rich flavor.

Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious texture and taste.

Place brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent drying out.

Warm refrigerated or frozen brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, let frozen brownies thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying their gooey goodness.

FAQs

  • Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder for melted chocolate. The recipe already uses cocoa powder, which helps create rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture.

  • What kind of chocolate chunks work best for brownies?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks are ideal. They melt beautifully and provide intense chocolate flavor without making the brownies too sweet.

  • How do I know when my brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a shiny top and edges that pull slightly away from the pan. When you insert a toothpick, it should have a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures a fudgy, not dry, brownie.

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Homemade Brownies Recipe

Homemade Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate Homemade Brownies bring pure bliss to dessert lovers seeking rich, fudgy perfection. Moist squares of chocolatey goodness will transport you straight to dessert paradise with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base:

  • 1 cup (225g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (120g / 4.2 ounces) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (175g / 6.2 ounces) dark chocolate chunks or chips

Sweeteners:

  • 2 cups (400g / 14.1 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g / 7 ounces) brown sugar

Binding and Dry Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g / 4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine melted butter with granulated and brown sugars using a whisking motion until the mixture appears smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, whisking vigorously after each addition to ensure complete integration and a uniform texture.
  4. Introduce vanilla extract and blend seamlessly into the sugar mixture.
  5. Gently sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder directly into the wet ingredients, folding carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender consistency.
  6. Delicately fold chocolate chunks or chips throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for maximum flavor and texture variation.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a glossy top and checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool for a minimum of 20 minutes, which helps achieve the ideal dense and fudgy texture before slicing.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth batter incorporation and even mixing.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense brownies; fold gently until ingredients are just combined.
  • For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurement.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor and create a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 366 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 390 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 48 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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