Introduction
For the chocolate purist, nothing beats a classic, intensely fudgy brownie. This recipe is the result of countless trials to create the perfect brownie: a thin, crackly top, a dense and moist interior, and an unbelievably rich chocolate flavor. We’ll skip the cocoa powder and use real melted chocolate to achieve that deep, luxurious taste and fudgy texture. Simple to make with no special equipment, these brownies are perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale, or simply to satisfy a serious chocolate craving.
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Brownies
- Rich, Intense Chocolate Flavor: Using melted chocolate creates a depth of flavor that can’t be matched by cocoa powder alone.
- Perfectly Fudgy: The ratio of ingredients is designed for a dense, moist, and chewy brownie.
- That Classic Crinkly Top: A glossy, paper-thin crust is the hallmark of a great brownie, and this recipe delivers.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now.
- Quick to Prepare: The batter comes together in about 15 minutes, with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 8 oz (227g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey-ness)
Equipment You’ll Need:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Instructions
Part 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C). Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the chopped chocolate and cubed butter together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Alternatively, you can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments and stirring until melted.
- Whisk in Sugar: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the granulated sugar until it is fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should look glossy and thick.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Use a spatula to gently fold in the flour and salt until they are just combined. Do not overmix. If using, fold in the extra chocolate chips.
Part 2: Bake and Cool
- Pour Batter: Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. The brownies should still have a slight “jiggle” in the middle, which will ensure a fudgy texture.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cooling is crucial for the brownies to set and become perfectly fudgy.
Part 3: Slice and Serve
- Slice: Once the brownies are completely cool, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife with a hot, damp cloth between each cut.
- Serve: Serve the brownies on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-decadent treat.
Storage and Essential Tips for the Best Fudgy Brownies
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The flavor of these brownies depends on the quality of the chocolate you use.
- Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the eggs incorporate smoothly into the batter, which is key for a fudgy texture and that classic shiny top.
- Don’t Overbake: An under-baked brownie is better than an over-baked, dry one. Pull it out of the oven when it still looks a little underdone in the center.
- Chill for Clean Slices: For the cleanest, most perfect cuts, chill the cooled brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Share Your Sweet Creation!
Did you bake a batch of these classic fudgy brownies? We’d love to see how they turned out! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @BakingIdeas and use the hashtag #FudgyBrownies. What’s your go-to chocolate dessert?
