Indulge in the ultimate homemade fudgy brownies with this easy, step-by-step recipe! Made with rich dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and simple pantry ingredients, these brownies deliver the perfect balance of a gooey center, crackly top, and intense chocolate flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family dessert, or just a chocolate craving, this quick and easy brownies recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, you’ll find tips, variations, and FAQs to customize these decadent chocolate brownies just the way you like. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!

Ingredients

200 g (7 oz) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
125 g (4.5 oz / ½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (120 g) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract
½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup (75 g) plain flour (all-purpose flour)
½ teaspoon (3 g) salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 160°C / 320°F (fan/convection) or 180°C / 355°F (standard). Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute, stir well, then microwave for another 30 seconds. Continue stirring until smooth. If necessary, heat in 10-second intervals until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together softened butter, caster sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand whisk or an electric mixer.
Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add melted chocolate: Stir the melted chocolate into the mixture until fully incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold gently until the batter is thick and smooth.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the brownies no longer wobble in the center when moved.
Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the tin for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly fudgy: These brownies have the perfect gooey center and crackly top.
Easy to make: No fancy equipment is needed—just simple ingredients and a few steps.
Customizable: You can add your favorite mix-ins or toppings for endless variations.

Tips

Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the brownies stay moist and fudgy.
Cool completely: For clean slices, let the brownies cool fully before cutting.
Use quality chocolate: High-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate enhances the flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture.
Salted caramel: Drizzle salted caramel over the batter before baking for a decadent twist.
Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the brownies will be sweeter and less intense in flavor.

How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies should no longer jiggle when the tin is gently moved. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I store these brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Serving

Enjoy these fudgy brownies as they are, or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an indulgent dessert.

Suggestions

For parties: Double the recipe and bake in a larger pan.
As gifts: Wrap individual brownies in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful treat.
With coffee: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a cozy afternoon snack.

Fudgy Brownies from Scratch

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time