These easy fudgy chocolate brownies are rich and chocolatey, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth! They’re made with simple ingredients and bake up in no time.
Honestly, there’s nothing like biting into a gooey brownie. I like to pop them in the fridge for a bit, then enjoy them cold—so good! 🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and flavor. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even margarine. Measure the oil to be slightly less than the butter amount.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best for sweetness and texture. If you want a less sweet brownie, reduce the sugar or try brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives that intense chocolate flavor. If you prefer, you could use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste. Just note that it may affect the color and slight leavening of the final product.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, but you could substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results.
Chocolate Chips or Nuts: These are optional but add extra texture. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips as substitutes, or skip them entirely for plain brownies.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Fudgy Texture?
The secret to fudgy brownies lies in underbaking them slightly. Here are tips for getting that perfect texture:
- Start by checking for doneness at around 20 minutes. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Use quality unsweetened cocoa; it enhances the chocolate depth.
- Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a cake-like texture.
- Let them cool before cutting. They’ll firm up a bit more as they sit!
Enjoy these tips, and happy baking! 😊
Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have delicious fudgy brownies ready in about 30-35 minutes overall!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s completely melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is nice and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps to avoid clumps and ensures everything mixes well.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the melted butter mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined well. Be careful not to overmix! If you want to add chocolate chips or nuts, this is the time to fold them in gently.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that fudgy texture. Be careful not to overbake!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut them into squares and serve! They’re delightful with a glass of milk or your favorite drink.
Enjoy!
These brownies are so easy to make and totally delicious! Dig in and share with friends or keep them all for yourself. Happy baking! 🍫
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Unsweetened Applesauce Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for butter to make your brownies a bit healthier! Use a 1:1 ratio, so replace the 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of applesauce. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them out at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make these brownies gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures 1:1. Just check the ingredient list to ensure there are no additional leavening agents needed!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For an extra twist, consider adding 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. You can also mix in additional extract flavors like almond or peppermint for a unique spin!
