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- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter - 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour - 1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips - 1/2 cup (100g) chopped walnuts (optional) For the butter, unsalted works best for taste control. You can use salted butter but reduce the sea salt. Granulated sugar gives the right sweetness and texture. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar. Eggs are key for fudginess; no substitute works as well. Pure vanilla extract adds depth. If you're out, use vanilla essence. For flour, all-purpose is ideal, but you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Cocoa powder gives rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, try Dutch-processed cocoa. Baking powder helps with lift, but some recipes skip it for denser brownies. Sea salt enhances the chocolate, so don’t skip it! Chocolate chips add extra gooeyness; feel free to use milk or dark chocolate. If you dislike nuts, skip the walnuts. You can also swap them with pecans or add more chocolate chips. Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh eggs create a better texture and taste. High-quality cocoa powder gives deeper chocolate flavor. Good butter adds richness. Always opt for pure extracts over fake ones. When you use quality chocolate chips, they melt perfectly, enhancing that fudgy texture we all love. Plus, fresh ingredients lead to better results. So, invest a bit in your ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps the brownies come out easily after baking. Use a medium saucepan for this part. Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Stir it gently as it melts. Once all the butter is melted, remove it from heat. Add 2 cups of granulated sugar to the butter. Mix well until smooth. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, add 4 large eggs one at a time, whisking after each. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for a tasty boost. In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. You need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Sifting helps remove lumps and makes mixing easier later. Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry mixes. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Use a spatula and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the brownies fudgy. If you like, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. This adds rich flavor and texture. Transfer the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet with batter, bake a bit longer. Once done, take them out and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time helps them set, making cutting easier. To get that perfect fudgy texture, use these steps: - Use quality chocolate: The chocolate chips should be semi-sweet or dark. - Don't overmix: When you combine wet and dry, mix just until combined. - Check baking time: Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should have a few moist crumbs. This method creates brownies that are soft and rich. Here are some common mistakes to watch for: - Overbaking: This dries out your brownies. Follow the time closely. - Not cooling: Let them cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan. - Skipping sifting: Sifting the flour and cocoa powder helps avoid lumps. Avoid these errors for a perfect batch every time. For beautiful brownies, try these ideas: - Dust with powdered sugar: This adds a nice touch. - Serve with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well. - Cut into neat squares: Use a sharp knife for clean edges. These tips make your brownies look as good as they taste! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for richer flavor and a more luxurious texture in your brownies. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to maintain a fudgy texture; overmixing can lead to cakey brownies. Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are perfectly fudgy. Cool Before Cutting: Allow brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting to ensure clean edges and easier serving. {{image_4}} You can add a delicious crunch by using walnuts. To make nutty brownies, just fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts into the batter. This adds a nice texture and nutty flavor. Walnuts also pair well with chocolate, making each bite even richer. You can also use pecans or almonds if you prefer. They will taste great too! If you love chocolate, you can boost the flavor by adding more chocolate. You can use different types of chocolate chips like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Mixing these will create a unique taste. Another option is to melt chocolate and mix it into the wet ingredients for a deeper chocolate flavor. This makes your brownies even more fudgy and rich. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many stores sell these blends that work well in baking. Make sure to check the labels to ensure they are safe for your diet. You might also want to add a little extra cocoa powder to keep the flavor rich. This way, you can enjoy fudgy brownies without worrying about gluten. To keep your leftover brownies fresh, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. This will keep them moist. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. Store them at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze brownies, first cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheating brownies can bring back their fudgy texture. To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option. Heat each brownie for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on them to avoid overheating. Enjoy your delicious brownies warm! You can check if your brownies are done by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the pan. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick comes out wet, they need more time. I usually bake them for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake. You want the edges to look set but the center to be a bit soft. Yes, you can make brownies without eggs. Use substitutes like applesauce or mashed bananas. These options help keep the brownies moist. You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water. For each egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the mix. To cut brownies neatly, let them cool in the pan first. After about 15 minutes, use a sharp knife. You can lightly grease the knife to help it glide through. For perfect squares, cut the corners first, then slice down the middle. You can also use a ruler to make even cuts. To reduce sweetness, you can cut back on sugar. Try using one and a half cups of sugar instead of two. You could also swap some sugar with unsweetened cocoa powder. Adding a pinch of salt can help balance sweetness too. If you add nuts, they can add texture and reduce the sweet taste. You learned about key ingredients and how to use them. I shared step-by-step instructions for great brownies. We covered tips for fudginess and common mistakes to avoid. I also offered fun variations and how to store leftovers. These insights are meant to help you enjoy baking and sharing delicious brownies. With the right steps and care, your brownies will impress everyone. Enjoy your baking journey!

Ultimate Fudgy Brownies

Rich and fudgy brownies that are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 4 fine sea salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 2 chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy release of the brownies after baking.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. Once the butter is completely melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and incorporate the granulated sugar. Mix vigorously until the sugar is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
  • Allow the butter-sugar mixture to cool for a few minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until fully integrated. Finish this step by stirring in the pure vanilla extract for added flavor.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This process helps remove lumps and ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
  • Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Combine gently until just incorporated; be careful not to overmix as this can result in a denser brownie.
  • Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly mixed throughout the brownie batter.
  • Transfer the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, smoothing the top for a nice finish.
  • Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but not wet batter.
  • Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. They will continue to set as they cool, making them easier to cut.

Notes

For an extra touch, dust the cooled brownies with powdered sugar. Serve each brownie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience!
Keyword brownies, chocolate, dessert