Perfect Fudgy Homemade Brownie Recipe | Best-Ever
The Best Brownies You’ll Ever Make
I know, I know—calling these the best homemade brownies is a bold statement. But friend, once you sink your teeth into one of these rich, fudgy squares, you’ll be right there with me. Dense yet chewy, with that perfectly crackly top, these brownies check every box for what a from-scratch brownie recipe should be.
If you’re here from the Instagram Reel, this is the Carmel Sauce that’s included in the ice cream and this is the ice cream maker I used along with this easy recipe.
Our Family-Favorite Brownie Recipe
When Travis and I first got married, he was firmly Team Box Brownies. And while I’ll admit they’re convenient, I’ve never been a fan of the mystery ingredients lurking inside those mixes. If I can make something from scratch with real, simple ingredients, I’m going to do it.
So, I took it as a personal challenge to create the best brownie recipe that could stand toe-to-toe with his beloved boxed brownie mix (and secretly blow it out of the water). After more test batches than I care to admit, I finally cracked the code.
These have been our go-to brownie recipe ever since. There’s no secret ingredient that makes it amazing, they’re just rich, fudgy, and the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes with that first bite. I’m so excited to share this easy dessert with you!
Why You’ll Love This Brownie Recipe
Fudgy, not cakey – think dense, chewy, and rich.
Shiny, crackly top that’s irresistible.
Deep chocolate flavor thanks to cocoa powder and melted chocolate.
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
A perfect treat for everyday cravings or special occasions.
Cocoa Powder Makes All the Difference
One thing I’ll never skimp on is good cocoa powder. A rich, high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder gives these brownies their deep, chocolatey flavor beautiful dark color, and crinkly top. It’s that little upgrade that takes brownies from just okayto truly unforgettable.
Trust me, using better ingredients really does make a difference—especially when chocolate is the star of the show.
Ingredients That Make These Brownies the Best
You don’t need anything fancy to make incredible homemade brownies—but when it comes to certain ingredients, quality really does matter.
Cocoa Powder: This is the heart of your brownies. A good Dutch-processed cocoa powder (or a high-quality unsweetened one) will give you that rich, deep chocolate flavor that boxed mixes just can’t match.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is my go-to for a balanced, chocolatey punch. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, you can swap for milk chocolate chips, but using real chocolate (not the waxy, cheap kind) makes a world of difference.
Salted Butter: I never use unsalted butter in my kitchen! Salted brings out the chocolate flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs, Flour & Sugar: Simple pantry staples, but be sure to measure your flour properly—too much, and you’ll lose that fudgy texture we’re after.
A splash of vanilla & a pinch of salt: The little things that make every bite taste like home.
Tips for Perfect Fudgy Brownies
– Don’t overmix after adding flour—this keeps them fudgy.
– For that shiny top, be sure to beat the eggs and sugar well.
– Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
– Swap in dark chocolate chips for an extra-rich version.
The rich chocolate flavor of these gooey brownies is deep, indulgent, and perfectly balanced with a fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
How to Store Homemade Brownies
Once cooled, store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Want to keep them longer? Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, pop them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp and enjoy as if they’re fresh from the oven.
Fudgy Homemade Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips substitute milk chocolate chips if you prefer a milder flavor
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Melt Butter & Chocolate
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt salted butter and chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Pour into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix in Sugar & Eggs
- Whisk in white sugar (and brown sugar if using). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This helps create that shiny, crackly top.
- Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Prepare Pan & Bake
- Line a 9×12-inch prepared pan with parchment paper. Spread batter evenly. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool & Slice
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting.
Notes
When you bake up a batch of these chocolate brownies, using basic ingredients, I’d love to see how they turn out in your kitchen! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me over on Instagram so I can cheer you on and share your beautiful creations in my stories. There’s nothing sweeter than seeing these recipes come to life in your homes. Happy baking, friend!
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About Eryn
Eryn Whalen is a homestead blogger and recipe developer with a lifetime of hands-on experience in gardening, home canning, animal husbandry, and traditional kitchen skills. From preserving homegrown harvests to baking sourdough from scratch, she shares her family’s journey of intentional living on their 100-acre Tennessee farmstead. Recently, Eryn has expanded her homesteading life to include caring for a family milk cow, sharing the learning process and daily joys of small-scale dairying. Read more about Eryn here
