Craving a rich, fudgy brownie but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy homemade brownies recipe delivers intensely chocolatey bliss without the fuss. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat that's surprisingly simple to make.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We've streamlined the process to minimize ingredients and steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking cravings. Yet, the result is a brownie that's deeply chocolatey, moist, and wonderfully fudgy—everything you want in a perfect brownie. We use readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up a batch without a special trip to the store.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined. This step helps create a smooth and creamy base for your brownies.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients throughout the batter.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so be gentle!
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): If you're using chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter now.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not completely clean). Overbaking will result in dry brownies.
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Cool & Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows them to set and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
While this recipe utilizes cocoa powder for its rich, deep chocolate flavor, you can experiment! You could melt high-quality dark chocolate and incorporate it into the wet ingredients, adjusting the sugar to taste. However, keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
How do I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
What makes brownies fudgy vs. cakey?
The key to fudgy brownies is less flour and more butter and sugar. This recipe strikes a perfect balance for a delightfully fudgy texture. Conversely, adding more flour will result in a cakier brownie.
Can I use different types of sugar?
While granulated and brown sugar are ideal for this recipe, you could experiment with other sugars, such as coconut sugar or even a combination of sugars. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.
Can I make these brownies in a different sized pan?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to different pan sizes. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will require a shorter baking time, and a smaller pan will require a longer baking time. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.
This easy homemade brownies recipe is your shortcut to brownie perfection. Enjoy the delicious results and the satisfaction of creating a delicious treat from scratch!
