Craving rich, fudgy brownies but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy recipe delivers intensely chocolatey, melt-in-your-mouth brownies with minimal effort. Perfect for novice bakers and experienced chefs alike, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
What Makes These Brownies So Easy?
This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We're using readily available ingredients and a straightforward method that requires no special baking skills or equipment. The result? Perfectly fudgy brownies in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 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: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other mix-ins
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (it shouldn't be completely clean).
- Cool & Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions about making and enjoying these easy fudge brownies.
How can I make my brownies chewier?
For chewier brownies, reduce the baking time slightly. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes and add a minute or two as needed. Underbaking slightly results in a chewier texture.
What if I don't have brown sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar for the brown sugar, but the brownies will have a slightly less rich and moist texture. Using a 1:1 ratio is a good starting point.
Can I make these brownies in a different sized pan?
Yes, you can adjust the baking time and potentially the baking temperature depending on the size of the pan you're using. A larger pan will require a longer baking time, while a smaller pan may require a shorter baking time and possibly a slightly lower temperature to prevent over-baking. For example, a 9x13 inch pan will increase the baking time considerably. It's best to start checking for doneness earlier.
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.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
This easy fudge brownie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious results of your baking efforts!
