Fudgy Brownies Recipe

Indulge in the rich, decadent world of fudgy brownies—a beloved dessert known for its moist, dense texture and intense chocolate flavor. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect batch, from understanding key ingredients to mastering the baking process.​

What Defines a Fudgy Brownie?

The hallmark of a fudgy brownie lies in its dense, moist interior and a glossy, crackly top. Unlike cakey brownies, which are lighter and more airy, fudgy brownies are rich and chewy, offering a more intense chocolate experience. This texture is achieved by adjusting the fat-to-flour ratio, using more fat (butter or oil) and less flour, and by incorporating melted chocolate or cocoa powder into the batter.​

For a deeper understanding of the science behind brownie textures, check out Serious Eats’ Glossy Fudge Brownies Recipe.​Serious Eats+1Serious Eats+1

Essential Ingredients for Fudgy Brownies

Creating the perfect fudgy brownie requires careful selection of ingredients:​

• Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder for a rich flavor.

• Butter: Provides moisture and richness.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar helps create the shiny top, while brown sugar adds moisture.

• Eggs: Contribute to the structure and fudgy texture.

• Flour: Use sparingly to avoid a cakey texture.

• Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor.​Serious Eats+2King Arthur Baking+2People.com+2Inspired Taste

For a detailed recipe using these ingredients, refer to King Arthur Baking’s Fudge Brownies Recipe.​King Arthur Baking+6King Arthur Baking+6King Arthur Baking+6

Step-by-Step: Crafting the Perfect Fudgy Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

• 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 ¼ cups Dutch-process cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks​Love and Lemons+8Serious Eats+8Natasha’s Kitchen+8Natasha’s Kitchen+2King Arthur Baking+2King Arthur Baking+2

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

3. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

4. Mix Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

5. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa, salt, baking powder, and flour until well combined.

6. Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow to cool before cutting into squares.​

Tips for Achieving the Ultimate Fudgy Texture

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to prevent incorporating too much air.

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: They blend more easily into the batter.

• Don’t Overbake: Remove the brownies when the center is still slightly moist to ensure a fudgy texture.​

Creative Variations and Add-Ins

Elevate your fudgy brownies with these delicious additions:​

• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch.

• Swirls: Incorporate peanut butter, caramel, or cream cheese for added flavor.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique twist.

• Espresso Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor.​Serious Eats

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Even the best intentions in the kitchen can sometimes lead to disappointing brownies. If your fudgy brownies turn out dry, cakey, or lack that iconic glossy top, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the most common mistakes and how to fix or avoid them:

  ❌ Mistake 1: Overbaking

  What happens:
  Your brownies come out dry and crumbly instead of moist and fudgy.

  Why it happens:
  Brownies continue to bake from residual heat after they’re out of the oven. If you wait for a completely clean toothpick, you’ve gone too far.

  How to avoid it:

  • Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not totally clean.

  • Set a timer and start checking a few minutes before the minimum recommended bake time.

  • Use a metal pan, which conducts heat more evenly than glass.

  ❌ Mistake 2: Overmixing the Batter

  What happens:
  Your brownies develop a cakier texture and might rise too much.

  Why it happens:
  Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to more structure—great for bread, not for brownies.

  How to avoid it:

  • Once you add the flour, mix just until incorporated.

  • Fold gently with a spatula instead of whisking.

  ❌ Mistake 3: Using Low-Quality Chocolate

  What happens:
  The flavor falls flat or tastes artificial.

  Why it happens:
  Low-quality chocolate or cocoa powder can lack richness and complexity, making your brownies taste dull.

  How to avoid it:

  • Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa.

  • Use Dutch-process cocoa for deeper flavor and color.

  ❌ Mistake 4: Incorrect Sugar Ratios

  What happens:
  No crackly top, poor texture, or overly sweet flavor.

  Why it happens:
  Sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the structure and signature crust on top.

  How to avoid it:

  • Don’t reduce sugar too much—it helps create the shiny, crackly top.

  • Make sure the sugar dissolves well, especially when mixed with warm butter or chocolate.

  ❌ Mistake 5: Not Letting Brownies Cool Before Cutting

  What happens:
  The brownies fall apart or stick to the knife, and the texture isn’t fully set.

  Why it happens:
  Hot brownies are still soft and gooey, making them difficult to slice neatly.

  How to avoid it:

  • Let brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.

  • For clean slices, chill them in the fridge and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

  ❌ Mistake 6: Using the Wrong Pan Size or Material

  What happens:
  Over- or under-baked centers, edges that cook too quickly, or uneven texture.

  Why it happens:
  Pan size affects how thick the batter is and how heat distributes through it.

  How to avoid it:

  • Stick with the recommended pan size (usually 8×8″ or 9×13″).

  • Avoid glass pans for brownies—they retain heat longer and can overbake edges.

  ✅ Quick Fix Recap

  • ✅ Don’t overmix once you add flour.

  • ✅ Use high-quality chocolate and cocoa.

  • ✅ Bake until moist crumbs, not clean.

  • ✅ Cool completely before cutting.

  • ✅ Stick to the right pan size.

  ​

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Taking your fudgy brownies from delicious to unforgettable can be as simple as creative presentation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, here are some fun and elegant ways to serve your brownies:

  🍨 Classic A La Mode

  • Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

  • Drizzle with hot fudge or caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.

  • Add whipped cream and a cherry to make it a full dessert experience.

  🍫 Drizzled & Dressed

  • Melt extra chocolate and drizzle it over cut brownie squares.

  • Use white chocolate, caramel, or even raspberry coulis for contrast and added flavor.

  • Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for a gourmet touch.

  ❄️ Chilled with a Crunch

  • Chill brownies in the fridge, then serve with crushed peppermint or toffee bits sprinkled on top.

  • Pair with a glass of iced coffee or a cold brew for a refreshing combo.

  🎨 Custom Shapes for Any Occasion

  • Use cookie cutters to cut brownies into hearts, stars, or seasonal shapes.

  • Great for birthdays, holidays, or school treats.

  🧁 Brownie Bites and Mini Cups

  • Bake the batter in mini muffin tins for perfect bite-sized treats.

  • Top with a swirl of buttercream frosting or ganache and a sprinkle of sea salt.

  🪵 Rustic Stacks and Boards

  • Stack brownies on a wooden platter and serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries.

  • Add some nuts, marshmallows, and chocolate pieces to create a brownie dessert board.

  🍷 Sophisticated Pairings

  • Pair rich fudgy brownies with dessert wines like port or sherry.

  • A bold espresso or cappuccino also complements the intense chocolate flavor.

  ​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I store fudgy brownies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.​

Q: Can I freeze brownies?
A: Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.​

Q: How can I make gluten-free fudgy brownies?
A: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.​

Q: Why did my brownies sink in the middle?
A: This can occur if the brownies are underbaked or if too much air was incorporated during mixing.​

Q: How do I know when brownies are done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Fudgy Brownies Recipe

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• Author: Kayla Neff
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 brownies 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Indulge in the rich, decadent world of fudgy brownies—a beloved dessert known for its moist, dense texture and intense chocolate flavor. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect batch, from understanding key ingredients to mastering the baking process.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
5. Stir in cocoa, salt, baking powder, and flour until well combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Notes

Avoid overmixing to maintain a fudgy texture. For a flavor boost, add a pinch of espresso powder or swirl in peanut butter or caramel before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: fudgy brownies, chocolate, dessert, rich brownies, chewy brownies

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