Fudgy brownies – These dense, gooey, and irresistibly chocolatey squares strike the perfect balance between a rich cake and a decadent fudge.
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Brownies
These brownies are:
- Dense and Moist: Forget dry and crumbly brownies—these are gooey to the core.
- Bursting with Chocolate Flavor: Thanks to the combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder.
- Easy to Make: No special equipment needed, just a whisk and a mixing bowl.
- Customizable: Adapt them to your flavor preferences with mix-ins or toppings.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fudgy Brownies
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate flavor is front and center here, so choose a high-quality baking chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a cakier texture. For fudgy brownies, less is more.
- Watch the Baking Time: Underbaking is the secret to gooey brownies. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: It’s tempting to dive right in, but cooling allows the brownies to set, making them easier to cut.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Fudgy Brownies: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the batter before baking.
- Espresso Brownies: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter.
- Triple Chocolate Brownies: Stir in white and milk chocolate chips along with the dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Vegan Fudgy Brownies: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use vegan chocolate and butter substitutes.
How to Serve Fudgy Brownies
- Classic Style: Enjoy them plain with a tall glass of cold milk.
- Warm and A La Mode: Heat a brownie in the microwave for 10 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Elegant Dessert: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Storing Fudgy Brownies
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- In the Refrigerator: Extend their shelf life to a week by refrigerating them. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing Brownies: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Recipe FAQs
What makes brownies fudgy?
Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio, achieved by using more butter and chocolate and less flour. Eggs also play a key role in creating that rich texture.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?
Yes, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. For best results, use a combination of both.
Why are my brownies too dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Ensure you check them a few minutes before the recommended bake time.
How do I cut brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This prevents sticking and gives clean edges.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Fudgy Brownies
Fudgy brownies - These dense, gooey, and irresistibly chocolatey squares strike the perfect balance between a rich cake and a decadent fudge.
Ingredients
- 10 tbsp (145g) unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup + 2 tbsp (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 large cold eggs
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup (80g) chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (162°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Remove from heat as soon as it's melted—don’t let it brown.
- Mix the Base: While butter is still hot, stir in sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Don’t fret if the mixture looks gritty; it’ll smooth out soon!
- Cool the Mixture: Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes until warm but not hot to the touch.
- Add Eggs: Stir in eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition. The batter will become smooth and glossy.
- Incorporate Flour: Add flour and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the batter is thick and pulls away from the sides (about 40-50 strokes).
- Optional Add-ins: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
- Bake: Spread the thick batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the edges look set and the center appears slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing. For clean cuts, chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours, then slice into 16 squares.
Nutrition Information
Yield
15Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 112Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 45mgSodium 110mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 2g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a rich, gooey fudgy brownie. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, these brownies are sure to be a hit at any gathering—or a solo indulgence. With the tips and tricks shared here, you’ll master the art of baking the perfect fudgy brownie every time. So grab your whisk and preheat the oven—your chocolate adventure awaits!