Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These easy chocolate brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfect for any chocolate lover. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can enjoy decadent homemade brownies anytime. Customize with nuts or extra chocolate for added texture and flavor.

A close-up view of three thick, square brownies stacked unevenly on a white marbled surface. The top brownie is cracked and dry on the surface, while the middle brownie reveals a melted, gooey chocolate layer inside with a shiny, smooth texture. The bottom brownie appears dense and moist with a rich, dark brown color. Around the stack, there are small crumbs and chocolate bits scattered softly, enhancing the fresh-baked look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 200g (14 tbsp) unsalted butter (1 3/4 US sticks)
  • 200g (1 1/4 cups) dark chocolate chips (7 oz)
  • 1 cup (175g) brown sugar, loosely packed
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 180g (6oz) dark chocolate block or bar (optional)
  • 1.5 cups roughly chopped walnuts or other nuts

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C if fan forced.
  2. Step 2: Prepare a 20cm (8″) square baking tin by spraying it with oil and lining it with baking or parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the brownies out later.
  3. Step 3: Place the butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth (about 1 minute 30 seconds).
  4. Step 4: Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Then add the lightly beaten eggs and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and molten.
  5. Step 5: Add the plain flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, stirring until you have a smooth batter. If using, fold in the roughly chopped chocolate and nuts.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 24 minutes for very gooey centers, 28 minutes for a fudgey but moist texture, or up to 32 minutes for a more cake-like moist fudge brownie. Use a toothpick test to check doneness.
  8. Step 8: Let the brownies rest for 10 minutes in the pan before lifting out. Allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts for different nutty flavors.
  • Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier result.
  • If not adding chopped chocolate inside, reduce baking time by 2 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute plain flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm slightly in the microwave for a soft, gooey treat.

How to Serve

A stack of three thick brownies is shown, each piece layered one on top of the other. The top and middle layers have a dry, cracked light brown surface that contrasts with the dark, gooey and shiny melted chocolate inside. The bottom layer shows part of the rich chocolate base with a few crumbs visible around. The gooey chocolate filling is melting out from the middle layers, creating a soft and dense texture. The background is a white marbled texture that brings focus to the rich chocolate squares. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or a combination of chocolates depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that darker chocolate will give a richer, less sweet flavor.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. For gooey brownies, it should come out with moist crumbs attached. For a more set texture, it should come out almost clean but still slightly fudgy. Avoid baking until completely dry to keep the brownies soft.

Print
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Easy Chocolate Brownies Recipe


  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies (2 inch squares) 1x

Description

This easy chocolate brownies recipe creates rich, fudgy brownies with a moist center and a deep chocolate flavor. Made with dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder, these brownies offer a perfect balance of gooey and cake-like texture, and are enhanced with optional chopped walnuts for added crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 200g (1 3/4 US sticks) unsalted butter
  • 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate chips (1 1/4 cups)
  • 1 cup (175g) brown sugar, loosely packed
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Additions

  • 180g (6oz) dark chocolate block/bar, roughly chopped
  • 1.5 cups roughly chopped walnuts (or other nuts)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C fan forced. Spray a 20cm (8 inch) square baking tin with oil and line it with baking or parchment paper with overhang for easy lifting later.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: Place the unsalted butter and dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, for about 1 minute 30 seconds total, until fully melted and smooth.
  3. Mix Sugar and Eggs: Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until combined. Then add the lightly beaten eggs and mix well until the batter is smooth and molten.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the plain flour, cocoa powder, and add a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine until smooth without overmixing.
  5. Incorporate Chocolate and Nuts: Stir in the optional chopped dark chocolate and walnuts, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin, smoothing the top. Bake for 24 minutes for a very gooey center, 28 minutes for a fudgy but moist texture (recommended), or 32 minutes for a moist fudge-cake-like consistency. Refer to toothpick test photos in the original post for doneness.
  7. Adjust Baking Time If No Added Chocolate: If you do not use the chopped chocolate mixed into the batter, reduce the baking time by 2 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  8. Cool and Store: Let the brownies rest for 10 minutes in the pan, then lift out using the parchment paper overhang. Allow cooling for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Using dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor.
  • Chopped walnuts add texture and a nutty taste, but can be substituted or omitted based on preference or dietary needs.
  • Adjust baking time based on preferred texture—shorter for gooey, longer for cakey.
  • Line the baking tin with parchment paper with an overhang to easily lift brownies out without sticking.
  • Store brownies properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Easy chocolate brownies, fudgy brownies, baked brownies, chocolate dessert, walnut brownies

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