The ultimate Fudgy Brownie Recipe! These homemade brownies are decadent and stay moist for days. Plus, there’s a secret ingredient that makes them super chocolatey without being overly sweet.

Fudgy brownies stacked on a parchment paper

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Brownies Video Tutorial:

These brownies are unbelievably satisfying. Watch the video recipe and you’ll know why everyone loves this recipe!

The Only Brownie Recipe You’ll Need!

The inspiration for these brownies came from Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies in the Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. We made them fudgier and supremely chocolatey. Here’s why these are the best homemade brownies:

  • Easy brownies – No fancy equipment or tools required. All you need is a saucepan, spatula, whisk, and a couple of bowls to make the batter.
  • No Room Temperature Ingredients Needed – you don’t have to plan ahead and can start making brownies as soon as the craving strikes.
  • Fudgiest Center – these literally stay moist and fudgy for days. I made the last batch on a Wednesday and ate the last piece on Sunday and it was still moist and satisfying.
  • Rich Chocolate Flavor – adding the cocoa powder and chocolate chips make these intensely chocolatey without being overly sweet.
  • Crackly Top – These brownies have that classic, irresistible crackly top.

The “Secret” Ingredient for Brownies:

Just like with our Chocolate Cake, adding coffee amps up the flavor of chocolate without tasting like coffee. We used Instant Coffee Granules. The rest of the ingredients are simple and will give you the perfect brownie texture.

Ingredients for brownie recipe with chocolate chips, egg, cocoa, flour, sugar, butter, coffee granules

How to Make the Best Brownies:

1. Melt Chocolate: In a saucepan over low heat, melt together 2 cups chocolate chips and butter. Set aside to cool 15 minutes.
2. Wet Ingredients: Whisk together eggs, sugar, instant coffee granules, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.

Step by step tutorial how to make brownies

3. Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt then fold these dry ingredients into the chocolate batter until no streaks remain.
5. Pour and Bake: Spread brownie batter into prepared pan, sprinkle the top with the reserved 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and bake at 350˚F for 35-40 minutes.

how to make chocolate brownie batter step by step photos

How Long to Bake Brownies:

Fudgy Brownies – Bake for 35-37 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center will come out fudgy.

Soft and Moist Brownies – Bake for 40 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.

How to Store Brownies:

  • At Room Temperature – Brownies can be stored at room temperature in a low humidity environment. To keep them fresh and moist, cover with plastic wrap directly over the brownies and store in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
  • Freezer – brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. To keep brownies moister, do not cut brownies until you are ready to eat them.

Baked brownies in baking pan sliced

How to Serve Brownies:

Our favorite way to serve brownies is to top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also try a dollop of whipped cream drizzled with chocolate, or top with fresh raspberries.

For Frosted Brownies: cover them with Chocolate Ganache or Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.

Brownie served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

What Mix-Ins Can I Add to Brownies?

Once you have a great brownie base like this one, you can change them up and make them your own.

  • Caramel – Drizzle the top of the brownies with Homemade Caramel and a sprinkle of kosher salt.
  • Walnuts or Pecans – chop 1 cup of walnuts and fold them in at the end, sprinkling a few over the top for walnut brownies.
  • Chocolate Chunks – fold in some chocolate chunks in addition to sprinkling them over the top.
  • Zucchini – if you want to sneak in some veggies, try our Zucchini Brownies

Brownie slice on a spatula with chocolate chips added

Can I Bake these in a Different Pan?

For this brownie recipe, we used a 9×9 square pan. Using different sized baking pans will affect the bake times, and the recipe. These tips should help.

  • Bread Loaf Pan – Cut the recipe in half and bake as directed for a small batch of brownies.
  • 8×8 Pan – this smaller pan will result in taller brownies that require a longer baking time (40-48 minutes) minutes).
  • 12×9 Pan – this larger pan works, but the brownies will be flatter and will require less baking time (30-35 minutes).
  • 13×9 Pan – Make 1 1/2 times the recipe or the brownies will be pretty flat. Bake about 40 minutes, or to your desired doneness.

Love Chocolate? More Chocolate Desserts:

Fudgy Brownie Recipe

4.94 from 404 votes
fudgy brownies stacked on parchment paper
The ultimate Fudgy Brownie Recipe - super chocolatey without being overly sweet! These homemade brownies are decadent and stay moist for days.
Prep Time: 13 minutes
Cook Time: 37 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 people

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter a 9x9 pan and line with parchment paper.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, Melt together 2 cups chocolate chips and butter while whisking then set aside to cool 15 minutes.
  • In a second large bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and 1 Tbsp coffee granules, 3 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp vanilla extract.
  • Stir cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt then use a spatula to fold mixture into the batter and fold just until combined. Do not over mix.
  • Transfer batter to prepared pan and sprinkle all over with remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 35-40 min depending on the desired doneness.* Cool until nearly at room temperature then cut into bars before serving.

Notes

*For fudgy brownies, bake 35-37 minutes and a toothpick should come out fudgy. For soft and moist brownies, bake 40 minutes and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs attached. 

Nutrition Per Serving

526kcal Calories49g Carbs6g Protein35g Fat19g Saturated Fat97mg Cholesterol126mg Sodium379mg Potassium4g Fiber35g Sugar570IU Vitamin A69mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
526
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
35
g
54
%
Saturated Fat
 
19
g
119
%
Cholesterol
 
97
mg
32
%
Sodium
 
126
mg
5
%
Potassium
 
379
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
 
49
g
16
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
35
g
39
%
Protein
 
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
 
570
IU
11
%
Calcium
 
69
mg
7
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brownie recipe, fudgy brownies
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 526

Filed Under

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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4.94 from 404 votes (227 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Bernadette
    January 24, 2023

    Hello Natasha! I have made this recipe, doubled, 2 times before. They are the best brownies ever! I was wondering, if I adapt the recipe to bake it with caramel in the middle, would it be successful? Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 24, 2023

      Hi Bernadette! That sounds great but I have not tested this to advise. Please let us know how it turns out if you experiment.

      Reply

      • Bernadette
        March 25, 2023

        Hello Natasha. I have tried making them with caramel in the middle. I prepared the recipe as followed, pouring half the brownie batter into the pan, layered homemade wet caramel into the middle, then added the other half of the batter on top. It went well; however, I needed to adjust baking time from about 35-38 minutes to about 45 minutes- an hour because the caramel added extra liquid to the batter. They were a little soupy at first but then they set nicely. When they were done, I noticed the caramel had sort of mixed in with the batter, so it wasn’t “in the middle”, but rather, baked into the whole brownie itself. Overall it went well and I would recommend it to try. I am not sure how it would change if one used packaged caramel candies instead, perhaps it would be firmer.

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          March 25, 2023

          Hi Bernadette! Thank you for sharing your feedback.

          Reply

  • Bren
    January 21, 2023

    Hi Natasha. I have a jar of espresso granules. Can I use them in replace of the coffee granules?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 21, 2023

      Hi Bren! Yes, I think that would be fine. 🙂

      Reply

  • Karina
    January 15, 2023

    Hey! I made this recipe, follow the instructions one by one and it overflow in the oven and it was still super liquid at the 45 timer. Do you have any idea what could have gone wrong?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 15, 2023

      Hi Karina! Did you use a different size pan? This happens when the pan is too small. Also, I would be sure you measured everything correctly. Watch my tutorial HERE to help. The oven needs to be fully preheated before you start baking and I highly recommend using an internal oven thermometer to see how your oven heats.

      Reply

  • Diane
    January 12, 2023

    Mine didn’t come out with the crackle!!! Super yummy, but I did follow your video instructions very closely. Any idea why there is no crackle?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 12, 2023

      Hi Diane, it’s hard to see what caused that without being there. Was anything possibly substituted or edited in the process?

      Reply

  • Isabel
    December 13, 2022

    Hi Natasha, can I make this in a 9 inch round cake tin? Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 13, 2022

      Hi Isabel, I haven’t tested in that size but here’s a good tutorial on adapting recipes to different size pans.

      Reply

  • Dora
    December 10, 2022

    Can i make in mini pans and if i can how long do i bake them. I don’t have an 9×9 or a 8×8.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 10, 2022

      Hi Dora, you should be able to but I have not tested it to advise on the time. You’ll have to experiment with it and watch them in the oven so they don’t over-bake.

      Reply

  • martha zamora
    December 8, 2022

    What are coffee granules in the recipe? Is it instant coffee granules?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 8, 2022

      Yes, we used these ones from amazon.

      Reply

      • Mike
        December 22, 2022

        Can I use regular coffee instead of instant? If not how much will it change the taste without it?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          December 22, 2022

          Hi Mike! We use instant coffee granules because they dissolve in the batter. I think it could work with regular coffee too but I have not tested it to know how it will affect the texture.

          Reply

  • Jessica
    November 30, 2022

    Hello,
    Your recipe looks delicious. I wanted to know if I can triple this recipe. I want to make around 50 brownies. How can I do this.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 30, 2022

      Hi Jessica, I haven’t tried tripling it, but I bet that could work. Sometimes it’s best to do a batch at a time. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Julie Olmstead
    November 24, 2022

    I’m going to try these in individual ramkin bowls. At suggestion for bake time ?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 24, 2022

      I haven’t tested them in small portions like that to advise on. You’d have to experiment with it.

      Reply

  • Yaela
    November 23, 2022

    Hi Natasha!
    I so love these brownies. They are definitely my go-to. For Thanksgiving, I want to make two of these- one regular and one gluten free for a gluten free friend. Do you (or anyone) know if I could just substitute the gf flour for the regular flour? Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 23, 2022

      Hi Yaela! Thanks for trying my recipe. I’m so glad you loved it. I have not tested these with GF flour to advise. I think it could work but you’d have to experiment with it. Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply

  • emily
    November 22, 2022

    Hello, I remember the first time I used this recipe it came out good, but this time it came out dry. Any tips?

    Reply

  • lisa katulak
    November 21, 2022

    would love to make these brownies but i do not have the instant coffee. Will that change the taste much?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 21, 2022

      Hi Lisa! The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but it should be fine without it.

      Reply

  • Nancy Wike
    November 14, 2022

    Made these today after reading the recipe. Did add toasted walnuts but they were absolutely delicious and turned out perfectly! I’m not a big fudgey brownie fan but these were great…baked them a bit longer as you suggested for less soft interior.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 14, 2022

      Great to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, Nancy!

      Reply

  • Molly
    October 26, 2022

    Hi Natasha,
    I just made this recipe 3rd time, I’ve added 1 cup of walnuts. It’s amazing!
    I’m thinking of adding raspberry, is it possible?
    Many thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 26, 2022

      Hi Molly, great to hear that! I have not tried adding raspberry but it should be doable. If you do an experiment, please update us on how it goes!

      Reply

  • Julia
    October 23, 2022

    Hi Natasha,

    Looks like a great recipe, thanks 😀 for the batter, if substitute choc chips for dark chocolate, how much would I need in grams?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 24, 2022

      Hi Julia, we used and prefer semisweet chocolate chips. The dark chocolate may work, it will be a bit more bitter.

      Reply

  • Molly
    October 19, 2022

    Hi Natasha,
    Thanks for this delicious brownie recipe. This is my 2nd time making it. I’m curious why my brownie sink in the middle. What did I do wrong?

    Thanks
    Molly

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 19, 2022

      Hi Mollie! I’m happy you love this recipe. Did you use a different size pan? That could affect the results. I also recommend using an internal oven thermometer to see how your oven heats and make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking. You may also check to see if you measure your ingredients correctly by watching my tutorial HERE.

      Reply

      • Molly
        October 20, 2022

        Hey Natasha,
        Thank you for your reply. Could I use block dark chocolate for the melting or it has to be chocolate chips? Because I loads of block chocolate in my kitchen.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          October 20, 2022

          Hi Molly, we used and prefer semisweet chocolate chips. The dark chocolate may work, it will be a bit more bitter.

          Reply

  • Molly
    October 19, 2022

    Hi Natasha,
    Thanks for this delicious brownie recipe. This is my 2nd time making it. I’m curious why my brownie sink in the middle. Did I do something wrong?

    Thanks
    Molly

    Reply

  • Sophia
    October 18, 2022

    WOW. Just wow. This is such a great recipe and one if not my most favorite brownie recipe. They are so good and taste fresh and stay moist, even after a few days. I love it and will be making it for many years to come.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 18, 2022

      That’s wonderful, Sophia! I’m so glad you loved this recipe. Thank you for the review.

      Reply

  • Anais
    October 12, 2022

    Another amazing recipe. I’ve been searching for some time and this is THE homemade brownie recipe! So good, and your method for melting the chocolate is wonderful, nobody has time for a water bath!

    The recipes on your site are top! Thanks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 13, 2022

      I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for the review, Anais!

      Reply

  • Karen
    October 9, 2022

    Need to watch sugar. Do you have any idea if this recipe could be made with SF sweetener and SF choc chips?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 9, 2022

      Hello Karen, I have not tested that to advise. Let’s see if others have tried and can share their experience. You may also check the comments section below if someone has shared.

      Reply

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