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

  • Gnanamoli
    March 27, 2023

    Thank you so much for this recipe. Really fudgy …
    I have no words to describe.
    Wonderful. Best Brownies I ever made…….
    Thank you……………………

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 27, 2023

      Thank you for your good comments and review!

      Reply

  • Kayla
    March 25, 2023

    100% recommend this recipe! I’ve tried so many different ones and this blows them all out of the water. Family loved them!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 25, 2023

      Hi Kayla! That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Tracy D.
    March 24, 2023

    I have tried so many brownie recipes, these are the best by far. It has everything you want in a brownie, fudgy, decadent, nice crust, and a great chocolate flavor. I love warming them up in the microwave

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 24, 2023

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your excellent review, Tracy! I’m so glad you found a favorite on my blog!

      Reply

  • Janet
    March 24, 2023

    I have not made these yet,but have a question. From the pictures it looks like there’s brown sugar as well as white sugar. However, I don’t see any listing for how much brown sugar. Can you help me out? Maybe I am totally missing something.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 24, 2023

      Hi Janet! There is no brown sugar in this recipe. What you are seeing is the cocoa and the other one is instant coffee granules. 🙂
      I hope you love the recipe!

      Reply

      • Janet
        March 26, 2023

        Finally made these in an 8×8 inch pan. I baked for 43 minutes. Unfortunately they were under done, but still tasted delicious. I will know to bake them longer next time. Thanks for a killer recipe Natasha.

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          March 26, 2023

          Thank you for sharing, Janet! 🙂

          Reply

  • Teena
    March 24, 2023

    Hi Natasha!
    This recipe is thee best one out there! So So good!!! Can you bake this batter in mini muffin tins for a “two-bite” brownie?
    Thank you for always sharing your talent. 🙂

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 24, 2023

      Hi Teena! I’m glad you love the recipe. You should be able to do that, but you’ll have to experiment with it and watch them in the oven so they don’t over-bake.

      Reply

  • Sabrina
    March 18, 2023

    I followed everything to the letter and went to the max baking time and they completely sunk in the middle and are undercooked. So disappointed because I don’t have enough chocolate to make another batch.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 18, 2023

      Hi Sabrina! Did you use a different size pan? Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start to bake. I recommend the use of an internal oven thermometer to see if your oven is calibrated. Often times using a pan that is too small, over-baking, or your oven being too hot is what causes the cake to sink in the middle. I hope that helps.

      Reply

      • Jen j
        May 13, 2023

        I had the same thing happen. I used a 9×11. The oven was at 350 as directed. They were still good just not sure why they sunk? I am in Colorado, very high altitude.. could that be it?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          May 13, 2023

          Hi Jen! The altitude could possibly affect that. I’m sorry I don’t have experience with high altitude baking but you may find this article high altitude baking helpful.

          Reply

  • Amber
    March 17, 2023

    I have espresso powder. Would I use less than 1 tbsp? I imagine it’s stronger than instant coffee granules.
    Thanks Natasha!
    All your recipes turn out wonderful!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 17, 2023

      Hi Amber! You might be able to substitute it 1:1 but you can use less to start with if you prefer. You’ll have to experiment with it. 🙂

      Reply

  • Tammy Zecca
    March 2, 2023

    Hi , I want to make these brownies but I only have Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil. Is it ok to use the avocado oil instead. thanks

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 2, 2023

      Hi Tammy! Avocado oil should be fine because of its neutral taste. I hope you love the recipe.

      Reply

  • Betsie Bagley
    March 1, 2023

    Hi Natasha!
    I made these brownies today and they are delicious! I cut the recipe in half and used a loaf pan. My husband loved them, too! He said, “Oh my goodness, these are out of this world!”
    Thank you for a great recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 1, 2023

      You are so very welcome, Betsie! I’m glad they were a hit. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      Reply

  • Khadija
    February 28, 2023

    Hi Natasha, i always try your recipes and they turn out to be really all the time. This time i tried your brownies but when i baked them, they were not even from the top, why is that? Like it was broken. I used 8*8 inches pans. I want to attach the picture, how can i do that?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 1, 2023

      Hi Khadija, the pan size may have something to do with it. We used a 9×9 pan for this recipe. If using an 8×8 pan you may need to make some adjustments. I like to follow this guide HERE for pan size adjustments. I hope this helps!

      Reply

  • Julie Aguilar
    February 26, 2023

    I made these as the recipe calls, and used a 10×81/2 baking dish and at 40 minutes they were completely uncooked in the middle, like batter. I put them in for another 10 and still very jiggly. So I cooked another 12 minutes. Not sure why they didn’t cook.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 26, 2023

      Hi Julie, I’ve never experienced that before and I can’t say for sure what went wrong. Also, it depends on where you baked it. The different kitchen tools have different settings too. I usually bake for 40 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center, it should come out with moist crumbs attached.

      Reply

  • Eusheka
    February 24, 2023

    I doubled the recipe and it somehow turned cakey. What went wrong?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 24, 2023

      Hi! Cakey brownies are usually an indication of over-baking. This recipe is intended to be more “fudgy” than cake. Also, watch my tutorial on measure your flour correctly HERE in case this was the issue. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Sara
    February 21, 2023

    Hi Natasha, how to make it with Nutella?
    Should i reduce the butter to half of the amount

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 21, 2023

      Hello Sara. I haven’t tried using Nutella with this recipe yet to advise. If you do an experiment, we’d love to know how it goes!

      Reply

  • phi
    February 20, 2023

    oh my god! these brownies are absolutely DIVINE! i had to hid them to prevent myself from eating the whole thing XD

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 20, 2023

      Hi Phi! I’m so glad you loved the recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

  • Raegan
    February 15, 2023

    I made this so many times and it’s great but I don’t have a 9*9 in. pan and it take any hour with my 8*8

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 15, 2023

      Good to know that you always love this!

      Reply

  • Gwenn
    February 14, 2023

    Beautiful chocolates recipe. I just wish there was a diabetic version.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 14, 2023

      Hi Gwenn! Thank you. Yes, that would be great. I’m sorry I don’t have experience with sugar-free baking. I have heard great things about the brand “Swerve” 1:1 sugar substitute but I have not tested it myself.

      Reply

  • Alim Siddiqui
    February 8, 2023

    Hi Natasha,
    Last night I made Fudge Brownie. Your recipe is great my daughter loved it and she asked to me make again for her university friends. Excellent Recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 8, 2023

      That’s great to hear! I’m so glad she enjoyed this recipe and I hope her friends will love it too.

      Reply

  • Aditi
    February 4, 2023

    Loved these! They were super moist and my flatmates said this was the best brownie they have ever had. I didn’t really get that crackly top however, and I followed your recipe exactly as guided. The only exception I made was using 1 cup of sugar instead of 1.25 cups. No other exceptions or substitutions were made. Would that be the reason for the lack of crackly top?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 5, 2023

      Good to know that you liked it. About the cracks, it’s hard to see what caused that without being there. Was anything possibly substituted or edited in the process?

      Reply

  • Peggy
    January 31, 2023

    Whoops. Sorry. Just saw your info on using different size pans. Thanks very much.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 31, 2023

      Great! 🙂

      Reply

      • Tilly
        February 7, 2023

        Super tasty! My only complaint was that I found them to be a little greasy, but I also ate them right out of the pan so maybe after cooling they are better lol. Very fudge though, just like I like.

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          February 7, 2023

          Hi Tilly! I’m glad they were still tasty! Did you change anything in the process or make any substitutions? Letting them cool a bit may help but generally, if they are oily after baking it could be due to the way the ingredients were mixed, the quality of the butter or chocolate used, or possibly even baking them at too high of a temperate if your oven runs hot. I love using my internal oven thermometer to check the temperature of my oven when I bake. I hope that helps!

          Reply

  • Peggy
    January 31, 2023

    Hi Natasha,
    Can I cut the recipe in half? And if I can, what size pan would I use? I’m a one-person household. Thanks so much

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 31, 2023

      Hi Peggy, you can reference the different-size pans in the notes above. 🙂

      Reply

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