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 406 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 406 votes (227 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Mehernaz Merchant
    August 24, 2020

    Made these fudgy brownies yesterday and they were soooooo good.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 24, 2020

      That’s so great to hear! Thanks for your good feedback, we appreciate it.

      Reply

  • Tina
    August 24, 2020

    So yummy!!! Unfortunately these take too long to bake in my gas oven so the extra bake time for me feels like an eternity! Especially when the entire household nags “When are the brownies going to be done?!?!”

    Super yummy!!! Definitely our new favorite brownie recipe.

    I suggest that if you have a gas stove- leave it in LONGERRRR. I used an 8×8 pan

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 24, 2020

      Thanks for sharing your experience with us, it does take some time especially when you’re already very excited to give it a try! I’m so happy to hear though that everyone loved the brownies. Thanks for sharing, Tina.

      Reply

  • Donna B
    August 24, 2020

    Natasha I love all your recipes, I have made alot of them and they are all delicious. My question is I want to make a huge batch of these brownies for a party can I triple the ingredients and still get the same result in a larger pan?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2020

      Hi Donna, I haven’t tested this tripled but it should work! If you happen to experiment I would love to know how you like that!

      Reply

  • saja
    August 24, 2020

    hi! my name is saja and i love your recipes can not wait to try your brownie recipe!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2020

      Hi Saja! I hope you love this brownie recipe!

      Reply

  • saja
    August 24, 2020

    hi my name is saja and i love your recipes can not wait to try your brownie recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2020

      I really hope you enjoyed this recipe Saja!

      Reply

  • Beverly
    August 24, 2020

    Hi Natasha, I know you’ve mentioned about storing it in the freezer. Just wondering if I should wrap it first in a plastic wrap then put it on a ziplock before storing? Would you recommended storing it as a whole or sliced brownies doesn’t matter? I am planning to make 2 batches next week for a party, should baking it all at the same time works? Thank you so much, Natasha!!!❤

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 24, 2020

      Hi Beverly, I would wrap in plastic wrap and then put in a freezer-safe ziploc to keep them from getting freezer burn. See the notes in the post above for storing which may help. I recommend not slicing until ready to serve so they don’t lose moisture.

      Reply

  • Denise C
    August 23, 2020

    I didn’t have the coffee but made them anyways and whoa are they fudgey and rich! I added chocolate chips in and on top. The 8×8 pan made for some thick brownies. Delicious and will be making them again with the coffee!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 24, 2020

      That is so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your great experience with us. I’m glad it turned out awesome even without adding coffee.

      Reply

  • Andrea
    August 23, 2020

    I made these in an 8 x 8 inch pan because it was all that I had and followed your directions for the smaller pan. They tasted amazing, but unfortunately, the tops burned by the time the middle was cooked enough 🙁 I will buy the proper size pan and try again!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 24, 2020

      I’m glad you still enjoyed it! I”m sure it will be perfect next time.

      Reply

  • Thalia Afanes
    August 23, 2020

    Mine turned out cakey but it really taste great!
    What should I do next time? Thank you so much!!

    Reply

  • Irene
    August 23, 2020

    Hi Natasha,
    Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 23, 2020

      Hi Irene, baking soda is 4 times stronger than baking powder. I would stick with the recipe as it is written for best results.

      Reply

      • Rhonda
        August 27, 2020

        Hi Natasha!
        I am going to make this recipe this weekend but I was wondering if I could I omit the baking powder without ruining the recipe? I am worried the baking powder might make the brownies a bit cakey in texture. Please let me know! Thank you!!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          August 28, 2020

          Hi Rhonda, I haven’t tested that but following the recipe as written results in a fudgy (not cakey) texture.

          Reply

  • Gary
    August 23, 2020

    I really enjoy watching your cooking show.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 23, 2020

      Thanks for watching, Gary. Glad you’re enjoying them!

      Reply

  • Hala Nakshabandi
    August 23, 2020

    Hi Natasha ,
    My husband is diabetic and loves chocolate .How can I make this recipe with sugar substitutes . Such as Splinda or Stevia. Do I use the same amount ?
    Thanks ,
    HALA Nakshbandi

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 23, 2020

      Hi Hala, I haven’t really tried that yet to advise. Others might have already tried it and could provide us with some feedback here?

      Reply

  • Anita Adams
    August 23, 2020

    So I’m typically a from scratch gal but have always used boxed brownie mix for convenience and cost. (insert hand over face emoji lol). Would you confidently assert that homemade brownies are better than boxed? 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 23, 2020

      I would absolutely say that homemade is the best. I hope these completely win you over! My sister bought the boxed version for years until she tried mine.

      Reply

  • Jeelan
    August 23, 2020

    Is the calories mentioned for the whole brownie or per serving?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 23, 2020

      Hi Jeelan, it is per serving and the serving size is towards the top fo the recipe card.

      Reply

  • Emilia
    August 22, 2020

    Hi Natasha, what could I use instead of butter I make this recipe diary free?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 22, 2020

      Hi Emilia, I haven’t used oil or a dairy-free substitute for butter to advise. You can probably go with melted coconut oil. I hope you love these brownies!

      Reply

  • Emilia
    August 22, 2020

    Hi Natasha, Is there anything diary free that you could substitute butter with in this recipe? Vegetable margarine maybe? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 23, 2020

      Hi Emilia, I haven’t tested it with any dairy-free substitutions so I can’t speak to that. If you experiment, let me know how it goes.

      Reply

  • Geesha
    August 22, 2020

    Hi Natasha,

    These brownies look delicious and I can’t wait to try this recipe out!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 22, 2020

      I hope you love this recipe Geesha! We look forward to your feedback!

      Reply

  • Dorothy Prudente
    August 22, 2020

    The Tosha I love your recipes your chocolate cake is just out of this world I will try the brownies tomorrow and I have yet to try the vanilla cake I’m dying to try it when I get some company love to watch you you are so cute

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 22, 2020

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me Dorothy! I hope you love the brownies recipe!

      Reply

      • SUK
        August 25, 2020

        After watching your video, I couldn’t resist making these brownies Immediately. Thankfully I had all the ingredients in my pantry. I decided to use milk chocolate chips instead of semi sweet. I also didn’t use the coffee powder. The brownies tasted amazing!! I used an 8X8 pan. The brownies came out Super Fudgy. I had to bake them for 45 minutes. If I’d like a less Fudgy/moist centre, should extend the bake time? Also, just wondering what’s the reason for adding 3 tablespoons of oil when there’s already so much butter? Thank u for this recipe! I’ll be making this more often.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 25, 2020

          I’m so happy you enjoyed that! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! The oil in brownies helps the texture but also allows the chocolate flavor to shine.

          Reply

  • Helena Dudgeon
    August 22, 2020

    Well, you are the best. Why aren’t u on TV? My hips are showing your expertise. As well my son is dieting and gets annoyed when I show up with your desserts.
    Are you Polish desert? Do u have any easy perogi recipe?
    Thx for all your great recipes. As u can tell I’m a great fan.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 22, 2020

      Hi Helena, thank you so much for sharing that great review with me! You’re so nice! We have a couple of pierogi recipes here.

      Reply

  • Tina
    August 22, 2020

    Hi Natasha,
    Could these be made in the Instant Pot? If so, what would the time be?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 22, 2020

      Hi Tina, I have not tested this with an Instant Pot to advise. If you experiment please let me know how you like that!

      Reply

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