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

  • Aida
    September 6, 2020

    Hi Natasha. This fudgy brownies recipe are easy to follow. I made these brownies this afternoon. My niece said its delicious😋. Thank you so much!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 6, 2020

      You are so welcome, Aida. I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Daniela Ramos
    September 5, 2020

    Hi Natasha!
    Am form México, am traing to do the recipe in a 9×9 pan but the mixture rises so much that it falls out of the pan, you know why? I made the recipe step by step and weighed all the ingredients

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 7, 2020

      Hi, are you possibly using the wrong kind of leavening? Baking soda is 4 times stronger than baking powder and would cause an overflow. Also, make sure to use all-purpose flour and not self-rising.

      Reply

      • Daniela Ramos
        September 13, 2020

        Am using baking power and
        all-purpose flour, I made the recipe twice to make sure everything was ok, I don’t know what happened

        Reply

  • samantha
    September 5, 2020

    Hi there,
    Can you use less sugar? Seems like a lot of sugar. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 5, 2020

      Hi Samantha, the overall flavor is pretty balanced but you can dial back the sugar a little bit if desired. I always recommend making the recipe as written before experimenting though. We also don’t like desserts to be overly sweet.

      Reply

      • Sai Pavan
        September 13, 2020

        Loved your recipe. The taste was awesome. But my brownies didn’t form an brown layer above like the one in the picture . I was totally black. Can you tell me what’s wrong with my process? Other than that the brownies tasted awesome

        Reply

        • Natasha
          September 14, 2020

          Hi Sai, did you possibly burn the top? I haven’t had that happen before so I’m not sure what else it could be. I’m glad you enjoyed the flavor of these brownies.

          Reply

  • Jason
    September 5, 2020

    Can I use regular coffee grinds or does it need to be instant?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 5, 2020

      Hi Jason, regular coffee grounds would not work in this recipe. It should be either instant coffee or instant espresso.

      Reply

  • Ann
    September 3, 2020

    Hi Natasha,made the brownies and found it too sweet. Any recommendations?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 4, 2020

      Hi Ann, make sure to use semi-sweet chocolate chips. Using milk chocolate would make these brownies considerably sweeter.

      Reply

      • Ann
        September 12, 2020

        Hi Natasha,

        I used the hershey’s semi sweet chocolate chips (well it said in the packaging) and its also kinda too sweet for me. Any good semi sweet chocolate brands?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 12, 2020

          Thank you for sharing that Ann! The overall flavor is pretty balanced but you can dial back the sugar a little bit if desired. I always recommend making the recipe as written before experimenting though. We also don’t like desserts to be overly sweet.

          Reply

  • Tricia Adrian
    September 1, 2020

    Awesome brownie recipe!
    I added peanut butter chips and 1/2 cup peanut butter to mixture!
    Turned out even better!
    THANK YOU!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 1, 2020

      You’re welcome, Tricia!! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • SUR
    September 1, 2020

    Hi Natasha,

    I have tried multiple recipes for Brownie, however this is the best one. I have one quetsion, when i baked it it was fudgy and most, hwoever after some time it wasnt as moist and fudgy. even though it tasted awesome.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 1, 2020

      Thank you so much for sharing that with us! I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Rachel
    August 31, 2020

    Hi! Was wondering if it will still turn out good if I did not put the coffee in? Let me know 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 31, 2020

      Someone else commented that they didn’t add coffee and still liked the result but coffee really amplifies the flavor.

      Reply

  • Sarah Jordan
    August 30, 2020

    Oh my goodness, I have made different brownies before using different recipes. But this one is the best! So fudgy and has that perfect consistency that a brownie needs to have!! I will be using this recipe again! Its so yummy! In my opinion its the perfect brownie! My husband enjoyed it!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 30, 2020

      That is great feedback! Thanks for sharing your review with us, and I hope you and your family will enjoy every recipe that you’ll try!

      Reply

  • Terri
    August 30, 2020

    Hi Natasha, I love all your recipe. I have a question, could I substitute the instant coffee for espresso powder?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 30, 2020

      Thank you, Terri. Espresso powder should work fine in this recipe. I would bake at least 40 minutes or until the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs for a chewier browny.

      Reply

  • Charity Smith
    August 29, 2020

    I’ll admit I was a bit sceptical about this receipe. Only because I’ve never baked anything but brownies from a box. But, they were absolutely amazing!! Everything I’ve tried of Natashas has turned out truly wonderful! Thank you for all the great recipes. Im so glad I stumbled on Natashas kitchen.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 30, 2020

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Chris
    August 29, 2020

    Yummy!! I had them for breakfast this morning.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 29, 2020

      Isn’t it so great! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe Chris!

      Reply

  • Bonnie
    August 29, 2020

    Your brownies look amazing. Do you think I would get the same results using margarine for dairy free?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 29, 2020

      Hi Bonnie, to be honest, I haven’t tested that to advise. If you experiment I would love to know how you like that.

      Reply

  • Jason
    August 28, 2020

    My 11 year old son made these, accidentally putting in 3tbsp of coffee and probably pulling them out of the oven a tad too early, but they still might just have been the best brownies I’ve ever eaten.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 29, 2020

      That’s just awesome Jason!! I’m so glad you all enjoyed these brownies!

      Reply

  • Akhi
    August 27, 2020

    I would really like to create this cake for my husband but I don’t understand the doses of the ingredients, please could you tell me in grams pleaseeeeeee

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 27, 2020

      Hi Akhi, we have the metric conversation on the recipe card. Simply scroll down to the bottom of the post and click metric. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Diana
    August 26, 2020

    Yummy! Made some for my moms birthday. Topped it off with vanilla ice cream and homemade Raseberry sauce. Delicious. Mom loved it.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 26, 2020

      So awesome! I am so happy that you and your mom loved the brownies for her birthday. Thank you so much for your great review and feedback.

      Reply

  • Annah
    August 26, 2020

    hi Natasha! pls are the chocolate chips just milk chocolate in chip form, or they don’t contain any milk at all?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 26, 2020

      Hi Annah, I would check the label on your chocolate but most semisweet chocolate chips have milkfat in them as an ingredient.

      Reply

      • eva
        August 28, 2020

        hi i was wondering if i can just use cut up milk chocolate instead of choco chips as i dont have them

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 29, 2020

          Hi Eva, that may slightly alter the recipe depending on the kind of chocolate but if cut small enough I bet that could work!

          Reply

  • Laura Reese
    August 25, 2020

    This brownie recipe is the best. Never buying boxed brownies again.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 26, 2020

      Love it! So wonderful to read your comments and feedback, Laura. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

  • Diane Dononhue
    August 25, 2020

    You say in your brownie recipe to use 1/2 lb of butter.Is that equivalent to 1 cup of butter?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 25, 2020

      Hi Diane, I recommend also seeing the photos for reference. We have two sticks of butter there at 4oz each. Two sticks of butter are equal to 8oz or 1/2 pound. I hope that helps!

      Reply

    • Janna Andrews
      August 26, 2020

      Yes, Diane. 1/2 lb of butter (225 grams) definitely measures 1 cup.

      Reply

      • Diane Dononhue
        August 30, 2020

        Thank You Janna and Natasha. Will definitely try these out tomorrow.

        Reply

    • Allyson Dyar
      September 15, 2020

      I ended up using just one stick of butter because I wasn’t sure either and they still turned out delicious.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        September 15, 2020

        That is great to know that these brownies work with half the butter. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply

  • Andrea G
    August 25, 2020

    Hi Natasha!

    Love your recipes, I have made a couple of them and they are awesome!

    Today I made this brownies though they tasted amazing they did not come out fudge at all, the texture came out more like cake, I followed everything exactly as you instructed and I baked it for 30 min instead of 37 because my husband likes very moist brownies but for some reason they came out drier than yours and I don’t understand why. I used a 9×9 pan, and all ingredients, waited the 15 min for the chocolate to cool down a bit, really don’t know what could’ve possibly gone bad, any ideas?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 25, 2020

      Hi Andrea, I have not had that experience but I’m curious if your dry ingredients are your culprit. I recommend seeing our post on measuring and making sure you are not scooping your dry ingredients with your measuring cup. Also, make sure you are using baking powder and not baking soda.

      Reply

      • Andrea G
        August 27, 2020

        I used the exact measurements and didn’t use baking soda but now that you mentioned it I don’t know if it might have anything to do with the fact that my baking powder is aluminum free.

        Anyways I loved the recipe so I will def try again later with regular baking powder, maybe that was the reason.

        Thanks for replying

        Reply

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