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

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

4.94 from 406 votes (227 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • clare
    April 14, 2021

    Hi there, if I did not use the coffee in the brownies would they still work. 🙂

    Reply

  • Amy Wonder
    April 13, 2021

    can i omit the granules

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 13, 2021

      Hi Amy, it will still work great without the coffee. That should work, but they might be slightly slimmer brownies so that they could bake a little faster.

      Reply

  • Thisum Perera
    April 10, 2021

    Hi, if I double the brownie recipe is this two sizes of two pans suitable to bake brownies 1) 8 inch by 10.5 inch 2) 11 inch by 14 inch

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 10, 2021

      Hi Thisum, I haven’t tried those exact sizes but it may work. If the pan is too big the brownie will simply be skinnier.

      Reply

  • Cynthia Ross
    April 7, 2021

    The brownies are delicious .I don’t put the extra chocolate on top but I do add pecan chips .Highly recommend!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 7, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Runa Hossain
    April 7, 2021

    Hi Natasha …This is my final Brownie Recipe,don’t need another one .Only one problem,the chocolate chips that I sprinkle on top like you do they sunk in the Brownie after baking.. After sprinkling I don’t push them like you do! I don’t know if that’s the reason ! Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 7, 2021

      Hi Runa, I haven’t had that happen – are you possibly using very large chocolate chips? Also, double-check our post on how we measure ingredients – if your mixture ends up too loose, it may be causing the chocolate chips to sink.

      Reply

      • Runa Hossain
        May 26, 2021

        Hi Natasha, I follow the metric measurements and I use a digital weight scale. And I use the dr.Oetkar chocolate chips , I don’t think they are big . I have made this brownie recipe of yours may be 10 times , the only problem is that choc chips sank in everytime …..not fully but doesnot look like yours one….

        Reply

  • Renae
    April 5, 2021

    I haven’t made the brownies yet, but I’m giving you 5 stars because every recipe I have made I love it!!! I’m not a coffee drinker. Can I leave out the coffee?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 5, 2021

      Hi Renae, it will still work great without the coffee. That should work but they might be slightly slimmer brownies so they could bake a little faster.

      Reply

  • Kara
    April 4, 2021

    Hi Natasha! I have made these 4 times and they keep getting better every time! Love these!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 4, 2021

      That is just awesome! I’m glad you are loving this recipe, Kara.

      Reply

  • Natalia
    April 3, 2021

    Unfortunately, this won’t become my go-to-brownie recipe. The texture was wierd. Not fudgy but wet and very crumbly at the same time. Couldn’t get a clean cut no matter how well i cleaned the knife. Don’t know what i went wrong. Usually your recipes work great.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 4, 2021

      Hi Natalia, this is a very popular recipe for us and I haven’t had that same experience so I’m not exactly sure what could have gone wrong. I would recommend watching the video to make sure the process was followed as directed (make sure to add the ingredients in the order listed and make sure ingredients are the proper temperature). Also, be sure to bake on conventional oven settings, not convection. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Sandra Lerman
    April 3, 2021

    OMG…the best and only brownie recipe I will EVER use! I have a question though. I am making another batch as I type this. When I cracked open my eggs, each one had a double yoke! I hope they turn out but what should I do if this happens again? Should I have fished out the extra yoke?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 3, 2021

      Hi Sandra, That’s always a fun surprise! I haven’t experimented with that but I think it should still work out fine. I’m so happy you love the brownie recipe.

      Reply

  • Karen Nowak
    March 27, 2021

    Sorry, I usually love all your recipes, but this one is a “no”.
    Too sugary. I was skeptical that it called for a cup and a quarter of sugar with semisweet morsels, but followed the recipe exactly. They came out looking beautiful, nice and shiny, but more sugary tasting than rich chocolatey tasting.

    Reply

  • Amy Wonder
    March 22, 2021

    Can I add hot water instead of coffee? I don’t like it much except the mocha frappichino

    Reply

  • Falena Hosein
    March 20, 2021

    Hi. So I just made these brownies and really moist. Should have used a longer baking dish as the mixture doubled in size. Will for sure make these again. 🙂

    Reply

  • Aiks
    March 1, 2021

    Hi Natasha, really keen to try this recipe out. I am thinking of adding fresh raspberries. You reckon I can just fold them into the batter just before pouring into the baking pan?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 2, 2021

      Hi Aiks, I haven’t tried that to advise it will work. IF you experiment, I would love to know how it turns out.

      Reply

    • Charlotte Andrew
      March 25, 2021

      I don’t think that would be such a great idea because they are so wet and would add way too much moisture to an already moist batter. If you are keen on pairing with raspberries, i would serve them on the side with a dollop of icecream or whipped cream. Raspberries and chocolate certainly do go good together!

      Reply

  • Donna
    February 28, 2021

    Hi Natasha I am making your brownies right now and after 40 minutes it’s still wet inside the batter? I want them gooey like your video shows and that like a cake.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 1, 2021

      Hi Donna, for soft and moist brownies, I bake for 40 minutes and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs attached.

      Reply

  • Kay
    February 28, 2021

    Hi Natasha! I don’t have instant coffee on hand, but I do have whole coffee beans and a batch of regular ground coffee. Would either of these work or should I just buy instant?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 28, 2021

      Hi Kay, It should either be instant coffee or instant espresso. I haven’t tried experimenting it using whole coffee beans yet to advise.

      Reply

  • Sabrina
    February 26, 2021

    Hi Natasha!! I just made this and it’s soooo delicious😋 my brother loved how the inside is so fudgy and moist, and my sister really loved the crackly top😍 cant wait to try your other recipes!! I have a list of ur recipes to try hahahahah

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 26, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Sabrina!

      Reply

  • Madiha
    February 25, 2021

    Hey Natasha,
    I love this recipe of yours, but need a little help here. If I wish to substitute healthy ingredients in here, what would be the ratio. (if whole wheat flour and brown sugar is used in place of refined flour and sugar). Is it possible to get the same fudgy texture that way?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 25, 2021

      Hi Madiha, I haven’t personally tested that to advise but I recommend checking out the other comments below this recipe as I’m sure others have tried it and could have shared their experience below.

      Reply

  • CAR
    February 23, 2021

    I have a really good segmented brownie pan, wondering if this could be used with this recipe? Thanks. Love you! and your recipes and videos.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 23, 2021

      Hi CAR, without testing it in a plan like that myself, it’s hard to advise. If you experiment, I would love to know how you like that.

      Reply

      • Anuradha corea
        April 4, 2021

        Hi, I planning to double the brownie recipe. Is it fine to double the amount of baking powder

        Reply

        • Natasha
          April 4, 2021

          Hi, I would double everything if doubling the recipe and bake in 2 pans or one that is twice as large.

          Reply

  • Heather
    February 20, 2021

    Hi Natasha –
    Thank you for including tips for alternative size pans! I’d like to make individual brownies in a muffin pan. Any recommendations for the appropriate cooking time?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 21, 2021

      You’re very welcome, Heather. I honestly haven’t tried doing this recipe in an individual pan to advise but I think it’s worth experimenting with!

      Reply

    • Thushara
      February 23, 2021

      Hi can i please know the butter mesurement in grams for the fudgy chocolate brownies?
      Thank you very much…

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        February 23, 2021

        Hi Thushara, If you scroll down to our recipe card and click on “metric,” you can see the conversion there. I hope that helps.

        Reply

  • Rash
    February 17, 2021

    Hi if I don’t wanna add eggs what can I substitute it
    I wanna make it vegan

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 17, 2021

      Hi Rash, I haven’t tested the egg substitution, so I can’t make that recommendation.

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.