The Ultimate Brownie Recipe: Chewy, Fudgy, and Delicious!

If you’ve been on the hunt for the best brownie recipe, look no further! These homemade brownies are incredibly easy to make from scratch and feature the perfect blend of chewy and fudgy textures, along with a shiny, crackly top.

Gone are the days when I thought boxed brownies were the only option. While they’re convenient, I’ve discovered the joy of making my own brownies from scratch, and I haven’t looked back since. These brownies are quick, reliable, and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just one bowl with a whisk!
• Dependable and versatile: I’ve perfected this recipe over the course of 20 years. You can also customize it with my recipe variations.
• The ultimate brownies: My family and I believe these are the best brownies we’ve ever tasted, and many others agree!

How to Make the Best Brownies

After numerous trials, I’ve finally nailed down the perfect brownie recipe that satisfies all my family’s cravings. We wanted a crackly top, a fudgy texture with a slight chew, and a rich chocolate flavor that leaves you yearning for a glass of ice-cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. With this easy recipe, we’ve achieved all that and more!

Here’s what you’ll need for these mouthwatering brownies:

• Butter: I use salted butter to add flavor and moisture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: This simplifies the recipe without sacrificing rich chocolatey goodness.
• Sugars: A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the brownies moisture, depth of flavor, and a crackly top.
• Espresso powder: This enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
• Eggs: They’re an essential leavener and must be at room temperature for best results.
• All-purpose flour: Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to more cake-like and dense brownies.
• Salt: My preferred choice is kosher salt, but you can substitute table salt.
• Vanilla extract: This enhances sweetness and flavor.
• Add-ins (optional): Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts, chocolate chips, or chocolate chunks to take these brownies to the next level!

Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350º F and line a 9 x 9 baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Melt the butter, chocolate, and sugars: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the cocoa powder and sugars, and stir until smooth.
3. Make the brownie batter: Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. Stir in the salt, espresso powder, flour, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is shiny and crackly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
5. Cut and serve: Allow the brownies to cool for a few minutes, then lift them out using the edges of the parchment paper. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Recipe Variations

If you want to elevate these already amazing brownies, here are a few variations you can try:

• Super Fudgy Brownies: Substitute 4 ounces each of high-quality bittersweet and semisweet chocolate bars in place of the cocoa powder. Chop them up and melt them with the butter for an even richer and fudgier result.
• Frosted Brownies: Prepare a fudge icing recipe and pour it over the warm brownies. As the brownies and icing cool, the icing will harden, creating a deliciously decadent treat.
• The Best Gluten-Free Brownies: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour to cater to those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
• The Best Dairy-Free Brownies: Swap the butter for your favorite dairy-free substitute, such as canola oil, olive oil, or melted coconut oil. The result is just as delectable!

Tips for Success

Follow these tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfect every time:

• Melt the sugars: Combining the sugars with the butter and cocoa powder before adding other ingredients gives the brownies their signature crackly top.
• Room-temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature allows for better incorporation into the batter.
• Watch the baking time: Keep a close eye on your brownies to avoid overbaking, which can result in dry and less enjoyable brownies.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover brownies (which is highly unlikely!), here’s how to store and freeze them:

To store: Keep baked brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To freeze: Place the brownies in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy an indulgent treat whenever you desire!

There you have it, the ultimate brownie recipe that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. These homemade brownies are a delightful combination of chewy, fudgy, and moist textures, with a crackly top that adds an extra bit of deliciousness. Make them for yourself or share them with your loved ones – either way, they’re sure to bring smiles and requests for more!

Source: The Best Brownies Recipe Ever