Homemade brownies Recipe
If you’ve ever craved something deeply chocolatey, rich, and delightfully fudgy, then you are absolutely going to adore these Homemade brownies. There’s nothing quite like biting into that perfect square—crispy on the edges, yet chewy and moist in the center—that instantly brightens your day. This recipe takes just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into a decadent treat that feels like it came straight from a bakery but made with your own loving hands. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little chocolatey happiness, these Homemade brownies will quickly become your go-to comfort dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first delicious step to making impeccable Homemade brownies. Each element plays a crucial role, from creating a tender crumb to adding bursts of chocolate flavor that make every bite irresistible.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Melts smoothly to give the brownies a rich, moist base without overpowering the chocolate.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps develop that chewy crust on top.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the brownies’ soft, cakey yet fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup: Provides that deep chocolate intensity essential to every Homemade brownie.
- All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: Keeps everything together but maintains a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Gives just a hint of lift to keep the brownies from getting too dense.
- Chocolate chips, 1/2 cup (optional): Add pockets of melty chocolate for an extra indulgent experience.
How to Make Homemade brownies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly from the moment they go in. Grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal — a small step that makes cutting and serving so much simpler.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients
Melt the butter gently in a medium saucepan over low heat, keeping an eye so it doesn’t burn. Once melted, remove it from the heat and whisk in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This warm mixture helps intensify the chocolate flavor and smooths out the batter.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients before adding them ensures an even distribution of flavors and prevents any clumps that can spoil the texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture, stirring gently and just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here so your brownies stay tender instead of turning tough. If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in those chocolate chips now to create gooey pockets of melting goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs stuck to it, but not wet batter. This timing is the key to that coveted fudgy texture that defines great Homemade brownies.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let your brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the edges to set and makes clean, neat cuts possible. Slice into squares and prepare yourself for a chocolate experience worth savoring.
How to Serve Homemade brownies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top for a pretty presentation. For an extra special touch, try topping your brownies with chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or a dollop of whipped cream—each adding texture and flavor that complement the chocolatey base beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote for a balanced dessert. The cold creaminess and burst of fruit brighten the richness and satisfy any sweet tooth that’s been patiently waiting.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to surprise guests? Cut brownies into bite-sized squares and skewer them with marshmallows and strawberries to make edible chocolate kabobs. You can also sandwich a layer of frosting or peanut butter between two brownies for a decadent brownie sandwich. These ideas turn familiar Homemade brownies into show-stopping treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making them an excellent snack or dessert option you can enjoy anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save your Homemade brownies for later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Properly stored, they’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly for an on-demand sweet treat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to indulge again, warm brownies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives their soft texture and melts any chocolate chips inside, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for Homemade brownies?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit adding extra salt in the recipe to avoid making the brownies too salty. Unsalted butter is preferred because it gives you better control over the overall seasoning.
Why are my Homemade brownies cakey instead of fudgy?
This usually happens if you overmix the batter or bake it too long. Mixing just until combined and watching the baking time closely helps keep your brownies dense and fudgy rather than light and cakey.
Can I substitute ingredients like flour or cocoa powder?
While you can make some swaps, using all-purpose flour and good quality unsweetened cocoa powder tends to yield the best texture and flavor. Alternative flours might change the brownies’ structure, and sweeter cocoa powders can alter the chocolate intensity.
How do I make these brownies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum or add a small amount separately to help with texture.
Is it necessary to add chocolate chips?
No, chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended if you want an extra chocolate boost. They create luscious pockets of melted chocolate inside your Homemade brownies, making them even more indulgent.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the joy of biting into a freshly baked batch of Homemade brownies. They’re simple to make, satisfyingly rich, and perfect for any mood or occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience firsthand why these brownies have such a special place in my heart—and soon, hopefully, in yours too!
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Homemade brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies (about 2-inch squares) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic homemade brownie recipe delivers rich, fudgy, and chocolatey brownies with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Made from simple pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, cocoa, and flour, these brownies are easy to prepare and perfect for any chocolate lover craving a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until the batter is combined; avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Fold in chocolate chips to the batter if you want extra melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.
- Pour Batter Into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, do not overbake and remove them as soon as a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
- You can substitute half the butter with coconut oil for a slight flavor twist and dairy alternative.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the best chocolate flavor.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To make the brownies vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 2-inch square)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: homemade brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate brownies, easy brownie recipe, from scratch brownies
