When a friend was craving brownies, I knew I had to make something special. I turned to my online community for their best “better than box mix” brownie recipes, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! This recipe combines the best elements from some of my favorite bakers and blogs.
These Gooey Fudgy Brownies are truly the best I’ve ever had. They’re rich, decadent, and intensely chocolatey, with a perfectly fudgy center and a slightly crackly top. We enjoyed them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—pure brownie bliss!
Why You’ll Love It
These aren’t just any brownies—these are *Gooey Fudgy Brownies*. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels:
- Deeply Chocolatey: The combination of Dutch-process cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and espresso powder creates an intense chocolate flavor that will satisfy any chocolate craving.
- Perfect Texture: These brownies are the perfect balance of gooey and fudgy. They’re moist and chewy, with a slightly crackly top.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive flavor and texture, these brownies are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm, delicious brownies ready to enjoy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These brownies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a simple weeknight dessert.
Gooey Fudgy Brownies
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 16 brownies
Description
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Here are a few tips for brownie perfection:
* Brown the butter: Don’t skip this step! Browning the butter adds incredible depth of flavor and helps create a chewier texture. Watch it carefully, though, as it can burn quickly. Check our recent post on our Desserts page for more detail on how to do it just right.
* Whip those eggs: Whipping the eggs and sugar creates a light and airy batter, resulting in fudgy brownies with a crackly top.
* Don’t overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of fudgy brownies. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes, and take them out when the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft. They’ll continue to bake as they cool.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 6 oz chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, and espresso powder.
- Melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter foams, then browns and smells nutty. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Immediately pour the hot brown butter over the cocoa powder mixture. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugars, vanilla extract, and eggs with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the flour and salt until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Fold in any desired add-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft. Do not overbake!
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.
Notes
That’s a Wrap
There you have it – the ultimate Gooey Fudgy Brownies! These decadent treats are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings any day of the week. Share a batch with loved ones, or keep them all to yourself—we won’t judge!
Looking for other sweet treats? Check out our Desserts category for more inspiration. Share your brownie adventures on social media too! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Let’s gather our ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating these irresistible Gooey Fudgy Brownies:
- Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty depth of flavor that sets these brownies apart.
- Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: This type of cocoa powder creates a rich, dark chocolate flavor and a smooth texture.
- Dark Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. I recommend using 60% cacao or higher.
- Espresso Powder: Enhances the chocolate notes without making the brownies taste like coffee. If you don’t have it, you can use instant coffee.
- Sugars: A combination of white and brown sugar gives these brownies the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: The key to fudgy brownies! Be sure to whip them well with the sugar.
- Flour: Just a touch of flour gives these brownies their structure without making them cakey.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the delicious flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Ingredients
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Put cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, and espresso powder in a heat-proof bowl.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a light-colored saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally. When foaming and spitting, stir constantly, scraping the bottom of the pan, until milk solids turn brown and smell nutty. Immediately remove from heat.
Step 3: Bloom the Cocoa
Pour hot brown butter over cocoa powder and chopped chocolate mixture. Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Step 4: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, whip together sugars, vanilla, and eggs on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until thick and pale.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg mixture, mixing until combined. Gently fold in the flour and salt until just incorporated. Fold in additional chocolate chips, if using. The batter will be thick.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is glossy and the center is just set. Don’t overbake!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Here are a few tips to guarantee brownie success:
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will lead to dry, crumbly brownies. Take them out of the oven when the edges are set and the center is just slightly set.
- Bloom the Cocoa: Mixing the hot brown butter with the cocoa powder and chocolate helps to release their flavors and create a smoother texture.
- Whip It Good: Whipping the eggs and sugar creates air and volume, which leads to that perfect fudgy texture. If you’re looking for more cake-like brownies, check out our Chocolate Cake recipes for great alternatives.
- Cool Completely: While it’s tempting to dive in right away, letting the brownies cool completely allows them to set up and become even fudgier.
Try These Variations
- Nutty Brownies: Fold in 1-2 cups of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) along with the flour and salt.
- Chocolate Chunk Brownies: Add 1 cup of chopped chocolate chunks or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Fruity Brownies: Fold in 1-2 cups of dried cherries, cranberries, or chopped apricots along with the flour and salt.
- Minty Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed candy canes. If you love minty desserts, check out our Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe!
- Swirled Brownies: Divide the batter in half. Add 1/4 cup melted white chocolate to one half and 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate to the other. Swirl the two batters together in the pan before baking.
Can I add nuts to these brownies?
Yes, you can add nuts to the brownie batter. I suggest 1-2 cups of chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nut. Fold them in along with the flour and salt.
How do I make these brownies chewier?
For chewier brownies, slightly underbake them and avoid over-whipping the eggs. A shorter bake time will leave the center slightly gooey. For cakey brownies, use baking powder and whip the eggs until light and fluffy.
How should I store leftover brownies?
These brownies are best served fresh, but they will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze these brownies. Cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Pairs & Plates
These Gooey Fudgy Brownies are amazing on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions:
- À la Mode: Top a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Looking for dairy-free? Our Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream pairs perfectly with this recipe!
- Sweet and Salty: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the brownies to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Festive Touch: Add a dollop of frosting and some sprinkles for a birthday or holiday treat.
- Decadent Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the brownies for an extra layer of deliciousness.
That’s a Wrap
There you have it—the Gooey Fudgy Brownies of your dreams! I hope these become a new family favorite, just like they have at my house. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a celebratory dessert. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your beautiful brownies and share them with me! You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and X/Twitter. And for more delicious dessert recipes, be sure to check out our Desserts category page. Happy baking!
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