Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Recipe

Easy Fudgy Brownie Recipe (Crackly Top, One-Bowl Method)

Let’s be honest—brownies are emotional support desserts. I started testing this recipe after one too many dry, cakey disappointments. What came out of my kitchen was everything I wanted: rich chocolate flavor, a shiny crackly top, and a center so fudgy it practically melts.

This is the kind of brownie recipe you bake for late-night cravings, family gatherings, or when guests say, “Just bring dessert.” It’s simple, no fancy techniques, and made with everyday pantry staples. If you’ve ever Googled “how to make brownies fudgy not cakey”—you’re in the right place.

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies with Crackly Top"

Why This Brownie Recipe Works

• Uses melted butter for deep flavor
• Perfect sugar balance for that shiny crackly top
• One bowl = minimal cleanup
• No mixer required (but you can use one)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional but recommended)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Non-Stick Brownie Pan (8×8) – even baking, clean edges
• Heat-Resistant Mixing Bowl – perfect for melting butter
• Silicone Spatula – scrape every last drop of batter
• Fine Mesh Sifter – lump-free cocoa powder
• Oven Thermometer – prevents overbaking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line your pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter in a bowl using the microwave or stovetop. Let cool slightly.
3. Whisk sugar into melted butter until glossy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking well (this creates the crackly top).
5. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
6. Fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Stir in chocolate chips.
8. Pour batter into pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 22–26 minutes. Center should look slightly underbaked.
10. Cool completely before slicing (hardest step).

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 9 brownies | Difficulty: Easy

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter with vegan butter
• Extra Indulgent: Add walnuts, caramel bits, or espresso powder

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days. For that fresh-baked feel, warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
• Pair with cold milk or hot coffee
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for parties

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 3g

Let’s Talk Brownies

Did you go fudgy or extra chocolatey? Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your brownies on Instagram or Pinterest—I’d love to see your results. Nothing makes a recipe better than real-life feedback ❤️

Brownie Recipe FAQs.

These are the most common brownie questions people ask online—especially beginners and home bakers chasing that perfect fudgy, crackly-top brownie. Bookmark this section because it saves a lot of trial and error.

🔍 Basic How-To Brownie Questions

• How do you make brownies from scratch?
  By mixing butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, flour, and baking agents—no boxed mix needed.
• What ingredients do you need for brownies?
  Butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder or chocolate, flour, salt, and vanilla.
• How long do brownies take to bake?
  Usually 22–30 minutes depending on pan size and oven accuracy.
• What temperature should brownies be baked at?
  175°C / 350°F is ideal for even baking.
• How do you know when brownies are done?
  A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter.

🍫 Texture & Quality Questions

• How do you make brownies fudgy?
  Use more fat (butter), less flour, and avoid overbaking.
• How do you make brownies cakey?
  Add more flour and baking powder, and bake longer.
• Why are my brownies dry?
  Overbaking or using too much flour.
• Why are my brownies too gooey?
  Underbaked center or too much liquid.
• How do you make brownies chewy?
  Use a mix of butter and sugar, and whisk eggs well.
• What makes brownies crack on top?
  Dissolving sugar fully into warm butter and whipping eggs properly.

🧈 Ingredient Substitution Questions

• Can I make brownies without eggs?
  Yes—use flax eggs, yogurt, or applesauce.
• Can I make brownies without butter?
  Yes—replace with oil or vegan butter.
• Can I use oil instead of butter?
  Yes, but butter gives better flavor.
• Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate?
  Absolutely—this recipe does exactly that.
• Can I use milk instead of water?
  Yes, milk adds richness.
• What can I substitute for sugar?
  Coconut sugar, maple syrup, or low-carb sweeteners.

🥦 Dietary & Lifestyle Questions

• How do you make vegan brownies?
  Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes.
• How do you make gluten-free brownies?
  Swap flour with a gluten-free blend.
• How do you make keto brownies?
  Use almond flour and sugar-free sweeteners.
• Are brownies healthy?
  They’re a treat—but can be made healthier with swaps.
• How many calories are in a brownie?
  Around 200–250 calories per serving.

🧁 Baking Pan & Equipment Questions

• What size pan is best for brownies?
  An 8×8 pan gives thick, fudgy brownies.
• Can I bake brownies in a glass pan?
  Yes, but reduce temperature slightly.
• Can I bake brownies without an oven?
  Yes—use an air fryer or stovetop method.
• Can I use an air fryer for brownies?
  Yes—use a smaller pan and reduce time.

🕒 Storage & Shelf-Life Questions

• How long do brownies last?
  3 days at room temperature, 5 days refrigerated.
• How do you store brownies?
  In an airtight container.
• Can you freeze brownies?
  Yes—wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months.
• How do you keep brownies fresh?
  Seal tightly and avoid excess air.

🌟 Flavor & Variation Questions

• Can you add nuts to brownies?
  Yes—walnuts and pecans work great.
• Can you add chocolate chips?
  Definitely—for extra richness.
• How do you make brownie bites?
  Bake in a mini muffin pan.
• How do you make brownies with frosting?
  Let brownies cool completely, then frost.
• How do you make brownies without chocolate?
  Use vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel-based recipes.