These fudgy homemade brownies check all the boxes: they have rich chocolate flavor, perfect chewy texture, and they're quick and easy to make from scratch! So ditch the box mix! One taste of these brownies and you'll never go back.
For anyone who grew up enjoying brownies made from a boxed mix, there's a certain nostalgia associated with their rich flavor and quintessential chewy texture. The chewiness of boxed-mix brownies is their greatest appeal, in my opinion, and it can be a challenge to replicate this texture in a batch of homemade brownies.
Being 8 months pregnant, it seemed like the perfect time to test a new brownie recipe, so I got to work in my home kitchen with the goal of replicating that beloved chewy texture in a made-from-scratch recipe. It took several batches (which I was happy to taste test!), but I finally nailed it. And to all the boxed-mix brownie lovers out there, I'm here to tell you this homemade brownie recipe is even better! Here's why:
- Real, Rich Chocolate Flavor - These brownies are truly indulgent, with a rich, real chocolate flavor thanks to both chopped chocolate and cocoa powder in the brownie batter. I taste-tested these along side different varieties of premium boxed-mix brownies, all of which included artificial flavor, and the flavor just didn't compare to the richness of these homemade brownies.
- Chewy, Fudgy Texture - Beating the eggs and sugar together before adding the other ingredients gives these brownies the most dreamy texture. They're fudgy with just the right amount of chewiness and not at all cakey. (You can read more about what makes brownies fudgy versus cakey below.)
- Side note: If you're looking for an intensely fudgy brownie, check out my fudgy chocolate brownie recipe!
- Thick - These brownies are seriously thick (check out the side-by-side comparison below!).
- Easy - These brownies are easy to make in just 20 minutes using simple ingredients. While no scratch-made recipe will ever be quite as quick as boxed-mix brownies, these easy homemade brownies are worth the little bit of extra time and effort!
What Makes Brownies Fudgy vs. Cakey?
If you're like me, you prefer a rich, fudgy brownie to a lighter, more airy cakey brownie. There's a hint of chewiness in these fudgy brownies, but they're much denser and richer than a cakey brownie. The difference between the two comes down to the ratio of fat to flour in the brownie recipe. A fudgy brownie, like this recipe, has a higher ratio of fat (butter and chocolate) to flour, while a cakey brownie recipe includes more flour and a leavener (usually baking powder) for rise.
How to Make Homemade Brownies with Shiny, Crackly Tops
One hallmark of a perfect brownie is the shiny, tissue-thin, "crust" that appears on top of the brownies once they are baked. These coveted crackly tops are caused by sugar molecules rising to the surface of the brownie batter as it bakes and then drying out. It ultimately comes down to baking science and the quality of the recipe. There are several brownie making methods that claim to create crackly tops, and beating the eggs and sugar to create a light, almost fluffy mixture is my favorite, so that's how we're tackling it in this brownie recipe.
How to Make Chewy, Fudgy Homemade Brownies from Scratch
It takes just a few simple steps to whip up these ultra-rich homemade brownies from scratch!
- Combine melted butter, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and vanilla until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat together eggs and sugar to create a mixture that is light, fluffy, and pale yellow in color.
- Add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, beating until combined.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture just until all flour is combined, being careful not to over mix the batter.
- Pour the batter into an 8x8 metal pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 50 minutes.
Love these chewy fudgy homemade brownies? Leave a review and be sure to check out these other chocolatey dessert recipes!
- Brownie Bites with Whipped Chocolate Ganache
- Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Bars
- Salted Brookie Bars
- Small Batch Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Chewy Fudgy Homemade Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate baking bar, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8 metal pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add butter to a heatproof, medium bowl and melt the butter in the microwave. Immediately add the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and vanilla to the melted butter and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny. Set the chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly while you move on to the next step.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- In a the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment (or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer), beat together eggs and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 2 minutes.
- With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Continue to beat the mixture on medium speed until well combined, about 30 seconds.
- Remove the bowl from the stand mixer (if using) and add the flour mixture. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the flour mixture into the batter. Continue to fold until all flour is combined, being careful not to over mix the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use the spatula or spoon to gently smooth the top of the batter.
- Bake the brownies for 50 minutes or until they have risen and a paper-thin crust has formed atop the brownies. The brownies are finished baking when a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Rose
I love chewy brownies! For me walnuts are a must. Do I need ot alter this recipe to add nut? TY
Allison Ferraro
Hi Rose! Nuts would be delicious and no changes to the recipe are needed! Simply fold chopped nuts into the batter as the last step before baking (being careful not to over mix or deflate your batter). Happy baking!
- Allison
Mei
Hjj oh how would I make this in a 9x13 pan?:)
Allison Ferraro
Hi Mei! This recipe can be easily doubled and baked in a 9x13 pan. Note that the brownies may need an extra couple minutes of baking time, since a double recipe will yield slightly thicker brownies in a 9x13 pan compared to a single recipe in an 8x8 pan.
- Allison
Tish B.
These were delicious! I used unsweetened baking chocolate because I don’t like overly sweet desserts and it turned out perfectly balanced, rich without being too decadent and held together beautifully. Definitely using this recipe as a base for my brownies from now on.
Ean
Hi, are these goeey fudgy type or more fudgy dry thick type of brownies? I've had no luck with meted chocolate and would always end up with too moist/chocolate truffle like pieces of brownies. I've been looking for a recipe for a brownie that would be quite solid when cooled and would have that "bite". Thank!
Allison Ferraro
Hi Ean! I can best describe these brownies as fudgy and chewy. They are not gooey (I think I know what you mean, when brownies are too moist and seem to be almost raw in the middle), but I would not use the word dry to describe the texture, either. These brownies are moist and fudgy without being too moist, and they definitely have a nice, chewy bite. I think that this recipe could be what you're looking for, and I'd love to hear what you think if you give it a try. Happy baking!
- Allison
Rayanna
These brownies turned out great.They had a chewy center and crispy exterior. My mom let me make them for her and she is nine months pregnant and she absolutely loved them.She said these were the best brownies ever.
Allison
Thank you so much for your review, Rayanna! I'm so glad that you and your mom loved these brownies! I was pregnant with my daughter when I first made this recipe, so I know how perfect they are for satisfying those pregnancy cravings. 😉
- Allison
Arwa
Hi is it okay if we dont add corn starch and vanilla extract?
Allison Ferraro
Hi Arwa! Cornstarch adds chewiness to the brownies while vanilla adds flavor. I have not tested this recipe without those two ingredients, but I imagine they will still be delicious without them, though they will be less chewy and will have a less well-rounded chocolate flavor.
- Allison
Adam
These turned out great. Have the ingredients at room temperature, makes a great crisp topping with a chewy center. Thanks
Allison
Thank you so much for your review, Adam! I love the texture of these brownies, too, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
- Allison
GM
This are horrible. Will never make again.
Allison
I'm sorry this recipe didn't turn out for you. I'd be happy to help you trouble shoot what may have gone wrong... just shoot me an email at [email protected].
- Allison
Lu
Can this recipe be doubled for a 13x9 baking pan??. I read the review from someone saying these are horrible. Did she say why? I'm willing to try.
Allison
Hi Lu! Yes, this recipe can certainly be doubled and baked in a 9x13 pan. The brownies will likely be a bit thicker and will need a longer bake time, but I recommend checking them after 50 minutes as the recipe states and then continuing to check every 5 minutes or so until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out with just a few moist crumbs. I did not receive any more info from the other commenter, but I can promise this is my current favorite brownie recipe and was a huge hit with my family!
- Allison
sandra
Maybe I can help, these were fantastic. I baked them in a stone 9.5x9.5 dish.Do not over stir and I also added about 1/4 chocolate chips to the batter,
Allison
Thank you, Sandra! So glad to hear you loved these brownies!