Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (2024)

By Kelley | Cookies, DessertsJump To Recipe

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Everyone needs a go to brownie recipe in their arsenal and this is mine. I give you my tried-and-true, go-to Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe!

Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (1)

There are two camps when it comes to brownies. Cake like brownies (with or without frosting) and it’s dense, rich and fudgy counterpart. Truth be told I’d probably eat just about any brownie you put in front of me because, well…brownies, duh! But if you forced me to choose, I’d go dark and fudgy every time. I think brownies should be dense- but not too dense and deep with dark, rich chocolate flavor that makes your mouth tingle. (That sounds gross, doesn’t it?)

Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (2)

I go way back with brownies as it’s one of the first recipes I remember making as a child and still love to make today. I have fond memories of my mom making brownies from a box when I was growing up and she’d always pick the same one that had the chocolate chips already in the mix and would come with a foil pouch of frosting you’d spread on top when they we’re cooled- triple chocolate lovers delight! At one point you could buy a 4-pack at Costco (trust me, I know all too well!) and all through college and into my first years of catering, these brownies were the ones I’d always make. The brand slips my mind right now but they came in a red box and they were the best from a package brownie I’ve ever had!

Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (3)

BUT when I had kids and made it a priority to cut out packaged foods and make things from scratch, I went on the hunt for the perfect brownie recipe. Many years later and umpteen recipes tried and manipulated, this recipe I give you today is the sum of all my homework. It was a tough job but someone has to be willing to eat all that butter and sugar! This has without a doubt become my go to brownie recipe and it never ever fails me.

Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (4)

In my world, these are the perfect brownies thanks to their super rich and almost dense like bite. Because I believe in all the chocolate, I sprinkle the top with a chopped up bar of quality dark chocolate. I often sprinkle a touch of seat salt on top too but honestly, these don’t need much. This is a great base recipe if I want to add peanut butter chips, sea salt and caramel, go gluten-free and everything in-between. Use your imagination and stir in whatever you like!

Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (5)

These are kid approved, tired mama approved, neighbor approved (I pass these out to say thank you or welcome to the neighborhood), and grandma approved too- my mom loves them! I never seem to cut the brownies evenly so with the leftover row that I inevitably end up with, I cut into bite size brownie bites and keep hidden in the freezer for my own personal consumption!

Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (6)

Hope everyone is having a *sweet* Valentines and as always, thanks for reading! xo, Kelley

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  • Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (7)Yield: 16 brownies 1x

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Description

The Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe!

Ingredients

  • 12 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3 oz good quality dark chocolate bar coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
  2. Generously butter or use cooking spray on a 9×9 square baking pan (or similar size) pan and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, When completely melted, remove from stove and stir in granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time until eggs are completely incorporated and mixture is smooth. Stir in the flour and salt just until combined.
  4. Pour brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle evenly with the chopped chocolate.
  5. Bake brownies in the preheated oven for 32-35 minutes or until done. (The brownies will fell firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the middle of the brownies will come out clean)
  6. Cool brownies on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes (best if you can wait longer) before cutting and serving.

Notes

This recipe works perfectly at any altitude!

36 Comments

Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (9)SandraPermalink

Thank you for this great recipe but at which stage do you add the flower to it?

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (10)KelleyPermalink

    If you read the recipe it will tell you to stir the flour in at the end.

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (11)BeckyPermalink

These were awesome! I have never been able to bake good brownies where I live at 8000ft elevation, and this recipe worked! They came out great- thanks!

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (12)KelleyPermalink

    I’ve made these bars with both. My husband prefers sweetened coconut, I prefer unsweetened for what it’s worth!

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (13)KrystynaPermalink

Loved these! So easy to make and they truly are fudgy. Never using a box mix again!

Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (14)DianePermalink

Instead of using 2/3 cups of cocoa powder, can I use solid cocoa bar melted (Baker’s 100% cocoa, unsweetened baking chocolate bar)? If so, how many 1 oz pieces should I use?

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Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (16)SusanPermalink

Hi, this is an awesome recipe. I’ve just moved to high altitude and have been humbled and reduced to tears by the altitude.

Does this recipe double or triple well? Do I need to make any changes?

I Love your your site. It has helped me acclimate to the high altitude without crying and breaking out into a sweat every time I walk into the kitchen.

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (17)KelleyPermalink

    I’m so glad you love the recipe! It easy doubles. I’ve done it plenty and bake the brownies in a 9×13. Thanks for the kind comment!!

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (18)dohaPermalink

These brownies aren’t actually that fudgy nor perfect. A bit too bitter and slightly cakey-ish. Only slightly, but they would probably taste better and be fudgier with melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder. But otherwise, they’re hassle free and good to make if you don’t want to dirty more than one bowl. I’d definitely make them if I was out of cooking chocolate and add a teaspoon of sugar.

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (19)KelleyPermalink

    The beautiful thing about a recipe is that you’re able to make it your own by tweaking a little. Feel free to add a little extra sugar if you don’t find them sweet enough!

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (20)Nancy FranPermalink

Kelley,
These WERE delicious! I used dark cocoa & a chopped dark chocolate bar with almonds on the top. I sprinkled the chopped chocolate on top of them an hour after taking them out of the oven. Perfect for altitude of 5,500!
Thank you!

Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (21)KlaudiaPermalink

Thank you these were great!

Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (22)KimPermalink

Hoping to try these as written this coming week! If it goes well, I was going to add salted caramel to it. How would you recommend I do that? Swirl it in? Add it as a layer to the middle? Other ideas?

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (23)KelleyPermalink

    I’d swirl the caramel in! YUM!!

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (24)StephaniePermalink

I loved this recipe when I made it at 6,500 ft. I am not at sea level. What changes do you recommend?

Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (25)Rachel BerubePermalink

This is the best brownie recipe EVER! I made these on Christmas in addition to the traditional pumpkin pie and they were awesome! I live at 6008ft and baking can be a challege. Thank you!!

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (26)KelleyPermalink

    Yay! So glad you enjoyed them. Happy holidays!

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (27)Noelle TPermalink

Just out of the oven…these are not only the best brownies I’ve ever made, but likely the best brownies I’ve ever eaten! All the brownies I’ve ever made in Denver have come out like the LaBrea tar pits….but these are heaven. Thank you!

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (28)Tessie MayPermalink

    This is encouraging, I am in Denver, Colorado USA too. Mine are going into the oven right now.

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (29)GeraldinePermalink

Hi Kelley,
Love your website!
I was wondering if it makes a difference to bake brownies in glass pyrex or ceramic pan to an aluminum non stick pan?

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (30)KelleyPermalink

    I feel like it’s so easy to overtake brownies (or anything for that matter) in a ceramic pan since they retain the heat for so long. My preference is a glass.

    Reply
      Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (31)GeraldinePermalink

      I made them in a glass pyrex baking dish like you suggested.
      PERFECT BROWNIES!!!
      They taste even better the next day.
      Thanks Kelley!

      Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (32)LollyPermalink

Amazing! I can now make really good brownies at 9650′ 🙂
Thank you so much for the recipe.

Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (33)DebbiePermalink

I substituted 9 tablespoons of cannabis-infused olive oil instead of butter. I didn’t have a chocolate bar, but I had cooking chocolate squares. I shredded 1 little square and mixed it into the batter. I also added 3/4 cup walnuts.

This tasted really good, but for me it was cake-like and that’s fine. It still is more cocoa tasting than the boxed kits! 🙂

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (34)KelleyPermalink

    Ha! Well do know that subbing olive oil for butter will change the consistency as butter has a little more liquid. Next time try decreasing the flour just a tad. And I’d encourage to use a chocolate bar as those cooking chocolate squares are unsweetened. Happy baking…..pun intended!

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (35)LinPermalink

Mine turned out like cake! What’s the deal? Any suggestions? I’m at just over 5,000’

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    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (36)KelleyPermalink

    Sounds like you added too much flour. It’s important to measure correctly. If measured incorrectly you can add up to 1/8th cup more flour than you actually need!

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (37)Kerry O'BrienPermalink

Sorry but this recipe did not work for me. I read and read recipe and I followed it except switching to stevia which should not have made a difference. I live at 7500. Baking recipes at high altitudes always have to be adjusted. I was really looking for a good homemade brownie too.

Reply
    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (38)KelleyPermalink

    This recipe is already modified for high altitude. What exactly didn’t turn out? I don’t cook/bake with stevia so can’t attest if that would change anything.

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (39)KerryPermalink

They were dry mainly. Just trying to figure out what went wrong.

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    Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (40)KelleyPermalink

    Perhaps you added too much flour? You’d be amazed at how much difference (over and under) flour can be if measured in correctly!

    Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (41)Wendy DiliviiPermalink

These are the first brownies I’ve made at altitude that I truly thought were good. I’ve lived in Denver for over 30 years and tried a dozen different recipes. This recipe is so quick and easy and everyone who tries them wants it. Every single recipe I’ve tried of yours has been absolutely fabulous. Thank you thank you thank you!

Reply
Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (42)HopePermalink

These brownies turned out beautifully! I was out of butter so I substituted sunflower oil and they were fine I also swirled peanut butter in them and it was a very nice touch to a lightly sweetened brownie. I use your recipes at 9000 ft and I’ve never had an issue! Thank you!

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Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (43)Barb DeWeesePermalink

I live at 5280,’ and have made many many box brownies. But I didn’t have one tonight, so I tried this recipe, made exactly as written. The brownies came out more cakelike than fudgy. I suspect it’s the 3 eggs

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Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (44)KellyPermalink

This recipe is SO good. Every time I make these brownies people ask for the recipe. They are truly the best brownies I’ve ever had. I do omit the chocolate on the top, but that’s just a personal preference. (I’m at ~5000ft)

Reply

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Perfect Fudgy Brownie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes a brownie more fudgy? ›

Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio than cakey ones. So add more fat—in this case, butter and chocolate. A cakey batch has more flour and relies on baking powder for leavening. The amount of sugar and eggs does not change whether you're going fudgy or cakey.

How do you keep brownies fudgy? ›

The best option is to wrap each brownie in an airtight wrapping such as plastic wrap. Wrapped brownies can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator and should be consumed within 1-2 days before they become dry and stale.

Why didn't my brownies come out fudgy? ›

If you've ended up with cakey brownies and wanted fudgy you've probably used too much flour. It is difficult to play around with flour levels in brownies and cake recipes so if you're going to innovate then be prepared for several batches that may not result in perfect brownies.

How do I know when my fudgy brownies are done? ›

To test for doneness with a toothpick, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies and pull it back out. For fudgy brownies, you'll want to see some moist crumbs attached to the toothpick when you pull it back out. If it looks like it's covered in brownie batter, the brownies will need to bake a bit longer.

What is the difference between fudgy and chewy brownies? ›

Fudgy brownies are moist, dense and gooey, with almost the texture of fudge, but not quite as compact. Chewy brownies are dense (like fudgy brownies), but have a little more “bite” to them or elastic texture when you chew them.

How do you make brownies more chewy? ›

While butter is the only fat used in fudgy and cakey brownies, chewy brownies benefit from the addition of canola oil (which is also why this version may remind you of the boxed mixes). The addition of brown sugar is also crucial, because it speeds gluten formation, resulting in a chewier texture.

Should fudgy brownies be refrigerated? ›

Do Brownies Need to Be Refrigerated? Brownies don't need to be refrigerated, but they'll hold up a few more days if they are. Unless your brownies include more perishable ingredients like fresh fruit or cream cheese frosting, they'll be fine at room temperature as long as they're stored in an airtight container.

Why do my brownies always turn out gooey? ›

Problem 2: My brownies are too GOOEY

If you think about it, the ingredients that create that fudgy texture - the chocolate and butter - are completely liquid when hot, but solid at room temperature. We would never attempt to slice a brownie less than 2-3 hours after baking - it'll be a gooey mess.

What does adding an extra egg to brownie mix do? ›

They give brownies a lighter, drier, and more cake-like texture. If you prefer this over the chewy variety, then go ahead and crack in that additional egg. On the other hand, too many eggs will yield brownies that are hard, heavy, and tough.

Should you chill brownie batter before baking? ›

In addition to keeping your brownie mix fresh, refrigerating brownie batter can also help boost the overall texture and flavor of the treat. Refrigerating helps improve the gloss and crustiness of brownies while simultaneously blending the flavors—the result? — brownie that tastes much richer and chewier.

What happens if you add too much flour to brownies? ›

Tips for the Best Homemade Brownies. Always, always weigh and sift your cocoa powder along with the flour. If you accidentally add to much flour or cocoa powder to your batter, the outcome could be dry or dense. Use a quality dark chocolate baking bar, roughly chopped into chunks.

Are my brownies fudgy or undercooked? ›

Place a toothpick into the brownie halfway between edge and center. A toothpick covered in brownie batter means a wet batter and will need to bake a bit longer. Moist crumbs on the toothpick means the middle of the pan is still gooey.

What is the best temperature to bake brownies? ›

Most recipes call for baking brownies at 350°. If a fudgy inside and crackly top is your goal, stick with that temperature. Brownies baked at 325° will take longer to bake and will become chewier in texture.

Can brownies be too gooey? ›

The brownies can be slightly gooey in the centre when you remove them from the oven as they will continue to cook slightly as they stand and as they cool they will become firmer but have a fudgy texture.

How to make box brownies extra chewy? ›

To make box brownies moist and chewy, here are a few tips you can try:
  1. **Don't Overmix:** When preparing the brownie batter, mix until just combined. ...
  2. **Add Extra Moisture:** Incorporate ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or applesauce into the batter.
Apr 18, 2022

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