Easy Homemade Brownies: The Ultimate Recipe

Okay, flavor adventurers, get ready to lose your minds because I’m about to drop the best brownie recipe you’ve EVER tasted! Forget those boring, dry excuses for chocolate squares – we’re diving headfirst into fudgy, chewy, chocolatey heaven.

I’m talking homemade brownies so good, they’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about dessert. Seriously, the first time I nailed this recipe, I may or may not have eaten half the pan standing over the counter with a fork. No shame.

This homemade brownie recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: unapologetically bold flavor, easy techniques that anyone can master, and results that are guaranteed to bring the house down. So ditch the box mix and let’s get ready to bake some serious magic! Trust me, this will quickly become your best brownie recipe!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This

This Homemade Brownies ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Don’t skimp on the butter, amigos! It’s the key to that rich, decadent flavor. Use European-style butter for an even richer flavor.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar: Sugar is the unsung hero of fudgy texture.
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The secret to epic Homemade Brownies is using high-quality cocoa powder. Splurge on the good stuff. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Homemade Brownies at your local specialty store.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the Homemade Brownies a slight lift and keeps them from being too dense.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is a must for that classic brownie aroma.
  • 4 large eggs: Adds richness and structure to the Homemade Brownies.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure for the Homemade Brownies.
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional): Because why not add even MORE chocolate? Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are both fantastic.
  • Sea salt flakes (optional): A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a touch of salty-sweet complexity.

Here’s the Homemade Brownies game-changer that will blow your mind: use browned butter. Seriously, browning the butter takes these brownies to another level.

Ingredients for perfect Homemade Brownies, including butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get baking! Don’t stress – your Homemade Brownies are going to be incredible. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for triple chocolate brownies!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the Homemade Brownies out of the pan after baking. Pro tip for Homemade Brownies perfection: use binder clips to secure the parchment paper to the pan so it doesn’t move around while you’re pouring in the batter.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Here’s where most people mess up their Homemade Brownies – but not you! Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it will cook the eggs when you add them.
  3. Add the cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Your Homemade Brownies batter should look thick and fudgy at this point.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract. This is where your Homemade Brownies transforms into pure magic.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This is crucial for creating that perfect fudgy texture.
  6. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough Homemade Brownies. The batter should be thick and glossy. In my kitchen, this Homemade Brownies takes exactly 2 minutes of mixing to reach the perfect consistency.
  7. Fold in the chocolate chips (if using). Now is the time to get creative with your chocolate brownies recipe – add nuts, peanut butter chips, or whatever your heart desires!
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remember, we want fudgy Homemade Brownies, not dry cake! Your Homemade Brownies should look set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
  10. Let the Homemade Brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Trust me, this is the hardest part! Once cool, lift the Homemade Brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares. While your Homemade Brownies is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

PRESENTATION

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Homemade Brownies at potlucks! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out these best ever chewy Homemade Brownies.

  • Classic squares: Cut the Homemade Brownies into neat squares and arrange them on a platter. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes adds a touch of elegance.
  • Ice cream sundae: Top a warm Homemade Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and whipped cream.
  • Brownie parfait: Layer crumbled Homemade Brownies with yogurt, berries, and granola in a glass for a delicious and easy dessert.
  • Gourmet plating: Place a Homemade Brownies square in the center of a plate, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of mint. This Homemade Brownies absolutely slays at dinner parties!

Leftovers? What leftovers? But seriously, if you somehow manage to have any Homemade Brownies left over, here are a few ideas:

  • Brownie truffles: Crumble the Homemade Brownies, mix with cream cheese, and roll into balls. Dip in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
  • Brownie bread pudding: Use leftover Homemade Brownies in your favorite bread pudding recipe for a chocolatey twist.

This easy brownies from scratch is amazing any time of year, but I love adding seasonal twists!

  • Fall: Add pumpkin puree and spices to the batter for pumpkin spice Homemade Brownies.
  • Winter: Peppermint extract and crushed candy canes make festive holiday Homemade Brownies.
  • Spring: Lemon zest and a drizzle of lemon glaze add a bright, citrusy flavor to the Homemade Brownies.
  • Summer: Top the Homemade Brownies with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing treat.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Let’s tackle some common Homemade Brownies challenges. If you’re in a time crunch, these best fudgy Homemade Brownies are the perfect solution.

  • Can I make this Homemade Brownies spicier?
    • ¡Absolutamente! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a kick. I also love adding a swirl of dulce de leche with a pinch of chili flakes on top!
  • What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
    • You can substitute unsweetened chocolate, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of butter and sugar accordingly. Add melted chocolate equal to the amount of cocoa powder then, reduce the butter by 1/4 cup and the sugar by 1/4 cup.
  • How do I know when my Homemade Brownies is perfectly done?
    • A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs. Remember, we’re aiming for fudgy, not dry! It is best to slightly underbake for extra fudge!
  • Can I make this Homemade Brownies gluten-free?
    • Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum.
  • Can I freeze Homemade Brownies?
    • Yes! Wrap the Homemade Brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • What if my Homemade Brownies are too cakey?
    • You probably overmixed the batter. Be careful not to overmix when adding the flour. Also, make sure you’re not using too much baking powder.
  • How can I make my Homemade Brownies more fudgy?
    • Use more butter and less flour. Also, slightly underbake the Homemade Brownies.

CONCLUSION

This homemade brownie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and simple pleasures. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, creating sweet memories along the way. If you want to keep it easy, try these easy brownies from scratch!

My Homemade Brownies Power Tips:

  • Brown the butter: It adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that takes these Homemade Brownies to another level.
  • Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough Homemade Brownies.
  • Underbake slightly: This ensures that the Homemade Brownies stay fudgy and moist.

I’ve created so many variations of this homemade brownie recipe over the years, and they all get rave reviews! Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Peanut butter swirl: Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking for a classic flavor combination.
  • Salted caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked Homemade Brownies for a decadent treat.
  • Espresso: Add a shot of espresso to the batter for a coffee-infused Homemade Brownies.

The peanut butter swirl version always gets the biggest reactions!I have total confidence that you’ll create the best brownie recipe ever! This chocolate brownies recipe is a great place to start. These Homemade Brownies are a twist on a classic!

Now go forth and bake some magic! Don’t forget to share your Homemade Brownies creations with me on social media. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Now that you have a great recipe for chewy brownies get creative and experiment with toppings and mix-ins.

And remember to save this recipe, because with just a few simple ingredients you can create the best brownie recipe ever! These easy brownies from scratch are sure to become a family favorite, so get baking today!

Freshly baked Homemade Brownies cooling on a wire rack, tempting and delicious.
Print

Homemade Brownies

Irresistible Homemade Brownies Fresh from the Oven

Indulge in these rich and fudgy homemade brownies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This classic recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Gradually add flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Stir in chocolate chips, if desired.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For extra fudgy brownies, underbake them slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

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