If you’re craving something rich, fudgy, and unbelievably easy to whip up, you’re going to adore this One Bowl Brownies Recipe. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves baking but hates the mess and complication of multiple bowls and steps. Imagine a luscious, chocolate-packed treat made with the simplest ingredients, mixed all in one bowl, and baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a last-minute dessert, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of gooey, chewy, and chocolatey every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this recipe proves that simple is often better. Each component plays a special role, adding to the fudgy texture, rich flavor, and perfect crumb that brownies are all about.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides the luscious fat needed for fudgy brownies and that incredible silky texture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping create a tender crumb with a slight crisp on top.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings intense chocolate flavor and a deep, rich color to the brownies.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for that perfect fudgy bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to hold everything together without making the brownies cakey.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): Extra bursts of melted chocolate inside the brownies that make each bite even more decadent.
How to Make One Bowl Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil with an overhang on the sides. This little step makes it so much easier to lift the brownies straight out after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Dry Ingredients
Melt the butter directly in a large mixing bowl or on the stove before adding sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract right into the same bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth — this combination is the foundation of your rich, chocolatey brownie flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs One By One
Beat in the eggs one at a time to the bowl, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual mixing helps create an even, glossy batter that leads to fudgy brownies every time.
Step 4: Add Flour and Optional Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in the flour until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; the batter should be thick but not dry. If you love an extra hint of melty chocolate, fold in chocolate chips at this stage. It’s the little indulgence that makes these brownies extra special.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs — this ensures your brownies stay fudgy and not overbaked.
Step 6: Cooling and Slicing
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares. This cooling time helps them set and makes slicing tidier and easier.
How to Serve One Bowl Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
While these brownies are delicious all on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce takes them to another level. For a touch of freshness, a handful of berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the dense chocolate flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies alongside a generous glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or espresso for a satisfying treat. If you want to be a bit fancy, whipped cream or a scoop of homemade ice cream makes the experience feel like a decadent dessert outing at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your One Bowl Brownies Recipe into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party or gift. Stack a few with cream cheese frosting for a quick brownie cake, or layer broken brownie chunks with whipped cream and berries in a glass to create an irresistible brownie parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fudgy without drying out, perfect for snacking whenever a chocolate craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep brownies longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy homemade brownies anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen brownies, simply thaw them at room temperature. For a warm, freshly baked texture, microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them briefly in the oven at a low temperature. This warms up the chocolate and restores that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter in the One Bowl Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute for butter, but keep in mind it might slightly change the texture and flavor. Butter gives the best classic fudgy taste because of its rich dairy fat.
Why should I melt the butter first?
Melting the butter helps everything combine smoothly in just one bowl and makes mixing sugar and cocoa powder easier, resulting in brownies with a shiny crust and chewy interior.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even chopped dried fruit can be folded in along with the chocolate chips to add texture and flavor that’s uniquely yours.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The best test is with a toothpick — it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking will dry out the brownies, so check a few minutes before time is up to avoid this.
Is it important to use parchment paper?
Parchment or foil lining isn’t strictly necessary but highly recommended. It makes removing brownies from the pan much easier and keeps your edges intact when slicing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, utterly delicious treat that feels like a little hug in every bite, this One Bowl Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. Easy to make, incredibly rich, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. So, grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake something special!
Print
One Bowl Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and fudgy one bowl brownies made effortlessly by combining simple ingredients into a rich chocolate batter, baked to perfection for a moist and tender treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies.
- Melt Butter and Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the batter, mixing well after adding each egg to ensure a smooth texture.
- Mix in Flour and Optional Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour just until combined to avoid overmixing, then fold in chocolate chips if using, for extra chocolatey bites.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake by removing them a minute or two before the toothpick test.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to make removing the brownies easier and cleaner.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add extra richness and texture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- To enhance flavor, you can add a pinch of espresso powder or swap some of the granulated sugar for brown sugar.
