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How to Make Decadent Brownies with a Fudgy Center

How to Make Decadent Brownies with a Fudgy Center

Making fudgy brownies with a rich, gooey center is easier than you think. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a decadent dessert that everyone will love. Experiment with variations and enjoy these indulgent treats whenever you crave something sweet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

  • 10 tablespoons 145g unsalted butter
  • 1 ¼ cups 250g granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons 75g unsweetened cocoa powder, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 large cold eggs
  • 1/2 cup 65g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2/3 cup 80g chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Position an oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges to make removing the brownies easier once baked.
  • Add the butter to a medium saucepan and place it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted, then turn off the heat. Be sure to stay close and avoid letting the butter brown.
  • While the butter is still hot, stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Don’t worry if the batter appears gritty—once the eggs are added, it will smooth out.
  • Let the saucepan cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is warm but not hot. You can check the temperature by touching the batter—it should feel comfortable to the touch, not hot.
  • Add the cold eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition.
  • Once the batter is thick and well mixed, add the flour. Using a spoon, beat the flour into the batter until it becomes very thick and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. This will take about 40 to 50 strokes with a wooden spoon or spatula (see the video for reference).
  • If desired, stir in the nuts or chocolate chips.
  • Spread the thick batter evenly in the prepared pan. It may be difficult to spread because of its thickness, but do your best to push the batter to the edges and level the top.
  • Bake the brownies for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the edges look dry and the center is slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a bit of moist batter. As the brownies cool, they will firm up but remain moist and fudgy in the center.
  • Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing them (this step is crucial for the brownies to set properly). Cut them into 16 squares. For cleaner edges, use a chef’s knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For perfect edges, chill the brownies in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Storing Homemade Brownies:
Store your baked brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge, where they will keep for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze brownies for up to 3 months! I prefer wrapping them individually, making it easy to grab one or two from the freezer whenever I want a treat.
Baking Pan:
We recommend using a metal 8-inch square pan. If you're using a ceramic or glass pan, be aware that it may affect the baking time. Check for doneness about 5 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests, and continue to check every 5 minutes after that. If you're using a 9-inch by 13-inch pan, simply double the recipe; the brownies will be a bit thicker.
Cocoa Powder:
For a mild, Oreo-like flavor, try using Dutch-process cocoa powder. If you prefer a richer, darker chocolate taste, go for natural cocoa powder such as Ghirardelli or Guittard.
Measuring Flour and Cocoa Powder:
For accurate measurements, either weigh your flour and cocoa powder or use the “spoon and level” method. First, fluff the flour or cocoa, spoon it into your measuring cup, and then level it off with a flat edge. You can watch our video for a demonstration of the technique.
Longer Bake Time:
These brownies typically take 20 to 25 minutes to bake in our oven. However, since ovens vary, use the tips provided in the recipe to check for doneness. Remember that brownies continue to cook and firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if the center is slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven