Introduction
Making these brownies doesn’t require a long shopping list or special tools. First, most of the ingredients are already in your pantry, which makes this easy brownie recipe simple and affordable. Additionally, it takes just one bowl to mix, so cleanup is quick and easy. For inspiration, check out our pumpkin chocolate brownies for a seasonal twist. Overall, here’s everything you need to create rich, fudgy brownies with a crackly top using this easy brownie recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Bowl Cleanup: Mix everything in one bowl. Less cleanup means more time to enjoy brownies.
- Better Than Box Mix: Homemade flavor and texture for under $4 per batch.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even peanut butter swirls.
- Quick Bake: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Foolproof: Melted butter and cocoa powder create a fudgy texture with a glossy top.
Easy Brownie Recipe (2025)
This easy brownie recipe uses one bowl and simple pantry ingredients to create rich, fudgy brownies with a glossy top—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup add-ins (chocolate chips, walnuts, etc.)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment or grease lightly.
2. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl; cool slightly.
3. Whisk sugar into melted butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Whisk cocoa, flour, and salt together; fold into wet mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts.
6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake 20–25 minutes until a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
7. Cool 15 minutes, slice, and serve.
Notes
For a richer taste, use Dutch-process cocoa. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Ingredients You Need
Making these brownies doesn’t require a long shopping list or special tools. First, most of the ingredients are already in your pantry, which makes this easy brownie recipe simple and affordable. Additionally, it takes just one bowl to mix, so cleanup is quick and easy. For inspiration, you can also check out our pumpkin chocolate brownies for a seasonal twist. Finally, here’s everything you need to create rich, fudgy brownies with a crackly top.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup butter or oil | Adds richness and creates a moist, fudgy texture |
| 1 cup sugar | Sweetens and gives brownies their signature glossy top |
| 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder | Delivers deep chocolate flavor. Use Dutch-process for extra richness |
| 2 large eggs | Binds ingredients and adds chewiness |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | Enhances chocolate flavor with warm notes |
| 1/4 cup all-purpose flour | Provides structure while keeping brownies soft |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt | Balances sweetness and boosts chocolate flavor |
| 1/2 cup add-ins (chocolate chips, walnuts, etc.) | Adds texture and flavor. Try dark chocolate chips or seasonal mix-ins |
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with melted coconut oil or plant-based butter.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour with a one-to-one gluten-free blend.
- Nut-Free: Skip nuts or use chocolate chunks instead.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of espresso powder for a stronger chocolate punch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Heat the oven and prep the pan
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment or grease lightly so brownies lift out easily.
Step 2: Melt and cool the butter
Place ½ cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm it in short bursts until liquid. Stir briefly, then let it cool to prevent scrambling the eggs later.
Step 3: Combine sugar and eggs
Add sugar to the slightly cooled butter and whisk until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, blending after each, before folding in the vanilla for rich flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the dry ingredients
Whisk cocoa, flour, and salt in a separate bowl, then gently fold them into the batter. Gently fold until no streaks remain, keeping the batter tender.
Step 5: Add optional extras
Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, or seasonal flavors like those in our pumpkin chocolate brownies. Mix just enough to distribute evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Even out the batter in the pan and position it on the middle rack for consistent baking. Bake 20–25 minutes. Check with a toothpick—moist crumbs mean they’re perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and cut
Rest the brownies for 15 minutes to set. Slice with a sharp knife and enjoy, or store for later.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Brownies
- Use premium cocoa: Dutch-process cocoa delivers a rich color and smoother chocolate taste compared to standard cocoa powder.
- Stir only until the dry ingredients disappear. Too much mixing can make brownies dense and rubbery instead of tender.
- Check early for doneness: Test five minutes before the timer ends; if a toothpick has moist crumbs, they’re done.
- Let the brownies rest before slicing so they firm up and hold their shape better. Slice with a warm, clean knife to avoid crumbs and get sharp edges.
- Boost the flavor: Add a dash of espresso powder for bolder chocolate, or fold in nuts, similar to our pumpkin chocolate brownies, for texture and crunch.
Cost Breakdown (Better Than Box Mix)
Making brownies from scratch is not only tastier but also cost-effective:
- Butter or oil: $0.80
- Sugar: $0.40
- Cocoa powder: $1.00
- Flour, eggs, and salt: $0.70
- Optional add-ins: $0.50
Total cost: $3.40 per batch, compared to around $4.99 for boxed mixes. As a result, you spend less and still enjoy a fresher, richer taste.
Storage & Freezing
- Keep brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for as long as three days. This method keeps them soft and chewy without drying out.
- Chilled option: For a firmer bite, store brownies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Even so, bring them to room temperature first so the texture stays soft and pleasant.
- Freezer storage: Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Consequently, they stay fresh for up to three months. Allow them to thaw naturally on the counter or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Everyday treat: Pair brownies with cold milk or hot coffee for a simple dessert or snack.
- Party platter: Slice into small squares and arrange with fruit and cookies for a shareable dessert board. For inspiration, explore our baked ziti with chicken for a full meal pairing.
- Turn brownies into a sundae by adding vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate, and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Holiday twist: Serve with Costco stuffed peppers for a cozy family dinner and dessert combination.
FAQs About Easy Brownie Recipe
Use a single mixing bowl and everyday ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa, and flour. Melt the butter, whisk in the sugar and eggs, then gently blend the dry ingredients. Bake for roughly 20 minutes. With this simple approach, you’ll have warm, fudgy brownies and very little cleanup.
A 5-ingredient brownie recipe often calls for butter, sugar, cocoa, eggs, and flour. Because these items are common pantry staples, they’re easy to put together quickly. Add a pinch of salt or vanilla if you like more depth of flavor. Even without extras, the brownies come out rich and soft.
For 3-ingredient brownies, use Nutella (or another chocolate spread), eggs, and flour. Stir them together until smooth, spread into a pan, and bake until set. This method is quick, making chewy brownies in under half an hour—ideal for busy schedules.
The secret is gentle handling and perfect timing. Mix only until the ingredients combine, and pull them from the oven when a toothpick shows moist crumbs. Additionally, high-quality cocoa or chocolate enhances flavor, giving you brownies with a shiny top and fudgy bite.
2 thoughts on “Easy Brownie Recipe: One-Bowl Chocolate Treat”
Comments are closed.