Easy One-Bowl Fudge Brownies

Welcome to the only brownie recipe you’ll ever need! My One Bowl Fudge Brownies are a testament to simplicity and indulgence, offering an irresistible chocolate experience that far surpasses any store-bought mix. Prepare to fall in love with these easy, gooey, and utterly delicious homemade brownies.

A large white round rimmed serving plate with four dark, rich fudge brownies stacked and ready to be enjoyed.

Discover Your Ultimate Go-To Brownie Recipe

Every home baker deserves a reliable, quick, and incredibly easy fudge brownie recipe that consistently delivers show-stopping results. If you haven’t yet found that cherished recipe that wows everyone and satisfies your deepest chocolate cravings, then these One Bowl Fudge Brownies are about to change your life. Forget about those mediocre boxed mixes; once you taste the rich, dense, and perfectly fudgy texture of these homemade delights, you’ll never look back. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its exceptional flavor, but also in its unparalleled simplicity. Everything comes together effortlessly in a single bowl, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply when a sudden chocolate craving strikes.

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these brownies bake – a scent more comforting and inviting than any store-bought alternative could ever achieve. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve a gourmet-level brownie without any fuss. It’s about creating moments of pure joy, easily and deliciously. Trust us, these brownies are so much better than any brownie mix you will ever try, offering a depth of flavor and a texture that only true homemade goodness can provide.

A wire rack with parchment paper holding three freshly baked One Bowl Fudge Brownies, stacked artfully.

Indulge in Incredibly Delicious Homemade Brownies

There’s nothing quite like the experience of warm, gooey, fudgy brownies fresh from the oven. This recipe makes that indulgence incredibly accessible. Picture this: a quiet morning, a sudden craving, and within minutes, you’ve mixed up a batch of brownie batter. Pop it into the oven, and in less than an hour, your kitchen is filled with the most tantalizing chocolate aroma, signaling that a blissful treat is ready. The wait for these brownies to cool can be excruciating, but a little patience yields perfectly set, sliceable squares of heaven. If you’re like most of us, you’ll be tempted to dig in right away, and honestly, who could blame you? That warm, molten chocolate experience is hard to resist!

However, for the best slicing and serving experience, we do recommend allowing them to cool for at least 10-15 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the brownies set just enough to be cut into neat squares, while still retaining that irresistible warmth and gooey center. But if you simply can’t wait, a warm fudgy brownie straight out of the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is an unparalleled delight. These brownies are not just delicious; they’re an experience, a simple pleasure that reminds us of the magic of homemade treats.

Nine perfectly baked fudge brownies cooling on a parchment-lined wire rack, one with a tempting bite taken out.

The process is incredibly straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You simply combine all the ingredients in one bowl, achieving a smooth, rich batter. This batter is then spread evenly into your prepared baking dish, ready for its transformation in the oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. The secret to truly fudgy brownies, as opposed to cakey ones, lies in not overbaking them. Look for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. This indicates they are perfectly done, ensuring that irresistible gooey texture you crave. And just like that, you’ll have a batch of decadent fudge brownies ready to be savored.

A 9x13 inch glass baking dish filled with eight freshly baked and expertly sliced fudge brownies.

Explore More Irresistible Brownies and Bars

If you’ve fallen in love with these One Bowl Fudge Brownies, get ready to dive into a world of other delectable brownie and bar creations. Each recipe is crafted to bring joy and satisfy your sweet tooth with unique flavor combinations and textures. Here are some more of our favorites that we’re sure you’ll adore:

  • 5-Ingredient Flourless Brownie Bites: Indulge in all the rich, fudgy goodness without the gluten! These bites are a guilt-free pleasure, especially when sprinkled with flaky sea salt for a truly decadent, two-bite treat that’s both gluten-free and fabulous.
  • Chocolate Peanut Butterscotch Bars: Prepare for a symphony of flavors! These bars are super chewy, boasting a rich butterscotch essence perfectly complemented by a hint of peanut butter and creamy chocolate in every single bite.
  • Touchdown Brownies: Score big with these gameday winners! Loaded with winning players like gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and salty pretzels, this brownie recipe is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any celebration.
  • Peanut Butter Brownies: For the ultimate peanut butter lover, these rich and chewy brownies put the star ingredient front and center. Easy to bake, they pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk or a generous scoop of ice cream.
  • Cookie Dough Frosted Fudge Brownies: Elevate your brownie game with these outrageous creations! Rich fudge brownies are topped with a dreamy chocolate chip cookie dough frosting for an unforgettable eating experience that’s truly decadent.
  • Butterscotch Blondies: Experience pure butterscotch bliss with these decadent and delicious blondies! They’re incredibly easy to bake, taking just 30 minutes from start to a warm, comforting indulgence.
  • Easy Fudge Brownie Bites: So easy, so fudgy, and gone in two heavenly bites! These are way better than any store-bought bites and ready in under 30 minutes. What’s not to absolutely love about these perfect little treats?

Essential Ingredients & Supplies for One Bowl Fudge Brownies

Crafting the perfect One Bowl Fudge Brownies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Quality matters, and each component contributes to that ultimate fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it’s important:

Key Ingredients for Rich Fudgy Brownies:

  • Unsalted butter: This is the foundation of our brownies, providing crucial richness, deep moisture, and helping to achieve that desired fudgy texture. Melting it with chocolate creates a smooth, luxurious base for the batter. While you can substitute with salted butter, remember to reduce the added salt slightly to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are essential for delivering a deep, authentic chocolate flavor and contributing significantly to the fudgy chewiness. Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter brownie or dark chocolate chips for an intense, sophisticated flavor, depending on your preference.
  • Granulated sugar: Beyond just sweetening, sugar plays a vital role in the texture of your brownies. When beaten with the eggs, it helps create that characteristic shiny, crackly top that is the hallmark of a perfect brownie. Substituting with brown sugar will yield an even moister and slightly chewier brownie, adding another layer of complexity.
  • Large eggs: Eggs are the binding agents, holding all the ingredients together and providing essential structure. They also contribute to the richness and density of the brownie. Crucially, when beaten with the sugar, they are key to achieving that beautiful, shiny, crackled crust on top.
  • Vanilla extract: A splash of good quality vanilla extract is more than just a flavor; it enhances the chocolate notes, adding warmth and depth that elevate the overall taste profile of the brownies. Don’t skip this essential flavor booster!
  • All-purpose flour: Flour provides the necessary structure to keep the brownies from being overly gooey or falling apart. It balances the wet ingredients, ensuring your brownies have the right chew without being too dense.
  • Kosher salt: A crucial but often underestimated ingredient, salt balances the sweetness of the sugar and sharpens the overall chocolate flavor, making it more pronounced and enjoyable. If using table salt, use slightly less as it is finer and more potent. For an elegant finish and a delightful textural contrast, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before or after baking is highly recommended.
  • Baking powder: This leavening agent provides a slight lift, preventing the brownies from becoming too heavy or brick-like. It contributes to the tender crumb without making them cakey.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: To truly boost the chocolate intensity without adding extra sweetness, unsweetened cocoa powder is a must. It complements and balances the melted chocolate, creating a deeper, more complex chocolate flavor profile.

Essential Baking Supplies:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish: The ideal size for a generous batch of these fudgy delights.
  • Microwave-safe mixing bowl: The “one bowl” hero of this recipe, perfect for melting and mixing.
  • Whisk: For smooth, lump-free batter.
  • Non-stick cooking spray: Ensures your brownies release cleanly from the pan.
All the pre-measured ingredients for homemade fudge brownies neatly arranged in small glass dishes on a pristine white marble counter, ready for mixing.

Effortless Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make One Bowl Fudge Brownies

Making these decadent One Bowl Fudge Brownies is a truly enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to create your perfect batch:

  • Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your brownies won’t stick and can be easily removed and sliced later. Set the prepared dish aside.
  • Melt the Chocolate Base: In your chosen large, microwave-safe mixing bowl (the “one bowl” marvel!), combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This forms the rich, foundational layer of your brownies.
  • Achieve Smoothness: Heat the butter and chocolate chips in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes. Make sure to stir the mixture every 30 seconds to prevent burning and ensure even melting. Continue until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove the bowl from the microwave and set it aside momentarily.
  • Incorporate Wet Ingredients: To the warm chocolate mixture, stir in the granulated sugar. The warmth of the chocolate helps the sugar dissolve slightly, contributing to that desirable crackly top. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sequential addition of eggs helps create a homogenous batter. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring its aromatic essence is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
A visual step-by-step guide showing the process of mixing fudge brownie batter in a single glass bowl, highlighting the smooth consistency.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry components. Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder directly into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently stir until all the dry ingredients are just well incorporated into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tougher, less fudgy brownies. A few streaks of flour are better than an overmixed batter.
  • Prepare for Baking: Once your batter is perfectly mixed, spread it evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to ensure the batter reaches all corners and is smooth on top, which helps with even baking.
  • Bake to Perfection (The Fudgy Secret!): Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The key to achieving truly fudgy brownies instead of cakey ones is to avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness around the 28-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not completely clean (which indicates overbaking) and not coated in wet batter (which means it needs more time). Pulling them out at this precise moment allows them to finish setting as they cool, locking in that desirable gooey texture.
  • Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them set in the baking dish for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and enjoying. This cooling period is crucial for the brownies to firm up slightly, making them easier to cut into clean squares and allowing the fudgy center to fully develop.
A two-part visual guide detailing the final steps of making one bowl brownies, from spreading batter to the finished baked product.

Storing Your Delicious One Bowl Fudge Brownies

Ensuring your brownies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible is simple with these storage tips. Proper storage helps maintain their irresistible fudgy texture and rich flavor.

To Store Leftover Brownies: For short-term storage, place any leftover brownies in an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fresh on your counter for up to 4 days. If you prefer a slightly firmer brownie or need to extend their life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. When retrieving them from the fridge, we suggest letting them come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving to restore their optimal texture and flavor. For a quick warm-up, individual brownies can also be heated in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

To Freeze for Long-Term Enjoyment: Brownies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or saving for a future craving. To freeze, we recommend wrapping each brownie individually in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab just one or two at a time. Once wrapped, place the individually portioned brownies in a large freezer-safe container or in individual freezer-safe baggies. Stored properly, they will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Defrost Frozen Brownies: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen treats, simply remove them from the freezer. Place them on a plate or wire rack, loosely covered, and allow them to set at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Covering them loosely helps prevent them from absorbing too much ambient moisture as they thaw, preserving their perfect texture. Once thawed, they’re ready to be enjoyed as if they were freshly baked!

A glass baking dish filled with a batch of One Bowl Fudge Brownies, neatly cut into perfect one-inch squares.

We are confident that these One Bowl Fudge Brownies will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. Their ease, combined with their utterly irresistible flavor and texture, makes them truly special. If you bake these fantastic brownies, we would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with us, or tag us on Instagram @thebakermama. It brings us so much joy to see how inspired and creative you get with the recipes we share. Happy baking, and enjoy every fudgy bite!

xoxo,


Print Recipe

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A large white round rimmed serving plate with four dark, rich fudge brownies stacked and ready to be enjoyed.

One Bowl Fudge Brownies


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author:
    Maegan – The BakerMama


  • Prep Time:
    10 mins


  • Cook Time:
    30 mins


  • Total Time:
    40 mins


  • Yield:
    12


  • Category:
    Dessert
Print Recipe

Description

These one-bowl fudge brownies are remarkably easy to make, utterly irresistible, and deliver a decadent chocolate experience far superior to any brownie mix you’ll ever bake at home!


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. Place the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from the microwave.
  3. Stir the granulated sugar into the warm chocolate mixture until well combined. Then, add the large eggs one at a time, stirring until smooth after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder to the bowl. Stir gently until all the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  5. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring it reaches all corners.
  6. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This indicates perfect fudginess. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a cakey texture.
  7. Let the brownies cool completely in the baking dish for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and enjoying for the best texture and clean cuts.

Notes

Tip for Perfect Fudgy Brownies: The ultimate secret to achieving that rich, fudgy texture in your brownies is to remove them from the oven at precisely the right moment. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs still attached, not completely clean. Those moist crumbs are your indicator that the brownies are perfectly cooked through but still retaining their gooey center. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool in the pan. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, it means you’ve likely overbaked them, resulting in a more cake-like consistency. Conversely, if the toothpick is still coated with wet batter, they need a little more time in the oven. Continue baking in short increments (2-3 minutes) and retest until you see just those perfect moist crumbs.

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