Published March 22, 2023.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
These incredibly chocolate brownies are perfectly fudgy on the inside while having a crunchy outside crust for the ultimate dessert. Once you try these, I guarantee you will never make them any other way again.
Is there anything better than finishing off a meal with a tasty treat? If you agree, try my Ricotta CheesecakeorFrench Silk Pie.
Brownies
Brownies are a dense, fudgy, chewy bar that is a cross between cake and a cookie and is most commonly chocolate flavored. There are also other flavors of brownies, like blondies, and they are served in a myriad of ways, but most popularly with vanilla ice cream and caramel or chocolate sauce.
Brownies can also come in different textures depending on who is making them and eating them. I prefer a crispy outside and a soft, fudgy inside for maximum flavor and moistness. To do this requires it to be slightly undercooked but obviously still safe to eat. If you’ve never done it like this, I highly recommend trying it.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chocolate – I use a combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
- Sugar – Regular granulated sugar works perfectly.
- Flour – All-purpose flour is what you will need.
- Eggs – You can use cold or room-temperature large eggs.
- Butter – I always use unsalted butter in my cooking and baking so that I can control the salt content in my food.
- Baking Soda – This is used as a leavening agent for brownies.
- Vanilla – Some good vanilla extract is used for flavor.
- Salt – I always use coarse sea salt in cooking and baking unless specified.
How to Make Fudgy Brownies from Scratch
Place the chocolate in a large metal bowl, then place it over a pot ¼ filled with simmering water over low to medium heat.
Heat the chocolate until it is melted. Move it around using a rubber spatula.
While the chocolate is melting, whisk together the eggs and melted unsalted butter.
Next, add in the sugar, salt, and vanilla until combined. Make sure not to overmix.
Sift the flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder into the bowl.
Switch to using a rubber spatula and fold the sifted ingredients into the egg, sugar, and butter mixture just until mixed.
Once the chocolate is melted, pour it into the bowl with the other ingredients and fold them together using a spatula.
Butter a 13×9 baking dish.
Place in a sheet of parchment paper to completely cover the inside of the pan.
Transfer the brownie batter to the pan and smooth it out using a rubber spatula to make it flat for even cooking.
Bake in the oven at 350° for 25 minutes for a perfect fudgy center.
As soon as the brownies are removed from the oven, evenly sprinkle on a ¼ cup of chocolate chips for more chocolate flavor.
Cool for 25 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Adding Coffee to Brownies
Coffee is an ingredient that makes chocolate more intense in flavor. You can add it several ways to the brownie batter before baking it. Here are a few different things you can do:
- Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter when mixing flour.
- Pour in 2 ounces or a ¼ cup of hot espresso coffee to the batter after adding in the melted butter.
- Add in 2 ounces or a ¼ cup of strong coffee in the same way as the hot espresso coffee.
- If you happen to have any leftover coffee, this is a great way to use it up by adding 2 ounces or a ¼ cup of it to the batter when mixing it with the melted butter.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: Although they will taste their freshest as soon as they are done cooling, you can make these up to 2 days ahead.
How to Store: Cover and keep these brownies at room temperature for 5 days. You can also cover them and keep them in the refrigerator for 7 days. These will freeze well and be covered for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for 1 day or until thawed.
How to Reheat: You can eat this cold, at room temperature, or warm. If you prefer to eat these warm, place the desired number of brownies in a pan and cover it with foil. Bake at 350° for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm.
Chef Notes + Tips
- If you prefer that these are not fudgy, cook them for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.
- Do not overmix the brownies, as you do not want to incorporate too much air into them.
- The parchment paper will ensure it does not stick and assist in keeping the brownies moist.
More Dessert Recipes
- Chocolate Cheesecake
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Apple Crisp
- Bread Pudding
- Tarte Tatin
Video
Save
Fudgy Chocolate Brownies Recipe
5 from 47 votes
These incredibly chocolate brownies are perfectly fudgy on the inside while having a crunchy outside crust for the ultimate dessert.
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or small chunks
- 4 large eggs
- 2 sticks melted unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
Place the 2 cups of chocolate in a large metal bowl, then place it over a pot a ¼ of the way filled with simmering water over low to medium heat.
Heat the chocolate until it is melted. Move it around using a rubber spatula.
While the chocolate is melting, whisk together the eggs and melted unsalted butter.
Next, add in the sugar, salt, and vanilla until combined. Make sure not to overmix.
Sift the flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder into the bowl.
Switch to a rubber spatula and fold the sifted ingredients into the egg, sugar, and butter mixture just until mixed.
Once the chocolate is melted, pour it into the bowl with the other ingredients and fold them together using a spatula.
Butter a 13×9 baking dish.
Place in a sheet of parchment paper to completely cover the inside of the pan.
Transfer the brownie batter to the pan and smooth it out using a rubber spatula to make it flat for even cooking.
Bake in the oven at 350° for 25 minutes for a perfect fudgy center.
As soon as the brownies are removed from the oven, evenly sprinkle on the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips for more chocolate flavor.
Cool for 25 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Although they will taste their freshest as soon as they are done cooling, you can make these up to 2 days ahead.
How to Store: Cover and keep these brownies at room temperature for 5 days. You can also cover them and keep them in the refrigerator for 7 days. These will freeze well and be covered for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for 1 day or until thawed.
How to Reheat: You can eat this cold, at room temperature, or warm. If you prefer to eat these warm, place the desired number of brownies in a pan and cover it with foil. Bake at 350° for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm.
If you prefer that these are not fudgy, cook them for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.
Do not overmix the brownies, as you do not want to incorporate too much air into them.
The parchment paper will ensure it does not stick and assist in keeping the brownies moist.
Nutrition
Calories: 298kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 233mgPotassium: 204mgFiber: 3gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 75IUCalcium: 27mgIron: 3mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Chef Billy Parisi
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97 comments
- Shelley
I’ve made this recipe a few times because it’s delicious! It’s definitely my go-to brownie recipe.
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Appreciate you trying it!
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- Orange
I baked it yesterday. Absolutely delish. They are moist, chewey and very chocolaty. The espresso made a difference, so nice! Thanks Chef Billy.
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excellent!
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- Thomas McDermott
Wow! Best brownies ever!! Great flavor – texture! Big hit with everyone! Thank you!
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appreciate you trying it
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- Trish Boen
Made them with the optional 1tsp SB instant coffee. Hello, my new go-to brownie recipe! Took these to a party where there was way too much food and these were gone!
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nice!
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- Akami Bickerstaff
I am teaching a young 12yr old boy how to cook, and we used this brownie recipe. They turned out AMAZING! He did everything with just my guidance. He LOVES cooking, and he said these brownies were AMAZING and we will never make box mix again. I concur with him. Thanks for all the great recipes, but also making them attainable, even for a 12yr old.
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love it!
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- Lori Jankowski
In my decades of cooking and baking, I have made so many different recipes of brownies! I have had a few ‘go-to’s’, but they have been replaced with Chef Parisi’s now. They have the perfect amount of fudginess, with a nice light crisp on the outside. So much ooey, gooey, goodness! Thanks, Chef Billy!
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my pleasure!
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- Brenda Reed
I only had enough chocolate chips to make half the recipe… Which was probably a good thing ! These are the best brownies ever! They were especially delicious after making your beef barley soup for lunch. Thanks Chef!❤️
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- Maggie
These are absolutely the very best brownies I have ever made. Fabulous! They never last long. So easy to make. Thank you….again.
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- sue 😁
Thank you ChefBilly wonderful tasty recipe 😁👋😋🤩
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- sue😁
Thank you ChefBilly yummy 😋😁👋🤩
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- Karen Burchetta
I’ve made them 3 times and people go crazy for them. They’re so fudgy inside and crispy outside! It’s the perfect combination of candy and brownie! I’ll never make another recipe!
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- Janet
These brownies were so easy to make and delicious! No more box mixes for me!
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- Ann
These are the best brownies I have ever tasted. Just follow the recipe and your brownies will be perfect.
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many thanks!
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- maureen pay
A great, gooey choc. brownie.
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thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Pam
Great brownies, my family loves them so much they will on the dessert bar at my Granddaughter’s wedding 🙏🏾
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- Donna Dunn
The absolute best brownie recipe ever
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- Helen
Absolutely the best brownie mix,, we love it, and we love no oil in it.. i have made this 3 times since seeing this recipe and its been a big hit all 3 times
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excellent!
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- Bertrice
I am a Brownie Fanatic – These are by far moist, easy to prepare (foolproof) and are decadent. Served at a small dinner party and they were a hit. Cut to fit in dessert coupes, topped with vanilla ice cream, drizzled caramel sauce, sprinkled pecans and chocolate shavings. Great base to eat solo or build ones own creation.
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so good!!
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- Christy
These are crazy delicious!!! I have made them a couple times now and share them with my neighbors… they’re the best I’ve ever had!
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excellent!
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- Mary
These brownies were outstanding! We were in brownie heaven. They were gone in 4 days and there were only 2 of us eating them. Thank you, Chef, for another great recipe!
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amazing
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- Kathy
These are wonderful! Thick, moist but has a chewy edge for those of us that love the corner pieces, they are as good as they look! We all loved them!
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excellent!
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- Anna Lavigne
Made it with the grandkids- we all loved it. They went so fast. Can’t wait to make them again.
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Awesome
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- Diane Salak
Easy and delicious
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so good!!
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- Albert
Made it and it was gooood! I will definitely keep this recipe and make it again. Thank you for sharing recipes.
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Absolutely.
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- JoAnn Lavrisha
I have a lot of brownie recipes that I have tried. This is one of the best. I appreciate that it is not over the top sweet.
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Love it!
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- Emily
These are amazing!
I want to make them for my friend, but she has a gluten-free dietary requirement. Can I make this with almond flour? Do I need to change anything else to make it work?- Reply
No, that will not work.
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- Melanie Clatchey
By far one of the best brownies ever! So much chocolate flavor and downright decadent! I love Billy’s recipes. Easy to follow an guaranteed delicious!
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fantastic.
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- Nina
So easy and soo delicious! Thank you for sharing it.
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Yes!
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- Sue Menegay
This recipe was the best brownies I’ve ever made and I’m an avid dessert baker! Thank you
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appreciate you trying it
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- Lisa
These are absolutely the best I’ve ever made, love to watch your channel your an amazing chef and teacher of your craft!
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Fantastic!
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- Sue Zinn
Best brownie recipe I ever made. These were just right. Didn’t put the chips on top and sure they make them even better but they were great even without the extra chips on top. A calorie saved is a calorie earned for something else.
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It’s a good one!
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- Roberta Mayco*ck
Best Brownies ever!!!
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so good!!
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- Michelle
Best brownies I’ve made!
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fantastic
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- Theresa Chesney
These brownies are perfection!! My family loved them!
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thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Sheila White
Chocolate fix cured!!!
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awesome!
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- Brenda Reed
I made these today. I baked them a little longer based on other reviews. Not sure it was necessary. They are nice and chewy. I’m wondering about adding nuts and or chocolate chips to the batter. 🤔
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Sure, why not!
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- Kristine Etling
These brownies were amazing! 😋💚
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Excellent!
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- Bob Privett
These brownies were a hit!
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Thanks for trying them.
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- Theresa Hunsicker
Oh my gosh these were amazing!! The crunchy top and fudgey inside were awesome!! My family loved them!
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That’s great!
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- Martha Underwood
Excellent!! My granddaughters and son-in-law loved these brownies! I will be making them again for my son-in-law’s birthday on May 17.
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thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Joyce J Pardoe
These were the absolute best brownies. I will be making them again. thank you for so many delicious recipes and cooking tips.
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Appreciate it!
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- Nula
these were the best
They were perfect!!!! If anyone likes chocolate these are a must.
Thank u so much love your videos.- Reply
Awesome, thank you!
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- Cindy Cristini
Oh My GOSH! Made these for my husband’s staff meeting and was not disappointed! The best brownies EVER! This recipe is a keeper! Next time I may add just 5 min more on cook time but at the 25 min they were baked through to a rich, fudgy center and light crunch on outside just like you said! This recipe is a definite keeper! Every Thurs I send baked goods in for husband’s staff. Billy, your bagel recipe is one they beg for and this brownie recipe right here? Yeah… they are going to be hard pressed to make up their minds which they like more! haha
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Awesome! Thanks so much for trying them!
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- Heather M Schwarzen
Tried this on a whim when I wanted something chocolatey and was not disappointed. The ingredients are simple, as is the prep. I found that mine needed an additional 7 minutes of cook time to not be underdone. They were still gooey and fudgey, just more set than they were at the 25 min mark!
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Great!
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- Sheila Lins
Chef,
Does it work if I make just half recipe? It’s only 2 persons in my home.- Reply
It should
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- Susan Clarke Lynn
Made your brownies this morning and just waiting’til they cool! 😋
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enjoy
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- Julie
Deelish!!
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Awesome
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- Todd Young
These brownies are absolutely delicious! As with all of Chef Billy’s recipes, the recipe is written perfectly and is easy to follow.
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glad you liked them
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- Barbie Doll
Chef Billy Parisi’s recipes always elevate my cooking and my family and friends appreciate it! His recipes and videos are easy to follow and most ingredients are on your pantry shelf.
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Appreciate this.
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- Earlene
Holy cow these are delicious!!! Thank you Chef Parisi for the only brownie recipe I will ever need! They came out moist and easy to lift from the pan thanks to parchment t paper tip!
I hope to get six put away I. The freezer for a rainy day but I doubt they will make it!
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Wow. Thanks for trying them.
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- Donna A Pollock
Looks so delicious, who doesn’t love chocolate anyway? I can’t wait to make these Brownies. My son is in a small BBQ competition soon and I will make these brownies for us to have a snack while cooking. I’ll make enough to share with all the cooks, thank you for the recipe and I hope to send you a picture or two of our food and Brownies….
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- Nicole Riendeau
This recipe seems to be the same as one I lost. It was super good, thank you for this recipe. Will be making this for Easter.
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Thank you.
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- Catherine
Hi I’m from the uk. What is a stick if butter and a cup of sugar and flour. These are not measurements we use so some of your baking recipes are hard to make. The Google conversions seem to vary considerable and I have had a few disasters.
Thank you
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click the metric version of the recipe
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