Name: Fudgy One Bowl Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks; 8 ounces dark chocolate chips (or dark chocolate cut in small pieces) (about 1 1/3 cups); 1 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract

There’s something utterly satisfying about a dessert that’s rich, chocolaty, and super easy to whip up. This Fudgy One Bowl Brownies Recipe is exactly that—a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth treat with minimal mess. If you’ve ever wanted brownies that come together quickly but still feel homemade and indulgent, you’re in the right place!

A stack of four thick chocolate brownies is shown close-up. Each brownie is dark brown with a slightly cracked top layer that looks crisp, while the inside appears soft and moist with a rich, dense texture. The brownies are neatly placed on top of each other with visible crumb details along the edges. The stack sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright contrast to the deep brown color of the brownies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fudgy One Bowl Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fudgy One Bowl Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fudgy One Bowl Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely adore this recipe because it turns out perfectly fudgy every single time, without complicated steps or dirtying multiple bowls. It’s my go-to when I need a quick chocolate fix that impresses family and friends alike.

One Bowl Wonder: All the magic happens in a single bowl, saving you time and dishes.
Decadently Rich: Using both dark chocolate and butter gives these brownies a deep, irresistible flavor.
Perfectly Fudgy: The texture strikes the ideal balance of moist and chewy—not cakey at all.
Shareable Yield: Makes 12 generous squares, perfect for parties, snacks, or your sweet tooth cravings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you gather ingredients for these brownies, choose quality chocolate and fresh butter for the best results. You don’t need lots of fancy stuff—just simple pantry staples that come together beautifully.

Flat lay of unsalted butter cut into chunks on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of dark chocolate chips on a white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, another small white ceramic bowl with packed brown sugar, four large whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl containing vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, and a small white ceramic bowl holding all-purpose flour, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the saltiness and ensures the butter’s pure richness shines through.
Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate adds that intense depth and a silky texture to the brownies.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the bitterness of the chocolate and creates a nice crust on top.
Brown Sugar: Brings moisture, chewiness, and a hint of caramel flavor to every bite.
Large Eggs: Essential for binding the brownies together while keeping them soft and fudgy.
Vanilla Extract: Amplifies the chocolate notes and adds warmth to the overall flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch boosts all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the brownies without making them dry or cakey.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Fudgy One Bowl Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you like adding a bit of crunch or want to swap in some alternative ingredients, these brownies are a perfect canvas for your creativity.

Nutty Delight: I love sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking. It adds a lovely crunch that complements the fudgy texture perfectly.
Sea Salt Sprinkle: For a grown-up twist, a light dusting of flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) to make these brownies vegan-friendly without compromising on the fudginess.
Seasonal Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy kick that elevates the chocolate flavor, especially cozy in cooler months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fudgy One Bowl Brownies Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled halfway with dark brown chocolate batter that has a smooth and thick texture. Half of the batter is covered with a layer of white flour powder that looks fluffy and dry, mostly gathered on one side. A white spoon is partially submerged in the batter on the right side, with some flour and chocolate mixture swirling around it, showing the process of mixing. The bowl's inside rim shows traces of the chocolate batter smeared lightly around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 inch pan and line it with parchment paper—this little trick makes lifting out your brownies after baking so much easier and helps keep your slices neat. Having everything ready ahead means smooth sailing through the rest of the process!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate Together

Place the chunks of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until fully melted. Add your dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) straight into the warm butter. Stir to combine, then let the mixture sit for a few minutes. When you stir again, the chocolate will be mostly melted—it's perfectly fine if a few small lumps remain. This step ensures a silky, rich base for your brownies.

Step 3: Mix in the Sugars

Next, whisk in both the granulated and brown sugars briskly. This helps incorporate air and ensures the sugars dissolve nicely into the warm chocolate mixture. You'll notice the batter getting glossy and inviting—an early sign your brownies will have that perfect chewy texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs One by One

Now comes the part that brings your batter together beautifully: adding the eggs. Whisk them in one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This careful step creates a smooth, cohesive batter that's ready for the flavor notes.

Step 5: Flavor and Salt

Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that warm, inviting depth and half a teaspoon of salt to balance all the sweetness. These subtle flavors make your brownies taste homemade and special.

Step 6: Fold in the Flour Gently

Now, gently fold in the all-purpose flour with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—the key to fudgy brownies is a tender crumb, so stop as soon as you don’t see any dry streaks of flour.

Step 7: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Pour the glossy batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 35 minutes. The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out moist but without any wet batter clinging to it. This little test means your brownies will be delightfully fudgy inside.

Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying

Patience is key—let your brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into squares. This step helps them set up perfectly so each bite is chewy, moist, and utterly delicious.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my own kitchen adventures and will help you make the best fudgy brownies with ease every time!

Use Parchment Paper: Lining your 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper is a game changer — it makes lifting out the brownies so much easier and guarantees clean, neat slices.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When folding in the flour, gently combine just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can make the brownies cakey instead of fudgy.
Watch the Bake Time Closely: Baking for the full 35 minutes or until the edges are set and the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs is key to keeping the perfect gooey texture.
Skip Overbaking: Trust me, it’s tempting to bake until completely dry. Avoid this common mistake — a slightly moist toothpick means your brownies will stay rich and chewy.

How to Serve Fudgy One Bowl Brownies Recipe

The image shows nine square brownies arranged in a close grid on a white marbled surface. Each brownie is a deep brown color with a slightly shiny and crinkled top texture, hinting at a soft inside. The edges of the brownies are firm and slightly darker than the center, giving a slight contrast. Thin cracks and creases run across the tops, reflecting light and adding a subtle, glossy texture. Some small crumbs are scattered around the brownies, enhancing the fresh-baked look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before baking for a delightful contrast that really makes the chocolate pop. You can also dust with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. Toasted chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch if you want a bit of texture.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that classic warm-cold combo. Fresh berries or a simple fruit compote make a nice, slightly tart balance. And if you're feeling indulgent, a drizzle of caramel or raspberry sauce makes for a perfect partner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay moist and fudgy for up to 3 days. This makes it super easy to grab a sweet treat whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months without losing their luscious texture.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, microwave an unfrozen brownie square for about 15-20 seconds. You can also rewarm a whole batch wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Either way, they’ll be perfectly gooey and inviting again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

You can substitute milk chocolate, but it will result in sweeter, less intense brownies. For that deep fudgy richness, dark chocolate is best.

Why should I microwave the butter and chocolate instead of melting them on the stove?

Microwaving is quicker and easier for one bowl recipes, reducing cleanup and preventing overheating. Just heat in short bursts and stir often to avoid burning.

What does it mean when the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs?

It means the brownies are perfectly fudgy and not overbaked. The center should be set but still a little gooey, avoiding a dry or cakey texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chunks, or even a swirl of peanut butter can be folded in for extra flavor and texture. Just don’t overload to keep the classic fudgy balance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about these Fudgy One Bowl Brownies — the simplicity of mixing just one bowl and still ending up with a deeply chocolatey, luscious treat that everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or need an easy dessert to share, this recipe delivers every time. I hope you enjoy making and savoring them as much as I do!