Soft Fudge Brownies
Highlighted under: Home-Style Sweets
I absolutely adore these Soft Fudge Brownies! The moment I took a bite, I was transported to chocolate heaven. Each brownie is supremely moist and packed with rich, fudgy flavor, and they truly satisfy my sweet tooth. I’ve made these numerous times, and whether I’m serving them to friends or enjoying them solo, they’re always a hit. The best part? They come together quickly, making them perfect for those spontaneous chocolate cravings. Trust me, once you make these indulgent treats, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
When I first tackled making brownies from scratch, I was nervous, but these Soft Fudge Brownies changed my perspective completely. The key to their fudginess lies in the combination of melted chocolate and butter that creates a rich base. I learned that not overmixing the batter helps keep them moist and chewy, which is exactly what you want in a brownie.
Another tip I found invaluable was letting the brownies cool before cutting them. This extra time allows the flavors to meld and helps achieve those perfect edges. They can be served warm with ice cream on top or simply enjoyed on their own, and I promise you will keep going back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies all cravings.
- The brownies have a perfect, fudgy texture that everyone loves.
- They're quick to prepare, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Using high-quality cocoa powder can significantly enhance the chocolate flavor of your brownies. I recommend choosing a natural cocoa powder rather than Dutch-processed, as the latter can alter the acidity and overall texture of your brownies. Look for brands that offer a rich, dark color, which is often a sign of better flavor and depth. Remember, the better your ingredients, the more delicious your brownies will be!
The chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended. They add an extra layer of melty goodness to each bite. If you’re looking for a mix, consider dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor or white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast. You can even use chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for a gourmet touch!
Perfecting the Fudge Texture
Achieving the ideal fudgy texture is all about not overmixing your batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until there are no visible flour streaks. Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can lead to cakey brownies instead of the desired fudginess. I usually stop mixing as soon as the batter is smooth and combined.
Additionally, it’s crucial to bake your brownies just until they’re set. Check them around the 25-minute mark, but keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—this is your cue to take them out. If they look too wet, they may need just a minute or two more, but be cautious not to overbake.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your brownies:
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Let’s get started on these delicious brownies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix well, then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Don't forget to store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Soft Fudge Brownies can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy weeks or last-minute gatherings. Once baked and cooled, I recommend cutting them into squares and storing them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer works wonders — they can last for up to 3 months.
To enjoy these brownies straight from the freezer, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they can dry out. You can also top with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent brownie sundae!
Serving Suggestions
For an eye-catching presentation, consider dusting your brownies with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple chocolate glaze over the top. You can also serve them warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce; the warm brownie and cold ice cream combination is simply heavenly! Another fun twist is to incorporate toasted nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with adding different flavors to the brownie batter. A teaspoon of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor, while a splash of peppermint extract can turn these into festive treats for the winter holidays. Just be sure to adjust the vanilla extract to maintain balance!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can melt dark chocolate and substitute it for cocoa powder, but adjust the sugar accordingly since dark chocolate can be less sweet.
→ How do I store leftover brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
→ What can I add to enhance these brownies?
Consider adding walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delicious contrast.
Soft Fudge Brownies
I absolutely adore these Soft Fudge Brownies! The moment I took a bite, I was transported to chocolate heaven. Each brownie is supremely moist and packed with rich, fudgy flavor, and they truly satisfy my sweet tooth. I’ve made these numerous times, and whether I’m serving them to friends or enjoying them solo, they’re always a hit. The best part? They come together quickly, making them perfect for those spontaneous chocolate cravings. Trust me, once you make these indulgent treats, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Created by: Delilah Spencer
Recipe Type: Home-Style Sweets
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix well, then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g