If you’re searching for a foolproof, ultra-chocolatey treat that comes together with minimal fuss, these One Bowl Brownies are the answer to every chocolate craving! Deeply fudgy, packed with rich cocoa flavor, and ready in a flash, this recipe requires just basic pantry ingredients and a single mixing bowl—no special equipment and barely any mess. Perfect for busy days, last-minute guests, or anytime you want a dessert that delivers on both simplicity and pure indulgence, One Bowl Brownies will soon become a top favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly magical about these One Bowl Brownies is how each ingredient plays a starring role, creating a dessert that’s perfectly balanced in taste and texture. You likely have everything on hand already, and together, these ingredients make for a brownie that’s crisp at the edges and irresistibly gooey in the center.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter guarantees a tender, rich crumb and that signature fudgy middle.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping achieve that shiny, crackly top.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and extra richness, boosting the brownies’ chewy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the chocolate notes and rounds out the flavor.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa powder is the source of intense chocolate flavor—choose a good quality one for best results!
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The flour binds everything together without making the brownies cakey.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Salt sharpens the chocolate flavor and keeps everything from tasting flat.
- 1/4 tsp baking powder: A touch of leavening gives a soft lift for that perfect bite.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional): Fold these in for melty puddles of chocolate with every slice—total heaven!
How to Make One Bowl Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal. This little step means you won’t have to wrestle your brownies out when it’s time to slice—so worth it!
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
Grab your favorite large mixing bowl and whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and a bit glossy. This starts to dissolve the sugar, which helps create that irresistible crackly brownie top later on.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add both eggs and the vanilla extract to your bowl, whisking thoroughly until the mixture looks thick and evenly blended. Take your time here—it’s important for the best texture and flavor in your One Bowl Brownies.
Step 4: Sift and Stir in Dry Ingredients
Place a sifter or fine-mesh sieve over your bowl and add in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps the dry ingredients mix in smoothly. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no streaks remain—overmixing can make brownies tough, so light hands win here.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you love extra chocolate pockets throughout, now is the time to fold in those chocolate chips or chunks. Just a few gentle turns of the spatula and you’re ready for the oven. If you want to add nuts or swirl in peanut butter for a twist, do it now!
Step 6: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick near the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your One Bowl Brownies are perfectly fudgy and ready to go.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into them. This patience pays off with neat squares and set, gooey centers. If you can resist, letting them cool gives the best texture, but I totally understand stealing a warm corner piece!
How to Serve One Bowl Brownies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and elegant, but a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take these One Bowl Brownies to the next level. Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are also fabulous finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with a tall glass of cold milk for pure nostalgia, or serve them alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy, comforting treat. If you’re planning a dessert platter, arrange them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a handful of toasted nuts for contrast and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your One Bowl Brownies into a decadent sundae by topping a warm square with ice cream, sauces, and sprinkles. You can also cut them into small bites and layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and berries. For parties, try using cookie cutters to create fun shapes or stack brownie squares into a “brownie tower” centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One Bowl Brownies perfectly moist and fudgy, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days (if they last that long!) and can be enjoyed straight from the container or briefly warmed for extra gooeyness.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Once completely cool, cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Pop the wrapped brownies into a zip-top freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before indulging, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Reheating
If you love the taste of a just-baked brownie, a quick warm-up does the trick. Place a brownie square on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 10-second bursts until just warmed through. This brings back that soft, gooey texture and makes the chocolate even richer and more aromatic.
FAQs
Can I double the One Bowl Brownies recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! To make a bigger batch, simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time; they may need a few extra minutes in the oven, but you’ll have plenty to share!
Can I use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose?
Yes, a good gluten-free 1:1 baking blend should work in place of regular flour without much fuss. The texture might be slightly different, but your One Bowl Brownies will still be delicious and fudgy.
What’s the secret to getting fudgy Instead of cakey brownies?
Fudgy brownies like these rely on a higher fat-to-flour ratio and gentle mixing. Avoid overbaking and watch for a few moist crumbs on your toothpick to guarantee dense, moist squares every time.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or swirled toppings?
Certainly! Chopped walnuts, pecans, peanut butter, caramel, and even espresso powder all make fantastic additions to your One Bowl Brownies. Just fold mix-ins gently into the batter before baking for the best results.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Bake until a toothpick inserted just off-center comes out with a few damp crumbs but no raw batter. This ensures your brownies are set around the edges but still moist and fudgy in the center after they cool.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried homemade One Bowl Brownies yet, you’re in for a real treat. The ease, the flavor, and that delightful fudgy bite just can’t be beat. Give this recipe a go—you might find it becomes your trusty go-to for every chocolate craving!
Print
One Bowl Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolaty goodness of these homemade One Bowl Brownies. With a fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor, these easy-to-make brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
Dry Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
Optional:
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Optional: Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let brownies cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake and cool completely before cutting.
- Experiment with nuts, peanut butter swirls, or dark cocoa powder for different variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
