Brownies are in a league of their own—chewy, dense, and rich in chocolate flavor. Whether you prefer a cake-like square topped with fudgy frosting or a gooey, chocolate-packed bar, our Test Kitchen experts are here to guide you through every step of making your perfect brownie—no empty pans guaranteed.
While this step-by-step recipe focuses on a classic fudgy brownie, the same techniques can easily be adapted for blondies, gluten-free versions, chocolate chip variations, or any custom brownie bars your team or tastebuds demand.
First Things First: What Kind of Brownie Do You Want?
When you’re searching for the perfect brownie recipe, start by deciding on texture: Do you want fudgy or cakey? The best part of baking brownies from scratch is that you get to control the outcome. Once you understand what each ingredient does, you can tweak the ratios to create a recipe that’s all your own.
Fudgy vs. Cakey Brownies
Most brownie recipes call for significantly less flour than cookies or cakes. That flour ratio is key to determining the final texture:
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For rich, chewy, fudgy brownies: Choose a recipe with less flour.
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For light, cakey brownies: Go for a recipe with more flour and possibly a leavening agent like baking powder.
Want That Fluffy Texture?
Cakey brownies often include milk or buttermilk, giving them a tender crumb similar to a decadent chocolate cake. We’re breaking down our Test Kitchen’s favorite brownie recipe (pictured above), but these pro tips will help you master any version.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Brownies from Scratch
Step 1: Prep Your Chocolate
No fudgy brownies without chocolate! Roughly chop chocolate bars or blocks using a chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board. Smaller pieces melt more evenly and are less likely to scorch. Some recipes use cocoa powder instead of solid chocolate—either way, you’re on the road to deliciousness.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Place the chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan. Add cubed butter and melt over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. This will form the base of your brownie batter.
Step 3: Add Sugar
Stir granulated sugar into the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture using a wooden spoon until fully combined.
🍫 Pro Tip: Want to cut back on sugar or use a substitute? Do your research first. Depending on the sweetener, you may need to adjust the amount. Low-sugar brownies like black bean or sweet potato brownies are great alternatives.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack eggs in one at a time, stirring well after each addition until the mixture is silky and fully blended. (Fun fact: Eggs provide structure and richness in brownies, which is why even boxed brownie mixes call for them!) Stir in vanilla extract for a flavor boost.
Step 5: Mix in Flour
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Then, add the dry mix into the chocolate mixture all at once.
🌾 Following a specific diet? Try using whole wheat, almond, or coconut flour—but make sure to check proper substitution ratios first, as these may not be a 1:1 replacement for all-purpose flour.
Step 6: Mix the Batter
You’re almost there! Gently stir the batter until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Use a sturdy rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan.
Feel free to fold in extras at this stage—chocolate chips, chopped nuts, peppermint pieces, or whatever you’re craving.
Step 7: Bake, Cool, and Frost
Grease a brownie pan or line it with foil for easy lifting. Pour in the batter and smooth the top. Bake according to your recipe’s instructions.
How to Tell When Brownies Are Done
Most brownies bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes. Skip the toothpick test—fudgy brownies are too moist for that to work reliably. If the texture looks underdone, double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer and adjust if necessary.
Want Frosted Brownies?
Let brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before adding any frosting. Once cooled, spread your favorite frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
Try chocolate lovers’ favorites like chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting—or get creative with vanilla sour cream frosting, peanut butter icing, or something totally unexpected.
Bonus Flavor Ideas
Now that you’re a brownie pro, take it to the next level with new flavors or mix-ins:
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Caramel drizzle
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Pumpkin swirl
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Espresso powder
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Dark beer or stout
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Sea salt flakes
Because really—who could say no to a show-stopping brownie?