Why You’ll Love Easy Fudge Brownies Recipe
These brownies are deeply chocolatey without being complicated. The melted butter and cocoa create a smooth, rich base, while powdered sugar helps give the brownies their tender, fudgy texture. A small amount of mayonnaise keeps them moist without making them taste unusual. They are perfect for dessert, parties, bake sales, or whenever you want a quick homemade chocolate treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, sliced
2/3 cup (55g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder
2 large eggs
2 1/4 cups (250g) powdered sugar
1/4 cup (50g) mayonnaise
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (135g) semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring glass. Stir in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and glossy, then set it aside.
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs and powdered sugar until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Whisk in the mayonnaise, vanilla extract, and salt.
Add the butter and cocoa mixture to the bowl and whisk until combined. Switch to a rubber spatula, then fold in the flour and chocolate chips just until no dry streaks remain.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, starting to check at 25 minutes. The brownies are done when the top looks shiny and crackly and the center no longer jiggles when the pan is gently nudged.
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully drop it once against a hard surface to help create a denser, fudgier texture. Let the brownies cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate until fully cooled, about 45 minutes.
Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 16 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25 to 30 minutes
Cooling time: about 55 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Swirl peanut butter or caramel into the batter before baking.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour if needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze sliced brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
To reheat, warm a brownie in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I taste the mayonnaise in these brownies?
No, the mayonnaise does not make the brownies taste savory. It helps keep them moist and fudgy.
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, either natural unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder works well.
Why use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar helps create a smooth batter and a tender, fudgy texture.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The top should look shiny and crackly, and the center should not move when the pan is gently nudged.
Should I underbake brownies?
Slightly underbaking is better than overbaking if you want a fudgy texture.
Why drop the pan after baking?
Dropping the pan helps deflate the brownies slightly, making them denser and fudgier.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may need to be adjusted.
Can I leave out the chocolate chips?
Yes, but the brownies will be less gooey and chocolatey.
Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?
They do not have to be refrigerated, but chilling helps them slice cleanly and gives them a firmer fudgy texture.
Conclusion
Easy fudge brownies are a simple, rich, and satisfying dessert with a glossy top and gooey chocolate center. With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone who wants homemade brownies that taste bakery-worthy without extra effort.
