Easy Homemade Brownies

These Easy Homemade Brownies are rich, fudgy, and made with basic pantry staples—all in one saucepan! With deep chocolate flavor, a crackly top, and the perfect chewy texture, they’re incredibly simple to make and absolutely a must-try for any brownie lover.

This homemade brownie recipe has been updated from the archives. Originally published December 15, 2010. The Kerrygold Butter gift basket giveaway that was paired with the original post has been removed. The giveaway is no longer active. The original comments from the giveaway contest remain in this post.

The Best Homemade Brownies

Easy Homemade Brownies have been a staple in my kitchen for years. I’ve been blogging long enough to find old recipes I published over a decade ago—and this brownie recipe is one of those classics.

It’s been my go-to for years, and I’ve had family members tell me it’s their favorite too. My mom has even made it so often she has it memorized!

But what makes this recipe extra special? It’s the first dessert my son Logan made all by himself.

When Logan was in 8th grade, he took a class called Family Consumer Sciences (what I would have called “home ec” back when I was in middle school).

For weeks, he had been asking if he could make a dessert completely on his own. One snowy afternoon, I finally said, “How about those brownies from my blog? You love them, and now you can learn to make them!”

And just like that, he was whisking, measuring, and baking all on his own—something I never thought I’d see from my former picky eater.

So if a beginner like Logan can make these easy homemade brownies, I promise you can too! Plus, they only require one saucepan—because the best recipes should be as simple as they are delicious.

Ingredients for Homemade Brownies

These easy homemade brownies are made with simple pantry staples. Use this list to check your fridge and pantry before starting! For the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, check out the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Butter – Use real butter to add richness and moisture to the brownie batter.
• Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder is the perfect pantry staple to add rich chocolate flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – To sweeten the batter and help you achieve that gorgeous crinkly top.
• Vanilla Extract – Because vanilla + chocolate is the best!
• Large Eggs – Gives structure and chewiness.
• All-Purpose Flour – Creates the perfect texture.
• Chocolate Chunks (Optional) – For extra melty pockets of chocolate.

Flavor Variations to Try

Why complicate something so deliciously simple? These easy brownies are the perfect bare bones homemade brownie recipe, and they’re delicious just like this so there is no need to get fancy with it — unless you want to! 

• Chocolate Ganache Brownies – Cool brownies completely, then top with chocolate ganache for extra indulgence. Refrigerate until the ganache is set. Then, remove the brownies from the pan and slice into squares.
• Fudgy Walnut Brownies – Stir ½ cup of chopped walnuts if you like nuts in your brownies.
• Salted Caramel Brownies – Swirl caramel sauce (try my Salted Caramel Sauce!) into the brownie batter before baking.
• Fudgy Espresso Brownies – Adding 1 teaspoon of espresso powder will intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Orange Brownies – Stir the zest of one orange into the brownie batter before baking.
• Peppermint Brownies – Add ½ cup of chopped candy canes or use peppermint crunch white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips.

Homemade Brownies FAQs

Have any questions about making our favorite brownies? I’ve answered the most common questions below to help you get the best results. But, if you don’t see your question here, leave me a comment—I’m always happy to help!

Can I add espresso powder to brownies?

Yes! The original recipe does not include espresso powder, but now I like to add 1 teaspoon to the recipe. The espresso powder enhances the rich chocolate flavor of these fudgy brownies.

If you want even more espresso flavor, you should try this recipe for Fudgy Espresso Brownies.

Can this homemade brownie recipe be doubled?

Yes, this recipe is easily doubled for a larger batch!

You can bake the doubled amount divided between two square pans or bake all of the brownie batter in one 9×13-inch pan. When baking in a 9×13-inch pan, you’ll increase the bake time by a few minutes.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder?

Yes! I always use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe, but you can substitute Dutch-processed cocoa if you have that on hand. It will produce a darker, richer flavor.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! You’ll need to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

If the gluten-free blend youu use doesn’t have xantham gum in it, then add ½ teaspoon to the flour before stirring into the brownie batter—it will improve the structure of the brownies.

How do I get that crackly top on my brownies?

Make sure you thoroughly whisk the sugar into the melted butter. The thorough mixing helps the sugar dissolve just enough to create that gorgeous, crinkly crust as the brownies bake!

How do I make my brownies extra fudgy?

If you love gooey fudge brownies, try slightly underbaking them. Removing them from the oven when the center is just set will increase the fudgy texture!

What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?

Cool the brownies completely before cutting into them. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the brownies, wiping it clean when it gets dirty in between cuts.

How should I store leftover brownies?

We cut up the whole pan of these simple homemade brownies after they’ve cooled to room temperature.

Leftovers are easily stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap.

Try these Easy Homemade Brownies!

Tried these fudgy brownies?  I’d love to hear what you think!

Do you like them plain, or do you have a favorite mix-in? Drop a comment below and let me know!  Your feedback helps other home cooks and makes my day!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag @goodlifeeats #goodlifeeatsrecipes. on Instagram—I’d love to see how your brownies turned out!

More Homemade Brownie Recipes

• Craving that perfect balance of sweet and salty? These Sea Salt Brownies are ultra-fudgy, rich, and finished with a touch of flaky sea salt for irresistible flavor.
• Make these Frosted Guinness Brownies for ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat. These deep, chocolatey brownies are infused with Guinness and topped with a luscious cooked caramel frosting.
• Layers of decadent gluten-free brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, and fluffy whipped cream make this easy Brownie Trifle an irresistible, easy-to-assemble dessert.
• Layers of fudgy brownies, mascarpone whipped cream, and juicy raspberries create a dreamy, elegant Raspberry Brownie Trifle for the perfect balance of rich chocolate and bright fruit flavors.

Looking for even more brownie inspiration? Head over to my Brownie Recipe Collection for more chocolatey ideas!

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