One Bowl Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers bakery-style brownies without the mess. Everything comes together in one bowl, which means cleanup is fast and simple. The combination of melted butter, dark brown sugar, and cocoa powder gives the brownies a deep, rich flavor, while chopped chocolate adds extra pockets of gooey goodness. I can serve them plain, dusted with sea salt, or even topped with ice cream—either way, they’re always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup butter (melted and slightly cooled)

• 1 cup granulated white sugar

• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup Dutch-processed or unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 ¼ cups chopped chocolate (divided)

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Then I line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting later, and spray it again.

2. In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

3. I add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Next, I sift in the flour and cocoa powder, then add the salt and espresso powder if I’m using it. I stir everything together gently until just combined—being careful not to over mix.

5. I fold in 1 cup of the chopped chocolate, then spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. I sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped chocolate on top for that bakery-style finish.

6. I bake the brownies on the middle rack for 25–30 minutes, just until they’re set to the touch. I avoid overbaking since they’ll continue to set as they cool.

7. Once out of the oven, I let them cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares. Sometimes I finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a fancy touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 24 rich, fudgy brownies and takes about 40 minutes total—just a few minutes to mix and 25–30 minutes to bake. It’s the perfect recipe for parties, potlucks, or satisfying a chocolate craving with minimal effort.

Variations

I like switching things up by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter, or swirling in peanut butter or caramel before baking. For an extra indulgent treat, I sometimes top the brownies with a layer of ganache or a scoop of ice cream. If I want a more intense chocolate flavor, I use bittersweet chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet.

Storage/Reheating

These brownies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, I pop one in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

FAQs

Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?

Yes, this recipe uses cocoa powder for richness and ease. The chopped chocolate adds texture and flavor, but you can omit it or use chocolate chips if needed.

What does espresso powder do?

Espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. I use it when I want a richer, more intense flavor, but it’s totally optional.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with good results. Just be careful not to over mix the batter.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

I check that the top looks set and the edges are firm. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. They’ll firm up more as they cool.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, I halve the ingredients and bake them in an 8×8-inch pan for 20–25 minutes if I want fewer servings.

Conclusion

These One Bowl Brownies are my go-to recipe for rich, fudgy, chocolatey goodness with almost no effort. With just one bowl and a handful of ingredients, I get a decadent treat that rivals anything from a bakery. Whether I’m baking for a crowd or just for myself, this recipe is always a winner.

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