Ultimate Homemade Fudgy Brownies

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most decadent Fudgy Brownies from Scratch you’ll ever taste. Forget dry, cakey imitations; this recipe promises a truly rich, intensely chocolaty, and unbelievably delicious experience that lets the pure flavor of chocolate take center stage. This generous large batch is designed to feed a crowd, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply ensuring you have plenty of these glorious treats on hand for every chocolate craving.

Prepare to delight the chocoholics in your life with these exceptional Homemade Fudgy Brownies. They are not just a dessert; they are an experience – a symphony of deep cocoa notes and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave everyone asking for more. From their distinctive crackled top to their gooey, dense interior, every bite is pure bliss.

Fudgy Brownies from Scratch on a white ceramic tray, showcasing their rich, dark color and perfect texture.

Contents

Why These Fudgy Brownies Are an Absolute Must-Make

If you’re searching for the perfect brownie recipe, look no further. This particular method yields brownies that are nothing short of legendary. Here’s why these easy homemade brownies will become your new go-to:

Authored by a Master: This incredible recipe comes from the renowned baker and cookbook author, Nick Malgieri. His expertise ensures a foolproof path to brownie perfection, guaranteeing exceptional results every time.
Unrivaled Fudginess: These brownies are not just “fudgy” – they are SUPER fudgy. Expect a dense, moist, and chewy texture that epitomizes the ideal brownie, far superior to any cakey alternative.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a grand gathering or simply want a stash of delicious treats, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s designed to be easily doubled in a half-sheet pan, making it ideal when you need to feed a crowd without compromising on quality or flavor.
Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Taste: Despite their gourmet quality, these brownies rely on common pantry staples. The magic lies in the ratios and technique, transforming simple ingredients into a truly extraordinary chocolate dessert.
That Signature Crinkly Top: One of the hallmarks of a truly great brownie is its thin, papery, crinkled crust on top. This recipe consistently delivers that coveted texture, adding another layer of delight to each square.

These reasons combined make this recipe a culinary triumph, promising a rewardingly delicious baking experience and an unforgettable treat for anyone lucky enough to try them.

Easy Homemade Brownies stacked elegantly on a small white plate, highlighting their rich texture.

Mastering Your Batch: Insider Tips for Perfect Brownies

As a seasoned baker, I’ve had the pleasure of making these brownies countless times, most memorably for a local decorators’ show house. The designers and landscapers, who magically transformed a classic home into a breathtaking showplace, certainly deserved a treat as spectacular as their work. These brownies delivered, and here’s how you can achieve the same perfection in your kitchen.

Scale for Success: This recipe is designed to be baked in a half-sheet pan, yielding a substantial amount—I was able to get 75 servings from just one batch! This makes it an incredibly efficient way to provide delicious dessert for a large party, office event, or holiday gathering.
Smaller Batches Made Easy: If you don’t need to feed an entire army, don’t worry! You can effortlessly halve the recipe and bake it in a standard 9 x 13-inch pan. Remember that the baking time will be slightly less due to the smaller volume and thickness, so keep a close eye on them.
Plan Ahead and Freeze: One of the best features of these fudgy brownies is how beautifully they freeze. Making the full batch and freezing portions for later is a fantastic way to satisfy future chocolate cravings with minimal effort. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
The Happy Accident: This particular recipe, from the beloved baker and cookbook author Nick Malgieri, is rumored to have originated from a delightful mistake—he supposedly forgot to add a portion of the flour! The serendipitous result was a brownie that was exceptionally dense, intensely fudgy, and crowned with that coveted, delicate papery-thin crust. This story perfectly illustrates how some of the best culinary creations come from unexpected turns.

When I first made these, my husband, Bill, was so engrossed in the glorious chocolate that his mouth was too full for his usual witty review. Instead, he gave them a resounding two thumbs up! I promptly whisked the remaining brownies into the freezer, ensuring I wouldn’t need to bake a second batch for the event. If you’re seeking a genuinely fudgy brownie recipe made from scratch, these easy homemade brownies are an absolute must-try. Their rich flavor and perfect texture are simply unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Fudgy Brownies

While my family is perfectly content eating these brownies straight from the pan – and who can blame them? – there are countless delightful ways to elevate your brownie experience. These versatile treats can be transformed into impressive desserts for any occasion:

The Classic Brownie Sundae: This is arguably my favorite way to enjoy them. Top a warm brownie square with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean or festive peppermint stick ice cream. Drizzle liberally with hot fudge sauce and perhaps a sprinkle of chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles for extra flair. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ice cream flavors and toppings like caramel sauce, fruit compote, or even a dollop of peanut butter.
Elegant with Cream and Berries: For a lighter, more sophisticated presentation, serve your brownies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a handful of vibrant fresh berries. The tartness of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries provides a beautiful contrast to the rich sweetness of the chocolate.
Irresistible Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create your own gourmet ice cream sandwiches by spreading a layer of slightly softened ice cream between two brownie squares. Press gently, then freeze for about 30 minutes to firm up. These are wonderfully messy and absolutely delicious, so make sure to have plenty of napkins readily available!
Festive Cookie Cutter Shapes: Add a touch of whimsy by using cookie cutters to create fun, festive shapes. Stars, hearts, or seasonal designs are perfect for holidays or special events. For the cleanest cuts, ensure your brownies are thoroughly chilled (refrigerated or even slightly frozen) before you begin shaping. Simple, sturdy shapes work best to avoid crumbling.
Decadent Brownie Trifle: Layering brownies with other delicious components creates an impressive dessert. I’ve personally crafted a magnificent Brownie Trifle featuring rich chocolate mousse, and it’s always a showstopper. Consider adding layers of pudding, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a truly memorable dessert.
Brownie Milkshakes: Blend a few brownie pieces with milk and your favorite ice cream for an incredibly rich and indulgent chocolate milkshake.
S’mores Brownies: Top a warm brownie with mini marshmallows and a few chocolate chips, then briefly broil until golden and gooey for a campfire-inspired treat.

Closeup of Fudgy brownies on a white tray, showing off their glistening, crinkled tops.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fudgy Brownies

How do you cut brownies into perfect squares?

Achieving perfectly neat brownie squares is all about patience and technique. Once your brownies have cooled completely to room temperature, cover them tightly and refrigerate for at least a few hours, or ideally, overnight. Chilling makes the brownies firm, preventing them from crumbling or smudging as you cut. When baking in a 9 x 13-inch pan, I highly recommend lining the pan with non-stick foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This foil acts as a convenient sling, allowing you to easily lift the entire slab of cold brownies onto a cutting board. For precise cuts, use a large, sharp chef’s knife. Cut straight down in one decisive motion, then clean the knife thoroughly after each cut with a warm, damp cloth or paper towel. This prevents chocolate residue from marring your next cut. If you’re aiming for absolute uniformity, you can use a ruler to measure and make small guiding marks around the perimeter of the brownie slab before slicing. For more detailed tips, you can also check out my guide on How to Cut Perfect Cookie Bars, as many principles apply.

How do you store brownies?

Proper storage is key to keeping your fudgy brownies fresh and delicious. Brownies will remain wonderfully moist and flavorful at room temperature for 3-4 days, provided they are stored in an airtight container. A good quality plastic container or a resealable freezer bag will work perfectly. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. If you want to extend their freshness beyond a few days, refrigeration is an option, where they can last for up to a week, though their texture might become slightly firmer.

Can you freeze brownies?

Absolutely, brownies freeze exceptionally well, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert! To freeze, first ensure the brownies are completely cooled and cut into individual squares. For best results, wrap each brownie square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. If stacking layers, separate them with parchment or waxed paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired number of brownies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. You’ll have a fantastic stash of these extra fudgy brownies ready whenever a chocolate craving strikes!

What kind of chocolate should I use for the best fudgy brownies?

The quality of your chocolate directly impacts the flavor and texture of your brownies. For these fudgy brownies, a combination of good quality semisweet and milk chocolate is specified in the recipe. Using high-quality baking chocolate (like Ghirardelli, Callebaut, or Valrhona) will yield a richer, more profound chocolate flavor. Avoid chocolate chips if possible, as they contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting as smoothly as baking bars or wafers, which can affect the overall fudginess. If you prefer a darker, more intense chocolate flavor, you can adjust the ratio to include more dark chocolate (e.g., 70% cacao), but be mindful that this will also reduce the sweetness.

How do I know when my brownies are done baking?

Determining doneness for fudgy brownies can be tricky, as you want to avoid overbaking. The key is to look for a shiny, set crust on top. When you gently shake the pan, the center should still have a slight jiggle, indicating its fudgy core. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter, and certainly not completely clean like a cake. Overbaking will lead to dry, cakey brownies, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake for that ultimate fudgy texture. Remember that they will continue to set as they cool in the pan.

If You Love Fudgy Brownies, You May Also Like:

Craving more chocolatey goodness or looking for variations on your favorite dessert? Explore these other delightful recipes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, especially if you’re a fan of rich, fudgy textures:

Fudgy Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Bars from The Food Charlatan
Chocolate Brownie Tart
One Bowl Fudgy Brownies
Cosmic Brownies
Simple Fudgy Brownies
One Bowl Fudgy Brownies
Plus more of my Best Brownie Recipes

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The Recipe:

Fudgy Brownies from Scratch

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Additional Time
1 hour

Total Time
2 hours

Yield
48

A huge batch of homemade fudgy brownies! Eat some now, and freeze the rest for your next chocolate craving!

Ingredients

1 pound butter (4 sticks)
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
8 eggs, at room temperature
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare a half-sheet pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, then lining it with parchment paper, and spraying the parchment paper as well. Alternatively, for easier removal, line the pan with non-stick foil (my preferred method).
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped chocolates (semisweet and milk). Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stop and stir the mixture. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate and butter are completely smooth and melted. Set the bowl aside to cool slightly.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly frothy. Gradually mix in the salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gently stir the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just incorporated. Finally, fold in the flour using a spatula until no dry streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared half-sheet pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top surface of the batter.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top has formed a distinctive shiny, crinkly crust. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Do not overbake for optimal fudginess. Cool the brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once the brownies are completely cool, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or, even better, overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving clean, easy cuts.
To serve, lift the chilled brownie slab out of the pan using the foil or parchment paper as a sling and place it onto a cutting board. Carefully peel back the lining. Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies to your desired size, cleaning the knife after each cut for the neatest edges.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Nick Malgieri.

You can easily make a half batch in a 9 x 13-inch pan. The baking time may be slightly less, so start checking for doneness around 35-40 minutes.

These brownies truly taste even better the day after they are baked, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. I highly recommend refrigerating them overnight before cutting and serving for the best texture and taste.

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