Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies

Name: Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (100g) cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional); 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Simple Sweet Recipes

I absolutely love making these fudgy dark chocolate brownies! They’re rich and decadent, packed with intense chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth. The texture is incredibly moist and chewy, making them the ultimate chocolate treat. I often find myself baking a batch when I have friends over, and they never fail to impress. Dressed with a sprinkle of sea salt or paired with ice cream, these brownies are perfect for any occasion. Join me in indulging in this joyous recipe that will surely leave you craving for more!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T10:58:28.270Z

When I first tried making brownies, I was skeptical about how they would turn out. However, I found that using high-quality dark chocolate really elevates their flavor, making every bite deeply satisfying.

After countless experiments, I discovered that adding a touch of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering it. The key to achieving that perfect fudgy texture is to underbake them slightly, allowing them to set as they cool. Trust me, you won't want to skip this detail!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Intense chocolate flavor that satisfies your cravings
Incredibly fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

The quality of your chocolate will dramatically influence the flavor of these fudgy brownies. Opting for a high-cacao dark chocolate, ideally around 70% cocoa solids, will give intense richness that lower-quality chocolates simply can't match. When selecting chocolate chips, ensure they are labeled 'dark' to avoid excessive sweetness, thus retaining the brownies' deep chocolate character.

Butter also plays a crucial role in achieving that desirable fudgy consistency. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the recipe. For an even richer flavor, consider browning the butter before mixing it with chocolate; this adds a delightful nuttiness that elevates the overall taste.

Technique Tips for Perfect Fudginess

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir just until the flour is incorporated for that fudgy texture. If you overwork it, you’ll end up with cakey brownies, which is not the goal here. You'll know you're done mixing when the batter looks smooth and just combined without any dry flour spots.

Another important consideration is baking time. Keep an eye on your brownies during the last few minutes in the oven. They should still be slightly underbaked when you remove them—checking for moist crumbs on the toothpick. The brownies will continue to cook in the residual heat, leading to that perfect chewy texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make delightful fudgy brownies.

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (100g) cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect fudgy brownies.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Melt the Butter and Chocolate

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and dark chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Slowly add the cooled chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and espresso powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Enjoy your delicious homemade brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add chopped nuts or swirl in some peanut butter before baking for additional flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Brownies can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Allow them to cool completely before covering to prevent moisture buildup, which can alter the fudgy texture. If you've made a large batch, you can also freeze them. Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

To revive frozen brownies, simply let them thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave them briefly for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. This is particularly delightful if you're planning to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Delicious Variations to Consider

For those looking to add more flavor complexity, consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Add about 1 cup of chopped nuts to the batter before pouring it into the baking pan. You can also experiment with eclectic mix-ins like peppermint extract or a swirl of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can replace half of the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for baking. This will still provide sweetness without overwhelming the brownies, but be mindful of the potential impact on texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

While you can, it will alter the flavor and sweetness. If you prefer milk chocolate, consider reducing the sugar slightly.

→ How do I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Is it necessary to use espresso powder?

No, it’s optional. However, espresso enhances the chocolate flavor, so I highly recommend including it!