If you’re seeking the fastest route to rich, chocolatey bliss, these One Bowl Brownies are pure magic. Imagine luscious cocoa warmth, a moist and fudgy bite, and deep chocolate aromas filling your kitchen—without a single mountain of dirty dishes afterwards. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and that wonderfully crackly top that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a brownie fanatic looking for a quick fix, this dessert is destined to become everyone’s go-to treat for impromptu cravings, school bake sales, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Bowl Brownies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the classic features you love: chewy edges, a tender crumb, and loads of chocolate flavor. Here’s a look at what you’ll need and how each element shines.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Butter is the backbone here, delivering unbeatable richness and keeping the brownies moist and decadent.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): White sugar not only sweetens, but it also contributes to that glossy, irresistible brownie top.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs provide structure and help achieve that perfect, fudge-meets-cake texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla rounds out the flavors, giving the chocolate added depth and warmth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Cocoa powder is the star of the chocolate show, creating deep flavor and that dark, delicious color.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough flour to give the brownies body without losing their gooey charm.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt brightens all the flavors and ensures the brownies aren’t cloying.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): This tiny bit of lift gives your brownies a little lightness without turning them into cake.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For chocolate chunk lovers, these melt into pockets of pure joy—but feel free to leave them out for classic simplicity.
How to Make One Bowl Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot and ready for baking. Grease your 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—this will make for easy brownie removal and zero sticking. A well-prepped pan is your secret weapon against crumbled edges!
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl—remember, we’re keeping this strictly one bowl. Whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together for about a minute until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step helps develop the signature shiny, crackly brownie top!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add your eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s well blended and looks satiny. Don’t rush—the eggs emulsify with the butter and sugar to ensure every bite of your One Bowl Brownies is silky and luscious.
Step 4: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder right into your wet mixture. Sifting keeps your brownies tender and prevents dry clumps. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; this batter doesn’t need overmixing—give it a quick fold so it’s just barely together and no streaks of flour remain.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re after extra chocolate magic, gently fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips now. This step is also perfect for adding nuts or a swirl of peanut butter, making your One Bowl Brownies truly your own.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. For fudgy brownies, stick to the low end—look for a toothpick poked in the center coming out with a few moist crumbs. Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into neat squares—patience, though tough, is key for clean cuts!
How to Serve One Bowl Brownies
Garnishes
The simplest way to elevate One Bowl Brownies is with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a few fresh berries on top. For special occasions, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream takes your brownies from weeknight snack to showstopping dessert.
Side Dishes
Balance the indulgence with a fresh fruit salad, or serve alongside a cold glass of milk or espresso for a classic pairing. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a tangy crème fraîche or Greek yogurt to cut the richness of the brownies—a surprisingly delightful combo!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your brownies into a pretty tower for easy sharing at a potluck, or serve them slightly warm in individual ramekins for a molten, gooey treat. You can also cut the brownies into fun shapes with cookie cutters to match holidays or parties, making these One Bowl Brownies even more playful and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover One Bowl Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating can keep them fresh and maintain that perfect fudgy texture. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months, making them a stellar prep-ahead treat for sudden chocolate cravings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Craving that “just baked” feeling? Warm your One Bowl Brownies in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds per square. This revives the gooey center and gives the chocolate chips an extra melt. If straight from the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature first or gently heat in the microwave at low power.
FAQs
Can I make One Bowl Brownies with gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for any quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The brownies will still be rich, chewy, and downright addictive—just watch the baking time, as they may firm up faster.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you’d like to make these dairy-free, use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in the same amount. The flavor may change slightly, but you’ll still get that lovely moist, fudgy result.
How do I know when these brownies are done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. Overbaking will make the brownies cakey, so it’s better to err on the side of underdone if you love them extra fudgy.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add 3–5 minutes to the baking time, but keep an eye out for those moist crumbs and you’re golden.
What mix-ins work well with One Bowl Brownies?
These brownies are incredibly forgiving—try stirring in chopped walnuts, pecans, dried fruit, peanut butter chips, or even a handful of mini marshmallows. Each batch can be a new adventure!
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to whip up a batch of One Bowl Brownies—you really can’t beat the combination of rich chocolate flavor, easy clean-up, and pure comfort. Whether you eat them warm out of the pan or stash a secret square for later, you’re just one bowl away from a little moment of joy. Go ahead, treat yourself and your favorite people!
Print
One Bowl Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent One Bowl Brownies that are easy to make and satisfy your chocolate cravings. With a fudgy texture and rich cocoa flavor, these homemade brownies are a perfect treat for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently stir until just combined.
- Optional: Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Spread batter in the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let brownies cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them.
- Add chopped nuts or swirl in peanut butter for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
