Sink your teeth into the magic of One Bowl Brownies—a ridiculously easy, ultra-fudgy delight you can whip up in about half an hour with just a handful of pantry staples. Each bite is packed with gooey chocolate goodness and that perfect crinkle-top we all love, and the cleanup is a breeze since there’s only one bowl involved. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or it’s your first foray into homemade brownies, this is one recipe you’ll come back to every time a chocolate craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Bowl Brownies lies in their simplicity: classic baking ingredients that each play a crucial role, coming together for unbeatable taste, texture, and that gorgeously dark color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is important—no fancy equipment required!
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): The secret to fudgy richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Not just for sweetness—a must for that signature crackly brownie top.
- Large Eggs (2): Provide structure, moisture, and a wonderfully chewy bite.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolate flavors; a splash makes a big difference!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): The heart of the brownies—gives deep, dark chocolate flavor and color.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to hold everything together without making things cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and sharpens the chocolate notes.
- Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a tiny bit of lift, so your brownies aren’t too dense.
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks (1/2 cup, optional): Stir these in for pockets of melty chocolate—totally irresistible!
How to Make One Bowl Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper—trust me, your brownies will lift out perfectly, and cleanup is even easier.
Step 2: Whisk Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This step is key for that amazing crackly top—so don’t rush!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract, then whisk again until the batter looks thick and uniform. This combination creates gorgeous richness and gives your brownies a chewy, satisfying texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder directly into the bowl. Gently stir until everything is just combined—no need to beat the batter into submission. Overmixing is the enemy of fudgy One Bowl Brownies!
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips or Chunks
If you’re going for extra decadence (highly recommended), gently fold in chocolate chips or chunky bits of chocolate at this stage. Each piece will transform into a pockets of molten goodness as the brownies bake.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and nudge it into an even layer with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center emerges with a few moist crumbs—remember, a little underbake means a fudgier bite!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This patience will pay off with perfect squares that hold together when sliced. Once cooled, lift out, cut into nine pieces, and get ready for chocolatey bliss.
How to Serve One Bowl Brownies
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate turns a simple square of One Bowl Brownies into an elegant dessert. Fresh berries, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a dollop of whipped cream are also fantastic ways to add color and extra flair.
Side Dishes
You can never go wrong with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside a warm brownie. If you’re itching for a fancier pairing, try a mound of tangy Greek yogurt or a swirl of berry compote on the plate—both add a lovely contrast to the brownie’s rich chocolate flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Brownies don’t have to look basic! For parties, slice One Bowl Brownies into bite-sized cubes and stack them on a tiered platter. Or, use a cookie cutter for fun shapes and dip half in melted chocolate. You can even layer brownie squares, whipped cream, and fruit in a glass for an easy yet stunning parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and chewy, and the chocolate flavor actually deepens a bit overnight, making each square even more irresistible!
Freezing
One Bowl Brownies freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready to satisfy sudden chocolate cravings at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
For that freshly-baked warmth, microwave individual brownies for about 10 to 15 seconds, just until the chocolate chips are gooey again. If reheating a whole batch, cover lightly with foil and warm in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I double this One Bowl Brownies recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredient amounts and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time, so keep an eye out for those moist crumbs on your tester.
What can I add to switch up the flavors?
Get creative! Sprinkle in chopped nuts, swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter or caramel, or toss in some espresso powder for mocha vibes. The One Bowl Brownies recipe is wonderfully forgiving and open to lots of fun twists.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yep—substitute a reliable 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll still get chewy, chocolatey results.
Why did my brownies turn out cakey instead of fudgy?
Cakey brownies usually mean too much flour or overbaking. Be sure to measure your flour carefully (a kitchen scale helps), mix the batter just until combined, and keep a close eye on the baking time for the perfect fudge factor in your One Bowl Brownies.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
You can, but butter gives brownies that incomparable richness and flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil works well and adds a hint of aroma, but expect the texture to be a tiny bit different.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a pan of warm, gooey One Bowl Brownies from the oven—and the fact that you barely need to wash any dishes is the cherry on top. This recipe is a staple for good reason: whether it’s a last-minute dessert or a weekend project, you’re in for a treat. Give these a go and I promise, they’ll soon become your trusty, go-to brownies!
Print
One Bowl Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy One Bowl Brownies that are so easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and minimal clean-up. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings in a flash!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 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 chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Optional: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let brownies cool in pan, then slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake by a minute or two.
- You can customize by adding nuts or swirling in peanut butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
