Soft Fudge Brownies

Name: Soft Fudge Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Wholesome Sweet Bakes

I can never get enough of soft fudge brownies! Each time I whip up a batch, the air fills with an irresistible chocolate aroma that draws everyone in. These brownies are the perfect balance of chewy and soft, creating a rich texture that’s hard to resist. I love how quick and easy they are to make, perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. Whether I’m making them for a gathering or just to enjoy at home, their delightful fudginess never fails to impress friends and family alike.

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:51:12.110Z

When I first made these soft fudge brownies, I was captivated by how simple yet rewarding the recipe was. Using just a few quality ingredients, I discovered a technique that kept the brownies moist and dense, making them feel luxurious. The chocolate melts beautifully, and the addition of a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness perfectly.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly underbake them. I’ve found that pulling them out of the oven just a couple of minutes early results in an incredibly gooey texture that everyone adores. Trust me; this is the key to the ultimate brownie!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor with a perfect fudgy texture
Easily customizable with nuts or chocolate chips
Ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying solo

Achieving the Perfect Fudginess

To achieve the ideal fudgy texture, it’s crucial to avoid overbaking these brownies. Keep a close eye on them as they bake for 20 minutes; the edges should look just firm while the center remains slightly soft. Upon cooling, the brownies will continue to set, giving you that deliciously chewy consistency. Trust your instincts; if they seem a tad underbaked, that’s just perfect for a soft fudge brownie.

Humidity can play a role in your brownie’s finish. If it’s a particularly moist day, you might want to reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes. Additionally, using a glass baking dish instead of metal can help with even cooking. Glass retains heat differently, so for glass pans, start checking the brownies about two minutes early.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of cocoa powder can significantly impact the flavor profile of your brownies. For a deeper chocolate flavor, look for Dutch-processed cocoa, which is less acidic and yields a lovely rich color. If you're going for a more intense chocolate hit, opting for extra-dark chocolate chips is also a fantastic alternative to regular semi-sweet chips.

Butter plays a key role in the texture of these brownies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness, which is especially important when aiming for that balance of rich sweetness and chocolatey flavor. If you're in a pinch and need a dairy-free option, coconut oil can be substituted, although it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your brownies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly container. Thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for about 10 seconds for a warm treat.

These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few serving ideas. Try topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling a homemade chocolate ganache for an extra special touch. For added crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts or sea salt on top before serving. Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or mint, for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your brownies:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Melt the butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.

Add eggs and vanilla

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine dry ingredients

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

Add chocolate chips

If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for extra fudginess.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. Make sure not to overbake for that perfect fudge consistency.

Cool and cut

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Enjoy these brownies warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a delicious salted caramel flavor.

Customizations to Consider

These brownies serve as a fantastic base for customization. If you love nuts, consider folding in walnuts or pecans for added texture. You can also throw in some colorful sprinkles for a festive touch or even incorporate your favorite candy bars, cut into pieces, for a delightful twist. Just be mindful not to exceed the capacity of the batter; less is often more to keep that fudgy interior intact.

For those who prefer a less sweet treat, you can adjust the sugar in the recipe. Reducing it by 1/2 cup or so will still yield delicious brownies that highlight the cocoa's rich, deep flavor. You might want to up the vanilla extract a touch to enhance the overall profile without the sugar, balancing sweetness with depth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies turn out too cakey, it’s often because of overmixing the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined; some lumps are perfectly fine. This will ensure you keep that desired fudgy texture instead of ending up with a cake-like brownie.

Conversely, if your brownies collapse or look too greasy, they may have been underbaked or too much butter was used. Ensuring accurate measurements with tools like a kitchen scale for the flour and cocoa powder can help avoid these issues. Always remember, every oven is slightly different, so using an oven thermometer can help you ensure your temperatures are accurate.

Scaling Up for Larger Gatherings

If you want to double the recipe for a larger batch, it’s best to bake in two separate pans rather than one larger pan. This ensures even cooking and keeps your brownies from becoming too dense or underbaked in the middle. Simply divide the batter and bake them for the same amount of time, checking for doneness slightly sooner, especially if they are in two pans.

When scaling up, remember to adjust your storage needs as well. With a larger batch comes the need for more airtight containers, or plan to share them with friends and family right away. It’s a great way to test different toppings or mix-ins in each pan, adding a fun variety to your dessert offering!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free flour, but results may vary.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.

→ What can I add to customize these brownies?

Feel free to add nuts, caramel swirls, or different types of chocolate for variety!