Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)
Classic Fudgy Brownies are the quintessential dessert for every chocolate lover’s dream. With their shiny, crinkly top and fudgy center, these brownies capture a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and a soft texture that melts in your mouth. Made in just one bowl, this recipe is not only simple but also quick, ensuring you can satisfy that sweet craving without any fuss.
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I first discovered the magic of these brownies during a cozy gathering with friends. We were all craving something indulgent after dinner, and I decided to whip up a batch. The moment they came out of the oven, the aroma of melted chocolate filled the room, leaving us all eagerly awaiting a taste. As we took our first bites, it was clear; these brownies were a comforting delight. The best part? They are so easy to make, you won’t think twice about preparing them for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking.
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich dark chocolate flavor with a fudgy texture that you can’t resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful crinkly top makes them a standout dessert at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, lazy afternoons, or as a midnight snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Can be modified to suit different dietary preferences with a few straightforward swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweet golden goodness balances the dark chocolate, ensuring the brownies are sweet yet not overly sugary.
- 3 large eggs: They serve as a binder, giving the brownies their rich, fudgy texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content, giving you that creamy richness without overpowering the chocolate.
- 1 and 1/3 cup dark chocolate (45-70% cocoa), broken into pieces: The key ingredient for deep, satisfying chocolate flavor; opt for good quality chocolate for the best result.
- ½ cup plain flour: This gives structure to the brownies. Avoid whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder, sifted: This adds an extra boost of chocolate flavor and richness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a touch enhances the chocolate flavor.
- ½ cup chocolate chips: Mix these in for melty pockets of chocolate in every bite, or swap for your favorite types of chips like white or milk chocolate.
How to Make Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (or 320°F for fan-forced). Grease and line an 8-inch square or round baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it’s ready for the batter.
- Whisk Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with the 3 large eggs. Whisk them together by hand for about 30 seconds until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the ½ cup unsalted butter along with the 1 and 1/3 cup dark chocolate pieces. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between until smooth and completely melted.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg mixture. Whisk it all together until you have a silky smooth blend.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the ½ cup plain flour, ¼ cup sifted cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt to the wet mixture. Gently stir with a spatula until you form a thick, smooth brownie batter. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the ½ cup chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed through the batter for that delightful, melty surprise.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out into an even layer. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is shiny and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean, without wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into small squares. You can enjoy them right away or store them at room temperature or in the fridge for later.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer them chilled, they can be kept in the fridge for about a week in a sealed container. For longer-lasting treats, freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature. To refresh their fudgy texture, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing after adding the flour; this can create a denser texture instead of the desired fudgy consistency.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter, leading to a smoother mixture.
- Check on your brownies a few minutes before the baking time is over; ovens can vary, and you want to catch them before they overbake.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can enhance the chocolate even further!
There’s so much to love about these Classic Fudgy Brownies! They balance a rich chocolate flavor with an easy one-bowl preparation, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, indulging solo, or gifting to a friend, these brownies are bound to bring joy.
Feel free to play around with ingredients or toppings; perhaps swirl in some peanut butter or add a handful of nuts for crunch. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, they’re a slice of heaven in every bite.

Recipe FAQs
How can I tell when my brownies are done baking?
You want to look for a shiny top and a firm edge, but the center should have a slight wobble. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool!
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use semi-sweet, bittersweet, or even milk chocolate. Just adjust the sweetness of your sugar slightly if you use a sweeter chocolate. If you’re a dark chocolate lover, stick to chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for intense flavor.
What should I do if my brownies are too cakey?
If you find your brownies came out a bit cakey, it’s likely they were overbaked. Make sure to keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking next time. For a fudge-factor boost, you can also add an extra tablespoon of butter or chocolate to your batter.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Definitely! You can substitute the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be sure to check that the other ingredients—like chocolate chips—are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice!
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📖 Recipe Card

Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Classic Fudgy Brownies have an irresistible flavor with a crinkly top, made simple with just one bowl. Perfect for a cozy dessert or quick treat.
Ingredients
- 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter
- 200 grams (1 and 1/3 cup) dark chocolate (45-70% cocoa), broken into pieces
- 70 grams (1/2 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour
- 20 grams (1/4 cup) cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 75 grams (1/2 cup) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) standard or 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square or round baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and eggs, whisking together until creamy and combined.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and dark chocolate together in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Incorporate the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the mixture, stirring gently until a thick, smooth batter forms. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until shiny and the brownie no longer wobbles in the center, with a toothpick coming out almost clean.
- Allow the brownie to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Store at room temperature or in the fridge, and they also freeze well.
Notes
For extra gooey brownies, do not overbake.
You can add nuts for added texture if desired.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
