How To Make Brownies

There is something truly special about pulling a fresh batch of brownies out of the oven. Your kitchen fills with that rich, chocolatey smell that makes everyone come running. Brownies are the perfect sweet treat when you want something indulgent but do not want to spend all day baking. They are easier than layer cakes, more forgiving than macarons, and always disappear first at potlucks. In this guide, we will walk through ten different ways to make these delicious bars.

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Whether you are a beginner who has never turned on an oven or a seasoned baker looking for new tricks, you will find something here that works for your kitchen and your schedule. I have been baking brownies for my family and friends for over fifteen years, and I am excited to share these methods with you. From classic scratch recipes to clever hacks using cake mix, we have covered every possible way you might want to make brownies today.

How To Make Brownies

The classic brownie recipe is where most people start, and for good reason. This method gives you that perfect balance of crackly top and chewy, fudgy center. You do not need any special equipment or fancy techniques. Just a mixing bowl, a baking pan, and a love for chocolate.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
• Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals. Stir in the sugar until the mixture looks like wet sand.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Break up any clumps of cocoa.
• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix or your brownies will be cakey.
• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should look set and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up properly and gives you clean slices.

How To Make Brownies From Scratch

Making brownies from scratch means you are starting with real butter, real chocolate, and real eggs. There are no box mixes or preservatives here. This is the method you use when you want to feel like a true baker and you have about forty minutes to spare.

Ingredients you will need:

• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper so the brownies come out easily.
• Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth.
• Whisk in the sugar until the mixture looks glossy and starts to thicken slightly.
• Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. The batter will look thin at this stage. Stir in the vanilla.
• Fold in the flour and salt very gently. The batter will be thick and glossy. Do not beat it or you will get tough brownies.
• Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should look set and a toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
• Cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Easiest Way To Make Brownies

Let us be honest. Sometimes you just want brownies right now and you do not want to measure a dozen different ingredients. This is the simplest method that still gives you great results. You can have these ready in under thirty minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 box (18.25 ounces) brownie mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional but recommended)

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven according to the package directions on your brownie mix box. Usually this is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Do not use butter here or the edges might burn.
• Pour the brownie mix into a large mixing bowl. Do not open the pudding packet if your mix includes one. Just use the dry mix.
• Add the eggs, oil, and water. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is combined. The batter will be thick.
• Fold in the chocolate chips if you are using them. This gives you extra chocolate pockets throughout.
• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with the back of your spoon.
• Bake for the time listed on the box, usually 20 to 25 minutes. Start checking at 18 minutes so you do not overbake.
• Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. They will still be fudgy and delicious.

How To Make Brownies At Home

Baking brownies at home should feel comfortable and easy. You do not need a professional kitchen or expensive tools. Just follow these basic steps and you will have homemade treats that taste better than anything you can buy at the store. The key is to use room temperature ingredients and to not overmix the batter.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper.
• Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth.
• Mix in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined. The batter will be thick. Do not beat it.
• Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
• Spread the batter in your prepared dish. Use a spatula to get into the corners.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should be set but the center should still look slightly underdone.
• Cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps the brownies set up properly.

How To Make Brownies From Cake Mix Boxes

This is a fun hack that turns a chocolate cake mix into brownies. The result is super moist and fudgy. You probably have everything you need right now in your pantry. This method is perfect for last-minute dessert needs.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces)
• 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Do not use butter.
• Dump the dry cake mix and the dry pudding mix into a large mixing bowl. Do not open the pudding mix packet.
• Add the eggs and oil. Mix everything together with a spoon until it looks like thick mud.
• Stir in the chocolate chips. This adds extra chocolate flavor and texture.
• Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan. Press it down gently with the back of your spoon.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should look crackly and dry.
• Let them cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. They will set up as they cool.

How To Make Brownies Without Oven

Not everyone has an oven or wants to turn it on during hot summer months. You can still enjoy warm, gooey brownies using your stovetop or microwave. This method gives you rich chocolate flavor without heating up your whole house.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Steps to follow:

• Mix all the dry ingredients together in a microwave-safe mug or small bowl. Whisk out any lumps in the cocoa.
• Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and thick.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• If using a microwave, cook on high for 60 to 90 seconds. Check at 60 seconds to see if it is set. The center should look dry.
• If using a stovetop method, cook in a small greased skillet over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before eating. The brownie will firm up as it cools.

How To Make Brownies Without Chocolate

Maybe you are out of chocolate or you want a different flavor profile. You can make delicious brownies without any chocolate at all. These carrot brownies are sweet, moist, and packed with warm spices. No one will miss the chocolate.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
• Mix the melted butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until combined.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract.
• Stir in the grated carrots until they are evenly distributed.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Add the walnuts if you like nuts in your brownies. Fold them in gently.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool completely before cutting into squares.

How To Make Brownies In A Pan

Baking brownies in a pan, especially a cast iron skillet, gives them a crispy, caramelized edge and a chewy center. It looks fancy and restaurant-worthy but is actually very simple to do at home. The hot pan helps create a beautiful crackly top.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chunks

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Put a 10-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan in the oven to heat up while you make the batter.
• While the pan is heating, mix melted butter and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just mixed. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
• Carefully take the hot skillet out of the oven. Grease it quickly with a little butter or oil.
• Pour the batter into the hot skillet. It will sizzle a bit.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be crisp and the center should look set.
• Cool in the skillet for at least 20 minutes before cutting around the edges and slicing.

How To Make Brownies Without Eggs

Eggs help bind brownies together and give them structure, but you can absolutely make them without eggs if you have allergies or just ran out. These brownies still turn out soft, rich, and delicious. Applesauce acts as a binder and adds moisture.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• Mix the melted butter and sugar together in a large bowl until well combined.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce until smooth.
• In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Make sure there are no lumps.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and thick.
• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The top should look set and a toothpick should come out mostly clean.
• Let cool completely before cutting into squares. They will keep well for three days.

How To Make Brownies Without Cocoa

If you have chocolate chips or bars but no cocoa powder, you can still make brownies. This method uses melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder to get that rich, deep chocolate flavor. The texture is just as good, maybe even better.

Ingredients you will need:

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan.
• Melt the chopped chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Stir until completely smooth.
• Stir in the sugar until the mixture is uniform.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract.
• Fold in the flour and salt very gently. The batter will be thick and glossy.
• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be set and the center should still look slightly soft.
• Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them set up properly.

FAQs

Can I make brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake brownies one day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste better the next day once the flavors have melded together and the texture firms up slightly.

Why are my brownies cakey instead of fudgy?

You probably used too much flour or baked them for too long. For fudgy brownies, use just enough flour to hold them together and take them out of the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs still attached.

How do I get crackly tops on my brownies?

Beat your sugar and eggs together really well until they look thick and pale yellow. This adds air that creates that shiny, cracked crust when baked. Do not overmix once you add the flour.

Can I freeze brownies?

Absolutely. Wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature for about an hour before eating.

What is the best way to cut brownies?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a hot wet cloth between each cut. This gives you neat squares without sticking and keeps the edges clean.

Conclusion

Making brownies does not have to be complicated or scary. Whether you start from scratch with real chocolate and butter or use a box mix to save time, you can create something delicious in your own kitchen. The best part about baking is that you can adjust these recipes to fit what you have in your pantry and what you like to eat. Do not be afraid to try different methods until you find your favorite. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of those warm, chocolatey squares.