Gemma's Best-Ever Brownies Recipe (+Video) | Bigger Bolder Baking (2024)

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Hi Bold Bakers!

Now, I know the internet is full of “Best Ever” claims and “the ultimate” recipes but this really is the be-all and end-all fudge brownies recipe! Read the thousands of reviews on this recipe like:

“These brownies were extremely easy to make and tasted like I spent hours in the kitchen.” -Susiebakesalot

“Even better that the best bakery in our neighborhood. Thank you so much for this precise recipe.” -Neha P.

My Best-Ever Brownies recipe is chef-tested for over 15 years, and has been recreated and enjoyed by thousands of Bold Bakers just like you–just check out the photos submitted by the community further below. Follow my recipe and techniques and you’ll have your new go-to best brownie recipe with a rich chocolate flavor.

And, if you’re looking for twists on this recipe, look no further — try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies,Decadent Caramel Brownies,Skillet Brownies,Cream Cheese Brownies, the Chewy Brownies of Your Dreams, and more!

What Ingredients Do You Need For A Homemade Brownies Recipe?

In my recipe, I’m all about that crisp crackly top, ooey-gooey fudge-like center, studded with chunks of molten chocolate and that’s exactly what you’ll get here! These Best Ever Brownies really live up to their name as they feature:

• High-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted so you don’t have any lumps in your batter.
• Both white sugar and brown sugar.
• Flavorless oil, which makes them moist and fudgy.
• Eggs, but you can always use my egg substitute chart for brownies.
• All-purpose flour, but you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour 1:1.
• And more than a cup of rich bittersweet chocolate chunks (ideally chocolate with 72% cocoa solids or more for a nice balance of bitter and sweet).

Do Brownies Need A Leavening Agent?

For the perfect fudgy brownie, you will not need baking powder or baking soda. Leavening agents make for more of a cakey texture and these brownies are all fudge!

What Makes A Brownies Recipe Chewier?

Using oil is a key factor but isn’t the only factor to a chewy brownie. Using dark brown sugar helps create that texture also. That and baking them for just the right amount of time will give you the result you are looking for.

Why Do Brownies Have A Flaky Top?

If you’re looking for that flaky, crinkle-top brownie, I have perfected the method. Wanna know the secret? Make my Crinkle Top Brownies!

What You Need To Make Batches Of Brownies From Scratch

• Measuring CupsandSpoons
• Baking Tray
• Parchment Paper
• Large Bowl
• Whisk

How To Make Brownies

Are you ready to learn how to make brownies, and never need to find another brownies recipe ever again? This is how you make my easy brownies (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):

1. Preheat the oven! Set aside a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
2. Mixing time: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, oil, and both sugars before whisking in eggs, vanilla, and salt.
3. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Fold the dry ingredients (including half of the chocolate chunks) into the wet ingredients.
4. Batter up. Pour the batter into the tray and top with remaining chocolate chunks.
5. It’s time to throw your batter into the oven. Bake for roughly 35-40 minutes, until the center of the brownie no longer jiggles.
6. Remove the batter from the oven. After they’re removed from the oven, make sure the brownies are at room temperature before taking that sweet, chocolaty first bite.

5 Pro Chefs Secrets To The Perfect Brownie Recipe

• Brown sugar is a key ingredient! It makes the brownies moister, more flavorful and makes for a more fudgy final product. You can easily make your own brown sugar at home.
• Use a good quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the ultimate decadent brownie. Don’t use hot chocolate powder which contains sweeteners and other ingredients.
• We prefer extra rich bittersweet chocolate (70%) chunks for this recipe but you can use semi-sweet or even milk chocolate if you like that better.
• Don’t forget to season your brownies. Salt and Vanilla are key ingredients, adding essential flavor and dimension. Please don’t leave them out!
• Be careful not to over-bake! Brownies are perfectly cooked when they are firm around the edges but still soft to the touch in the middle, as they will continue to set once they come out of the oven. After baking, cool completely in the pan at room temperature before slicing.
• For extra neat slices, cover your cooled brownies well and chill (or freeze) until cold and firm, about 2 hours, before slicing. Once sliced, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Brownies can be frozen for longer storage: place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. Defrost at room temperature for about 1 hour (or microwave briefly).
• Watch the 5 Pro Chef Secrets video to see the tips in action!

Try These Brownie Recipes:

• The Chewy Brownies of Your Dreams
• Gemma’s Better Than Boxed Brownies Mix
• Chewy Mochi Brownies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
• Decadent Caramel Brownies
• Skillet Brownies
• Cream Cheese Brownies
• Microwave Mug Brownie
• Vegan Brownies
• Best-Ever Blondies

And don’t miss my New Bigger Bolder Baking Every DayCookbookavailable now!

Full (and printable) recipe below!

Ingredients

Instructions

Recipe Notes