Classic fudgy brownies with a crinkly top are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers. Rich, gooey, and incredibly indulgent, they strike the perfect balance between a chewy center and crisp edges. Whether you’re craving a decadent dessert after dinner or looking for a simple yet satisfying snack, these brownies are sure to hit the spot. What sets them apart is their shiny, crinkled top, a hallmark of homemade brownies that will make your friends and family swoon.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

I first discovered the joy of baking these classic fudgy brownies during a rainy afternoon. The aroma of melting dark chocolate and butter filled my kitchen, wrapping me in warmth and comfort. It didn’t take long before the rich batter transformed into a pan of chocolatey goodness. The first bite was a revelation! With each square, I was hooked on their perfect texture and flavor. These brownies are not just easy to make but also a delightful way to express your love for chocolate. Join me in the kitchen and let’s whip up a batch of these amazing treats together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just over an hour, perfect for satisfying those chocolate cravings without a lengthy prep.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and cocoa powder creates a deep, rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their glossy crinkly top looks impressive and is sure to wow your guests.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast — they’re delicious any time of day!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap ingredients for gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetness is essential for balancing the rich chocolate flavors. You can also use caster sugar for a finer texture if preferred.
3 large eggs: Eggs add moisture and richness. Ensure they’re at room temperature for the best incorporation.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Provides moisture and a luscious texture; feel free to substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
1 and 1/3 cup dark chocolate (45-70% cocoa): The heart of these brownies! Choose a high-quality chocolate for the best flavor, and opt for chocolate chips if you prefer.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This gives structure to the brownies. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
1/4 cup cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth of chocolate flavor and enhances the overall richness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors, making the chocolate taste even better.
1/2 cup chocolate chips: These are optional but highly recommended for an extra burst of chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) for standard baking or 320°F (160°C) for fan-forced. This ensures an even bake. Grease and line an 8-inch square or round baking pan with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Whisk Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 3 large eggs. Whisk together by hand for about 30 seconds, just until the mixture is creamy and combined.
Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 and 1/3 cup dark chocolate broken into pieces. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the egg mixture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Whisk by hand until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt using a spatula until a thick, smooth brownie batter forms. Be careful not to overmix. If desired, stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips for added texture.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out into one even layer. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the top is shiny and crinkled and the center is no longer wobbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out almost clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into small squares. You can store these fudgy delights at room temperature or in the fridge. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months.

Storing & Reheating

To store your brownies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. For longer preservation, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for a maximum of three months. Just ensure they’re wrapped tightly! When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warm. Note that their fudgy texture may change slightly when frozen, but they’re still delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: Mixing too much after adding flour can result in dense brownies. Just fold until combined for the best texture.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: This makes a noticeable difference in flavor; opt for dark chocolate you enjoy eating.
Let Them Cool: Allowing your brownies to cool completely will help them slice cleanly and maintain their fudgy texture.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or swirl in some peanut butter or caramel for a fun twist.
Check Doneness Visually: Keep an eye on the brownie texture; it should look set with a shiny top when done!

These classic fudgy brownies are sure to become a household favorite. Their rich chocolate flavor paired with the chewy texture is a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, the process is simple enough to whip up for any occasion or just because you could use some chocolate in your life. Don’t hesitate to play around with the recipe or add your own twist!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate in your brownies, use about 1 cup of cocoa powder with an additional 1/4 cup of oil or melted butter to make up for the missing fat. Keep in mind that the texture and richness may differ slightly compared to using dark chocolate.

How do I know when my brownies are done baking?

To check for doneness, look for a shiny crinkly top and edges that have pulled away slightly from the pan. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. This ensures you keep the fudgy texture intact.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! To make these brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The results will still be deliciously fudgy, so you can enjoy them without gluten!

How should I store leftover brownies?

Store your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, refrigerate them for about a week, or freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

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Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Classic Fudgy Brownies feature a crinkly top and rich, chocolatey flavor, all made in one bowl for easy prep. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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. Whisk together by hand for about 30 seconds until creamy and well combined.
In another microwave-safe bowl, add butter and dark chocolate. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg mixture. Whisk by hand until fully combined.
Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Use a spatula to gently stir until a thick, smooth brownie batter forms, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top looks shiny and a toothpick inserted comes out almost clean.
Allow the brownie to cool in the pan completely before cutting into squares. Store at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze for later.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.
Make sure not to overbake to maintain the fudgy texture in the brownies.
These brownies can be topped with nuts for added crunch.