5 Ingredient Fudgy Brownies
When you're craving a rich, decadent dessert but don’t want to fuss with an endless list of ingredients, these 5-ingredient fudgy brownies are here to save the day. Simple yet indulgent, these brownies offer a perfect balance of chewy edges and a dense, gooey center. With just a handful of pantry staples, you'll create a treat that’s sure to become a go-to in your dessert rotation. Follow the easy instructions below for brownies that will satisfy your chocolate cravings every time.
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar (420 grams)
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup salted butter, melted or browned (226 grams)
2/3 cup cocoa powder (62 grams)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (98 grams)
Optional yummy additions:
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
3/4 cups chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch metal baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy brownie removal.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar and eggs. Use an electric mixer to beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the sugar is mostly dissolved. (Test by rubbing the mixture between your fingers; it should feel mostly smooth.)
Add the melted butter to the sugar and egg mixture. Mix until fully combined.
Optional step: Add vanilla extract and mix.
Combine the dry ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, flour, and salt to the bowl. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients until a thick, smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Optional step: Stir espresso powder and chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness!
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 33-38 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). If in doubt, use a knife tip to slightly lift a piece from the center and check the texture. Avoid overbaking, as the brownies will continue to set while cooling.
Cooling & Serving: Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. While they are delicious when warm, they may seem underdone if cut too soon. For clean, even slices, wait until they have fully set.
These 5-ingredient fudgy brownies prove that simplicity can yield extraordinary results. Whether you’re hosting friends, satisfying a sudden chocolate craving, or baking for fun, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these easy brownies, and don’t forget to share (or not!).
Notes:
Metal Pan: Using a metal pan ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly baked brownies. A ceramic pan can be a suitable alternative, but avoid using glass, as it conducts heat poorly and may lead to uneven baking.
Vanilla Extract: While this is technically an additional ingredient, it enhances the chocolate flavor and is highly recommended if you have it on hand.
Salt: Though listed separately, the 1/4 tsp of salt can be skipped if you are strict about the ingredient count.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 33-38 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes cooling time)
Yield: 12-16 brownies
