Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These best-ever 5 ingredient brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples, you can enjoy classic, homemade brownies that satisfy any chocolate craving. Perfect for baking beginners and experienced cooks alike!
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (420 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams)
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder (62 grams)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (98 grams)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 9×9-inch metal baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs on high speed with an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture feels smooth between your fingers.
- Step 3: Whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 4: Add the cocoa powder, flour, and salt to the wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together until you have a thick, uniform batter.
- Step 5: (Optional) Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips if you like extra chocolatey brownies.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 33-38 minutes. The top should look set, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out with thick, moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Step 7: Let the brownies cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow them to firm up to a fudgy consistency.
Tips & Variations
- Use a metal baking pan for the best crust formation; glass or ceramic may change the baking time and texture.
- To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes.
- Swap half the sugar for brown sugar for a slightly chewier texture and deeper flavor.
- If you don’t have salted butter, use unsalted and add a pinch more salt to the batter.
Storage
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated brownies briefly in the microwave for a warm treat, or enjoy them chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a glass baking dish instead of metal?
Yes, but baking times may vary slightly. Glass dishes tend to retain heat longer, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking.
Why do I need to let the brownies cool before cutting?
Brownies need time to set after baking. Cutting them too soon can cause them to fall apart and appear underdone. Cooling for at least an hour helps achieve a clean slice and the ideal fudgy texture.
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Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 43-48 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies (3×3 inch squares) 1x
Description
These best-ever 5 ingredient brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of decadent brownies perfect for any occasion. They have a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity with a moist, chewy texture that sets to a fudgy consistency once cooled.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (420 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams)
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder (62 grams)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (98 grams)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Make the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a metal 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the sugar is almost completely dissolved and the mixture feels smooth between your fingers. Whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently until you have a thick, uniform batter. Optionally, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 33-38 minutes. The brownies are done when the top appears set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. A toothpick from the edge should come out mostly clean. Avoid over-baking to maintain fudgy texture as they will continue to set while cooling.
- Serve + Store: Allow the brownies to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to let them firm up to a fudgy consistency. They taste great warm but won’t hold their shape if cut immediately. Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Use a metal baking dish for even baking; glass pans can affect baking time and texture.
- If you want to keep it strictly 5 ingredients, the salt and vanilla are optional but highly recommended for flavor balance.
- Baking times may vary by oven; rely on visual cues and toothpick tests to judge doneness.
- For extra chocolatey brownies, stir in chocolate chips before baking.
- Room temperature eggs create a better emulsion for a smoother batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 33-38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy brownies, 5 ingredient brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate dessert, simple brownies recipe
