There’s something almost magical about a recipe that makes decadently fudgy, homemade brownies with just a bowl and a whisk. Enter One Bowl Brownies: the answer to anyone’s chocolate cravings and that “just one more bite” feeling. This is the kind of recipe you turn to whether it’s a lazy weeknight, a last-minute gathering, or a rainy afternoon in need of comfort. The best part? The cleanup is minimal, and the payoff is gloriously rich, chewy brownies that check every box for chocolate lovers. There’s no secret chef trick—just simple ingredients blended in one bowl, baked, and ready to be devoured. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, One Bowl Brownies are exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With One Bowl Brownies, you only need a handful of kitchen staples—no fancy chocolate or mysterious ingredients required. Each ingredient has an important role, from creating that iconic fudgy texture to providing depth of flavor and a picture-perfect crackly top.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Ensures the brownies are moist, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens every bite, adds that signature shiny top, and balances the cocoa’s intensity.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and give the brownies structure and chewiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolate notes, while adding warmth and depth.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Brings bold chocolate flavor and a deep, inviting color to the brownies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to lift the brownies without overpowering the fudginess.
- Salt: Tiny but mighty—brings all the flavors together and heightens the sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Lends the slightest lift, helping create a dreamy soft crumb.
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks (optional): For melty pockets of extra chocolate—totally optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make One Bowl Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Before you dive into mixing up the batter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal. This makes it a breeze to lift out perfect brownie squares later and helps prevent any sticky messes.
Step 2: Whisk Melted Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and a little glossy. This step helps achieve that shiny brownie top everyone loves and starts building those fudgy layers right from the start.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs and splash in the vanilla extract. Whisk again until everything is beautifully incorporated and the batter looks unified and silky. This is where the brownies get their unforgettable chew and rich flavor foundation.
Step 4: Sift in Dry Ingredients
Place a sifter or fine-mesh sieve over the bowl and add the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Sift directly into the wet ingredients for lump-free, extra-smooth batter. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until the flour disappears—if you overmix, you’ll lose that luscious texture that makes One Bowl Brownies so craveable.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If using, toss in your chocolate chips or chunks now and fold until dispersed. This step is where you get creative: you can add nuts, swirl in a bit of peanut butter, or leave the brownies pure and simple. Every batch can have its own little twist.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with your spatula. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The magic number is when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter)—this means you’ll get perfect fudgy brownies instead of dry ones. Let them cool completely in the pan for easy slicing.
How to Serve One Bowl Brownies
Garnishes
A gentle dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a handful of flaky sea salt can turn One Bowl Brownies into a gourmet treat. For extra decadence, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top—your guests will swoon!
Side Dishes
Pairing these brownies is pure joy. Think of cold milk, classic coffee, or even a fresh berry salad to lighten up your dessert plate. For a party, serve them alongside fresh fruit or salty snacks like pretzels to play up the sweet-and-salty combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Build a beautiful dessert board with brownie squares, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and mini cookies. Layer cubes of brownies in cute jars with whipped cream and fruit for a make-ahead trifle. Or wrap up individual brownies in parchment and tie with string for the tastiest little gift. However you serve them, One Bowl Brownies are always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your brownies airtight—either in the pan tightly wrapped or in a container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them rich, moist, and fresh, and ensures every square tastes like it just came out of the oven. If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge for extra longevity.
Freezing
To stash brownies for later, let them cool completely, slice, and wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to two months. You can grab one whenever a chocolate craving strikes, and they’ll taste as good as new after a quick thaw.
Reheating
Craving that just-baked warmth? Microwave a brownie square for about 10-15 seconds and enjoy an instant gooey, chocolatey treat. If you’re reheating several, try a low oven for a few minutes—just until slightly warmed through and fragrant.
FAQs
Can I double the One Bowl Brownies recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all of the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the bake time; it may need a few extra minutes, but they’ll still come out irresistibly fudgy.
What can I add to make these brownies unique?
The beauty of One Bowl Brownies is their flexibility. Try folding in chopped nuts, dried fruit, caramel swirls, or even a sprinkle of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate complexity. They’re all delicious twists!
How do I know when my One Bowl Brownies are done baking?
Look for set edges and a center that’s just barely firm with a toothpick inserted in the middle coming out with a few moist crumbs—avoid waiting until it’s completely clean, or your brownies may end up dry.
Are these brownies fudgy or cakey?
One Bowl Brownies lean delightfully fudgy thanks to the ratio of butter, sugar, and cocoa. If you’d like a slightly cakier brownie, bake for a couple of extra minutes, but don’t overbake—they’re meant to be rich and dense!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You’ll still get the same gooey, chocolate-packed squares with all the joy of classic One Bowl Brownies.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making One Bowl Brownies yet, let this be your sign. Give yourself the gift of a truly effortless, satisfying chocolate treat—and expect big smiles at your table. Happy baking!
Print
One Bowl Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in rich, fudgy goodness with these One Bowl Brownies. Quick and easy to make, these homemade brownies are a perfect go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Include chocolate chips: Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let brownies cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, bake for 20 minutes and chill before slicing.
- Add nuts or swirl in peanut butter for a fun variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
