Satisfy your sweet tooth with chewy gooey brownies!
Chewy fudge brownies are a delicious indulgence – especially when they’re homemade. But sometimes, you don’t need an entire pan of brownies tempting you all week. That’s where this single-serving recipe comes in. Our easy recipe gives you a decadent brownie with that signature chewy texture and crackly top, all in just the right portion, perfect for when you want just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. And if you ever need to make more, it’s easy to adjust the ingredients to suit your needs.
This recipe appears in our cookbook “Cooking for One – Not an Army” along with other delicious recipes. It’s made for one, but you can easily double (or triple) this recipe for company or leftovers! If you didn’t get a copy yet, our book is on Amazon right here!
Ingredients for Chewy Fudge Brownies
Our recipe uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Each one plays an important role in achieving perfect chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Butter is the key to providing richness. Sugar helps create that sought-after crackly top. The egg acts as a binder and makes sure the brownie holds together while staying moist. Vanilla extract adds a subtle flavor that enhances the chocolate, and cocoa powder provides the depth of the chocolate flavor. A touch of instant espresso gives the chocolate an extra boost. Baking powder and salt ensure the right balance and texture. Quick recap:
- Butter: Provides a rich flavor and chewy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that signature crackly top.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of flavor.
- Flour and Cocoa Powder: The foundation of the brownie with cocoa powder providing the chocolate flavor.
- Instant Espresso: Enhances the chocolate taste.
- Baking Powder and Salt: Ensure the right texture and balance.
Add extra flavors by including nuts or various mini-chips, like chocolate or peanut butter, depending on your preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fudgy Brownies
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly butter a 4×6 or 5×5-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until well combined. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, instant espresso, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix to avoid a cakey texture. Fold in any additional mix-ins like chopped nuts or mini-chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownies should be set around the edges with a slightly underdone center. This ensures a chewy texture as they cool.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the brownies cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before digging in.
Scaling the Chewy Fudge Brownies Recipe
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. While it’s designed for one person, it easily scales up if you’re baking for more. Doubling or quadrupling the ingredients allows you to make two or four servings, respectively. If you’re increasing the recipe, use a larger baking dish to ensure the brownies cook evenly. For example, an 8×8-inch dish works well for four servings. Just remember to keep an eye on the baking time as larger batches may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Brownies
Achieving the perfect chewy fudge brownies comes down to technique. Here are a few key tips to ensure success. First, avoid overmixing your batter. Overmixing can lead to more air in the batter, which creates a cakey texture rather than the dense, chewy consistency you want. When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet, stir just until combined. Another tip is to stick to the recommended dish size. Using a dish that’s too large can result in thinner brownies that might overbake. Finally, slightly underbaking the brownies and letting them cool in the dish ensures that fudgy texture we all love.
Substitutions & Variations for Homemade Brownies
This chewy fudge brownies recipe is highly customizable. Swap in different ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. For example, if you’re gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. For flavor variations, try adding a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter to the batter. These add-ins will elevate your brownies and make them even more indulgent. Also, experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist on the classic brownie flavor.
What to Serve With Fudgy Brownies
Chewy fudge brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your dessert by pairing them with other treats. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the rich chocolate flavor. Drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the brownies for an extra touch of sweetness. Fresh berries or whipped cream add a refreshing contrast to the rich, fudgy texture. Whether you’re enjoying the brownies on their own or dressing them up with other toppings, they’re sure to be a hit.
Leftovers & Storage
If you have any leftovers (though that might be unlikely!), it’s important to store them properly to keep the brownies fresh and chewy. At room temperature, they’ll stay good for up to two days in an airtight container. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze the brownies for up to three months. To do so, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Other Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this chewy fudge brownies recipe, you’ll also enjoy trying out these other delicious desserts:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Shake – A creamy shake that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies into a delightful drink.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – A moist and delicious banana bread with the added goodness of peanut butter and chocolate chips.
- Healthy Pumpkin Brownies – A delicious and nutritious twist on traditional brownies, using pumpkin puree to create a moist and flavorful dessert.
With this single-serving recipe, you can enjoy fresh, chewy fudge brownies anytime. If you’re cooking for more, simply increase the quantities, and don’t forget to get creative with your add-ins. Enjoy!
