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ultra-fudgy one-bowl brownies with crackly tops - featured image

Ultra-Fudgy One-Bowl Brownies with Crackly Tops


  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

These ultra-fudgy one-bowl brownies feature a shatteringly crisp, crackly sugar crust and a dense, moist chocolate center. Simple to make with pantry staples, they deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Let it cool for a minute so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
  3. Add the granulated sugar and eggs to the melted butter. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is pale, glossy, and slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the cocoa powder and salt. Mix until just combined.
  5. Add the all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top later.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and sprinkle reserved chips on top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set and pulling away from the pan, while the center looks slightly soft and jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
  9. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours, before lifting them out and cutting into squares.

Notes

For the crackly top, it is crucial to whisk the eggs and sugar vigorously for 2 minutes. Do not overmix the flour once added, as this develops gluten and makes the brownies tough. Brownies continue to cook in the hot pan after removal, so pull them out when the toothpick has moist crumbs, not when it is clean. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1x1 inch square
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 16
  • Sodium: 85
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 2

Keywords: brownies, fudgy brownies, one bowl brownies, crackly top brownies, easy dessert, chocolate brownies, homemade brownies