Classic Brownies

These Classic Brownies are fudgy, chocolate-y, and so easy to make! I learned this recipe from my friend's mom when I was in middle school. They're honestly the best brownies I have ever had. They have an amazing texture - fudgy and just a little bit cakey - and it all comes down to the ratio of ingredients.

Looking for more easy dessert recipes? Try my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread next!

About This Recipe

Back in middle school, my friend's mom made the best brownies. This recipe is actually from her, and I'm so happy to be sharing it with you all today. I actually met up with that friend and his wife recently, and I made a batch of these brownies for them to try. He said it tasted just like his mom's!

For me, the perfect brownie is fudgy, but also a bit cakey. I know everyone is obsessed with the fudgy kind, but in my opinion, the best brownie strikes a balance between the two.

To get those textures, it all comes down to the ratio of ingredients and how long you bake it. If you like it fudgy, you want to underbake the brownies and use less flour. On the flip side, if you like it cakey, you want to "over-bake" them and use more flour. The recipe I'm sharing today aims to get the best of both worlds: soft, fudgy, and just a little bit cakey.

Also, did you see that crackly top in my first picture? My wife said my brownies looked like they came straight from a bakery.

Key Ingredients

Sugar: Surprise, surprise, brownies have a lot of sugar. You're going to need 1.5 cups for this recipe. If you like it extra fudgy, you can also replace some of the sugar with brown sugar.

Flour: I use all-purpose flour.

Cocoa powder: The quality of your cocoa powder will make a big difference here. I've tried this recipe with a few different kinds, and every time I switch brands, I notice it right away. The cheaper stuff works, but the brownies don't have that deep, rich flavor. I recommend the Hershey's brand of cocoa powder.

Chocolate chips: I like to use dark chocolate chips because I find any other chocolate chips too sweet for my taste.

Salt: For enhancing the flavors.

Baking powder: Just a little bit to make them less dense.

Eggs: This forms the liquid base of the brownies

Oil: Makes the brownies very moist and tender.

Vanilla: This gives them a warm, cozy flavor.

Instructions

STEP 5: Bake for 40-48 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing.