Rich, fudgy brownies made with just five simple ingredients. These Best-Ever 5-Ingredient Brownies are my go-to for a quick chocolate fix that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They’re simple to make and absolutely decadent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only five ingredients are needed, and they’re pantry staples.
Quick prep time – ready for the oven in just 10 minutes.
Perfectly fudgy and chocolatey with a slightly crisp top.
Easily customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Great for last-minute dessert cravings or to impress guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, I whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Then, I add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a creamy mixture.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the cocoa powder and flour directly into the wet mixture. Using a spatula, I gently fold everything together until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
Bake the Brownies:
I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. The brownies bake for 30-35 minutes, and I use the toothpick test to check for doneness – a few moist crumbs mean they’re perfect.
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, I let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into 16 squares.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 squares
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Toppings: Once cooled, drizzle the brownies with melted chocolate, caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Storage/Reheating
I store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, I warm a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore its fudgy texture.
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FAQs
How can I make these brownies extra gooey?
To make the brownies gooier, I suggest baking them for 28-30 minutes instead of the full time.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but I would reduce the amount of added salt or skip it entirely if using salted butter.
What type of cocoa powder works best?
I recommend unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder will also work for a richer taste.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready. Overbaking can make them dry.
Conclusion
These Best-Ever 5-Ingredient Brownies are my favorite for a simple yet indulgent dessert. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. Whether I’m satisfying a chocolate craving or whipping up a treat for friends, these brownies never disappoint. Enjoy every rich, fudgy bite.
📖 Recipe:
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Best-Ever 5-Ingredient Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly delicious, these Best-Ever 5-Ingredient Brownies are the ultimate chocolate treat! Made with just five pantry staples, they’re perfect for quick dessert cravings or impressing guests with minimal effort. Customize them with add-ins or toppings to make them uniquely yours.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. - Combine with Dry Ingredients:
Sift cocoa powder and flour into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. - Bake:
Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness (a few moist crumbs are ideal). - Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for a week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips: For gooier brownies, reduce baking time slightly. Adjust mix-ins or toppings to suit your preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 squares
- Calories: 240 kcal
