How to Make Brownies from Scratch That Are Always Baked Exactly the Way You Like
When it comes to bar cookies, it’s hard to beat the chewy, fudgy goodness of a brownie. Or maybe you prefer a square that’s more cakelike and covered with a rich frosting. Either way, knowing how to make brownies is handy baking knowledge for the chocolate lovers in your life. Here we’ll show you how our Test Kitchen makes the best brownies so you can make them for your family and friends at home. And although this step-by-step brownie recipe is based on the fudgy chocolate kind, they can easily be adjusted and applied to blonde brownies, gluten-free brownies, chocolate chip brownies, and more.
Blaine Moats
How to Make Brownies
When searching for the best brownie recipe, first consider the texture you hope to achieve: Do you like fudge brownies or cake brownies? The best part about making brownies from scratch is you have all the control. In many brownie recipes, the proportion of flour to other ingredients is significantly less than in other baked goods. Seek recipes with lower amounts of flour to make your brownies dense, fudgy, or rich. If you prefer brownies with a cakelike texture, look for brownie recipes with more flour. Some cakelike brownies contain milk or buttermilk, making their texture more like rich, fluffy chocolate cake. We're using our Test Kitchen's famous brownie recipe (pictured above), but these steps to make brownies can help you achieve your favorite recipe.
Scott Little
Step 1: Prep Chocolate for Brownies
Of course, you can't make chocolate fudge brownies without chocolate. Using a chef's knife ($40, Target), coarsely chop chocolate bars or squares on a cutting board. Chopped chocolate melts smoothly and evenly, and it won't scorch. Some recipes call for making brownies with cocoa powder. Both are delicious ways to make chocolate brownies.
Scott Little
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Place the chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan ($15, Walmart). Cut up the butter and add it to the saucepan with the chocolate. Heat and stir over low heat until the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the chocolate mixture cool. This mixture will serve as the chocolate base for your brownie recipe.
Scott Little
Step 3: Add Sugar
Add the sugar to the (cooled) melted chocolate and butter. Stir with a wooden spoon ($9, Walmart) until the sugar is completely mixed into the chocolate and butter.
Low-Sugar Brownies
If you're out of sugar, are trying to reduce sugar, or want to use a sugar alternative, do some research first. Maybe the amount stays the same, or maybe you'll use slightly less or more of your favorite sugar substitute. Like any baked good, making brownies sometimes takes some experimenting—especially when you're swapping in different main ingredients like sugar. For a healthier brownie recipe, try these black bean brownies or sweet potato brownies.
Scott Little
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs to the chocolate mixture one at a time. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon after each addition until the egg is completely incorporated into the chocolate mixture. Eggs provide structure and texture to your brownies, which is why boxed brownies often still require you to add eggs. After adding eggs, stir in the vanilla.
Scott Little
Step 5: Add Flour
In a separate bowl stir together the flour and baking soda. Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture all at once. This is another time that you have some flexibility when making brownies from scratch. Perhaps you eat a gluten-free diet or you'd rather use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Try out a flour substitute like coconut flour or almond flour—just read the instructions and do some research before making a 1:1 swap.
Scott Little
Step 6: Mix Brownie Batter
Your chocolate fudge brownies (or whatever type of brownies you're making) are almost ready to bake. Gently stir the brownie batter until the flour is moistened. Use a heavy-duty rubber spatula ($10, Bed Bath & Beyond) to scrape the sides and bottom of the saucepan.
If desired, stir in your choice of mix-ins like chocolate pieces, chopped nuts, mint chips, etc. When making brownies from scratch, you can switch up the mix-ins every time.
Scott Little
Step 7: Bake, Cool, and Frost Brownies
Grease your baking pan or, if desired, line it with foil for easy removal. Spread the batter in the prepared brownie baking pan ($17, Bed Bath & Beyond). Bake brownies as directed in the recipe. Most brownies bake at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes. Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack ($12, Target).
How to Tell When Brownies Are Done
Since fudgy brownies are so moist, a toothpick test doesn't work. Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven temp is accurate (adjust the temperature as necessary if not). Bake the brownies no longer than the time called for in the recipe.
How to Frost Brownies
If you want frosted brownies, wait at least an hour after baking to be sure the brownies have completely cooled. Prepare the frosting for brownies. Use an offset metal spatula to frost the brownies while they are still in the pan. Cut the finished dessert into bars, serve, and enjoy!
Chocolate lovers may enjoy brownies with chocolate frosting, but we also like a simple vanilla frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even rich peanut butter frosting. Now that you're becoming a pro at making brownies, switch up your recipe with new mix-ins or an entirely new flavor profile such as caramel, pumpkin, coffee, or even stout beer.
