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    Home » Recipes » Dessert » Bars + Brownie Recipes » Better Than Boxed Fudge Brownies

    Published: Jun 21, 2022 by Kristen Massad · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Better Than Boxed Fudge Brownies

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    A stack of four brownies with purple flowers on top and next to them.
    Nine chocolate brownie squares with purple flowers.

    Better Than Boxed Fudge Brownies are just that…better than the box!  The perfect fudge center, a slight cake like texture on the bottom and that beautiful shiny and crinkly top.  These are super easy to make with no mixer required, these are the ultimate brownies.  

    Nine chocolate brownie squares with purple flowers.

    Every occasion needs a brownie and if you are going to bake brownies, they better be the BEST brownie. The best part about Better Than Boxed Fudge Brownies is that there is no mixer required and you only need two bowls and about ten minutes to get these mixed and in the oven. Rich, fudge center, shiny crinkled top and the best chocolate flavor you are ever going to taste.

    If you are a chocolate lover like we are, you must try our most popular Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes for your next event.

    Ingredient Notes

    Only a few ingredients that are staples in the pantry and refrigerator and you are set to make the BEST chocolate fudge brownie. These are quick and easy to make and will be better than the box.

    Butter as so much more flavor then oil adds to the brownies. Make sure to use unsalted butter which will be melted with the chocolate!

    Chocolate Semisweet chocolate is going to give these brownies the best flavor. If you go with milk chocolate the brownies will be much sweeter.

    Eggs Six whole eggs make these brownies super rich and provides the structure that these brownies need.

    Cocoa Powder Only a small amount of cocoa powder is added to these brownies that will add an extra punch of chocolate flavor. I prefer to use Dutch-Processed cocoa powder for the best flavor.

    Flour All purpose flour is the only flour you need for this recipe.

    Step By Step Directions

    How to make the perfect Fudge Brownie
    The combination of both semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder really takes these brownies to the next level.  This recipe requires only two bowls and no electric mixer. 

    A white bowl with melted chocolate and butter.

    In a microwave safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate. Microwave on high for thirty seconds at a time, mixing in between until the chocolate and butter is melted.

    A bowl of eggs and sugar whisked together.

    Whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs in a separate bowl. Whisking the eggs and sugar with a whisk until they are light and fluffy will give these brownies the perfect fudge center and the shiny crinkle top.

    A bowl of chocolate batter with flour on top.

    Whisk the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whisked eggs and mix until fully combined. Add the flour and cocoa powder to the chocolate mixture and mix together until smooth.

    Chocolate brownie batter in a square gold pan.

    Prepare a 9x9 inch square cake pan for a thick brownie or a 9x13 inch cake pan for a thinner brownie. Spray the pan with non stick spray and place a piece of parchment paper to cover the bottoms and sides of the pan. Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan and place the brownie in the oven for 24-28 minutes or until the cake tester is done.

    Chocolate brownie batter baked into a square gold pan.

    How To Tell When The Brownies Are Done

    Timer
    Making sure to use a timer when baking brownies will be the first way to know they are done. It is always good to check the brownies a little early because all ovens bake slightly different, but right around 24 minutes the brownies should be done baking.

    Toothpick
    You can use a toothpick to determine if the brownies are done. The toothpick will not come out clean even when the brownies are done baking. They will have a wet crumb like texture that is stuck to the toothpick. If it is still unbaked batter then continue baking, but if the toothpick comes out clean then they are over baked.

    Nine chocolate brownie squares with purple flowers.

    The Perfect Cut
    Cutting brownies can be tricky because they are super fudgy in the center and can be a mess. If you allow the brownies to cool completely and place them in the refrigerator or freezer for thirty minutes before cutting it will be much easier. Once the brownies are chilled, heat the knife with hot water to get a clean cut. Continue to clean the knife with each cut and repeat warming the knife before slicing.

    A stack of four brownies with purple flowers on top and next to them.

    Tips To Make The Best Fudge Brownies

    How to get the perfect Shiny and Crinkle Top
    The shiny and crinkle top is what makes me really love these fudge brownies.  It is kind of paper thin and adds a great texture to these brownies.  Whisking the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy is the key.  

    Do Not Overbake These Brownies
    Over baking brownies is really easy to do.  It is hard to tell when they are not because they are not as jiggly as a cake batter.  After the brownies have been in the oven for 20 minutes, stick a toothpick in the brownie to determine if the brownie is ready to go.  If the toothpick comes out super fudgy then the brownie is needs a few more minutes.  If the toothpick comes out with a few wet crumbs, the brownies are done! 

    Clean Cutting
    Once the brownies are baked and out of the oven it might be hard not to cut right into them but you must wait!  It is best that they have time to cool and let the center of the brownies set a little bit more.  If you are in a rush, you can refrigerate the brownies to cool down much quicker or leave them at room temperature for an hour.  This will make it a lot easier to cut and the brownies won't fall apart. Cut the brownies into the desired size, 2-3 inches make the perfect square, serve and enjoy!  If you don’t eat the entire tray in one seating, store the brownies in an airtight container for 3-4 days! 

    More Chocolate Recipes You Will Love

    • The Best Ever Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
    • Double Chocolate Kiss Cookies
    • The Best Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake
    • Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

    Thank you for visiting Joy + Oliver. If you tried this recipe, please leave a 5 Star Review in the recipe card and save all your favorite recipes to Pinterest!

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    Nine chocolate brownie squares with purple flowers.

    Better Than Boxed Fudge Brownies

    Better Than Boxed Fudge Brownies are just that…better than the box!  The perfect fudge center, a slight cake like texture on the bottom and that beautiful shiny and crinkly top.  These are super easy to make with no mixer required, these are the ultimate brownies.  
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Bars, Chocolate, Dessert
    Cuisine: Bars/Brownies, Dessert
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 24 minutes
    Total Time: 39 minutes
    Servings: 9
    Calories: 576kcal
    Author: Kristen Massad

    Ingredients

    • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter
    • 2 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
    • 1 ½ Cups Granulated Sugar
    • 6 Eggs
    • 1 Teaspoon Salt
    • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
    • 1 ½ Cups All purpose Flour
    • 4 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
    • Line a 9x9 inch square cake pan (for thick brownies) or 9x13 inch pan (for thinner brownies)with parchment paper
    • Melt butter and chocolate in a microwave safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until melted
    • Whisk sugar, eggs, salt and vanilla extract in a large bowl until light and fluffy
    • Add melted butter and chocolate mixture into egg mixture and whisk until fully combined
    • Slowly add flour and cocoa powder into the chocolate batter and whisk until smooth
    • Pour the battering to the prepared cake pan and bake for 24-28 minutes for 9x9 pan or 22-24 minutes for 9x13 pan (avoid over baking so the center stays fudgy)
    • Let brownies cool in the pan (for easier cutting, refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes to allow the fudgy center to set)
    • Cut the brownies into squares
    • Serve or store in airtight container

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Brownie | Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 494IU | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JoyandOliver or tag #JoyandOliver!

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