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Classic Fudgy Brownies

Made in one bowl, our classic fudgy brownie recipe yields a homemade treat sure to satisfy the cravings of even the most die-hard chocolate-lover.

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classic browny cut up into 9 squares

Fudgy Brownie Lovers, Unite!

As universally loved as brownies are, they are not without controversy. Cakey or fudgy? Crispy edge or gooey middle piece? Cocoa brownies or chopped chocolate? Butter and sugar or coconut oil? It can be a wild, brownie recipe world out there. But no need to stress because we’ve got the only brownie recipe you need. These cocoa powder brownies are dairy-free, use only one bowl, and are ready to eat in 40 minutes. Go ahead and double the recipe now, because these perfectly fudgy, moist in the middle, crisp in the corner brownies freeze well so you can scratch that chocolate-craving itch whenever it hits.

ingredients for classic fudgy brownies in small bowls

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How To Make Fudgy Brownies:

These fudgy, cocoa brownies—aka best homemade brownie recipe ever—are so simple, it's almost silly. Begin by gathering your brownie ingredients:

  • Flour.
  • Vegetable oil. (That’s right—these brownies are butter-free).
  • Cocoa powder.
  • Sugar. We’re calling for both white and brown sugar.
  • Eggs.

Then, just combine and mix! Beat the eggs with both sugars and vanilla in a large mixing bowl—or you could use a stand mixer, if you'd like—and then stir in the dry ingredients. Then just pour in a pan and bake! One-bowl brownies=made.

sugar, oil and vanilla in a bowl
sugar, oil and vanilla mixed together in a bowl with a wire whisk
sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs mixed in a white bowl with a wire whisk
ingredients for classic fudgy brownies in a white mixing bowl with a wire whisk

What Makes Brownies Fudgy?

The kind of fat you use to bind your brownie batter is the biggest determining factor of texture. Recipes calling for butter produce a brownie that is fluffier and more cake-like. *Putting on our science hats for a moment.* This is because butter contains milk solids and lactic acids, which react during leavening to help the batter rise. Using a neutral cooking oil—like vegetable or canola oil—does not aid in aeration, so your brownies stay decadently fudgy and moist.

How To Tell If Your Fudgy Brownies Are Done:

The toothpick method is always a safe bet for determining whether or not your brownies are done. This fudgy brownie recipe takes about 30 minutes to bake, but oven temps can be a little all over the place (unless you have yours calibrated regularly, in which case, hats off to you.) So, to determine if your classic fudgy brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the middle of your brownie pan and pull it out. If the toothpick comes out clean, pull that pan out! Your brownies are done. If the toothpick comes out with gooey brownie batter stuck to it, pop the pan back in the oven, and repeat the toothpick test in a few minutes. Crispy edges are another tell tale sign that you’re almost ready to enjoy the perfect brownie.

raw classic brownie batter in a white mixing bowl with a wooden spoon
classic fudgy brownie batter in a parchment lined baking dish spread with a wooden spoon
classic fudgy brownie baked in a square baking dish lined with parchment paper
classic fudgy brownie cooling on brown parchment paper

Can You Freeze Brownies?

If you can manage not to eat the entire pan of these super-chocolatey, dairy-free brownies right away, you may want to consider freezing some for the future. Allow the brownies to cool on your counter, then slice into squares and wrap them individually (and tightly) with cling wrap. Finally, place all of the wrapped brownies in a tightly sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, remove the brownies from the freezer and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

classic fudgy brownies cut into 9 squares on brown parchment paper

Tools You’ll Need To Make Brownies From Scratch:

Other Chocolatey Desserts We Love:

classic brownie on a blue plate topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to two glasses of milk

So, Did You Make Our Ultra-Fudgy Classic Brownies?

Snap a photo of your finished fudgy brownies and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you shared them with. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!

Classic Fudgy Brownies

  • Serves: 9
  • Prep Time:  10 min
  • Cook Time:  30 min
  • Calories: 434

Ingredients

  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position.

  2. Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

  3. In a large bowl, combine the oil, water, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in the eggs, until the batter is glossy. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder and salt, until just combined.

  4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean, about 28 minutes. Let brownies cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into 9 pieces.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories434
  • Protein5 g
  • Carbohydrates45 g
  • Total Fat26 g
  • Dietary Fiber0 g
  • Cholesterol62 mg
  • sodium174 mg
  • Total Sugars30 g

Classic Fudgy Brownies

Questions & Reviews

Join the discussion below.

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  • Sue

    Can I reduce the amount of granulated sugar to 1/2 cup?

    We have not tested it that way.

  • Danielle

    Hello! These look wonderful! Do you have a gluten-free flour that you recommend? Do you think it would work well with this recipe? Thanks!

    We haven't tried it but it should work fine. Try to look for Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten free blend or King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten free blend. Hope you enjoy Danielle!

  • Victoria

    The flour in this recipe -- is it all purpose or self-rising?

    Hi Victoria, all purpose. Hope you enjoy!

  • Amanda

    I just got done making this recipe with my kids after Hunting for a fudgey brownie that has requires only oil ( I need to go to the grocery store.). Unfortunately, this brownie recipe is very cakey and not very sweet.

    Thanks for trying our recipe and for your feedback. Since it is a dairy free brownie it won't be quite as fudgy as if one was using butter.

  • Savannah

    TRULY some of my favorite brownies I’ve ever made! I find it so hard to find a homemade recipe that gives that perfect crinkle top and these were lovely.❤️

    Thanks Savannah, we are so happy you loved them!

  • Bob

    perfect. Have baked many times is perfect. cook time is 29 min. Try it and then try other recipe. coffee coverd cinniam roll

    Thanks Bob, we are so happy you love our brownies and the cinnamon rolls!

  • Brownielove

    Loved them tho I had to cook mine for a couple minutes longer

    Thank you, we are so happy you loved them! Cook time can vary based on ovens.

  • Nicole

    These were easy and fun to make! One bowl indeed and no need for electric mixers or complicated steps :) These turned out soft and moist and had a great brownie texture. Mine had crispy edges without getting burnt. I thought the amount of cocoa powder would make these uber chocolatey when I was stirring but my end result could use a bit of a chocolate boost so I'll add some chocolate chips next time (my cocoa brand might not be the best). Question though, I loved the explanation on oil versus butter - could you also explain the use of brown sugar? Enquiring minds want to know :3

    Brown sugar has molasses in it, adding to that gooey texture.