Description
Made with simple ingredients and a one-bowl method, this incredibly delicious brownie recipe is perfect for both beginners and experiences home-bakers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (40 g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s or similar)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Prepare Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well with a spoon or whisk after each addition.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and removes any lumps.
Create the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
- If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into 16 squares.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Substitutions: Use margarine instead of butter if preferred, or experiment with coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg