Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)
Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl) are the epitome of indulgence, enveloping your senses in a rich, chocolatey embrace that’s hard to resist. Their defining features? A beautifully crinkly top and a decadent fudgy interior that melts in your mouth. These brownies are the kind you love to sink your teeth into after a long day, offering a polished, homemade touch that even the most refined dessert enthusiasts can appreciate.
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I remember the first time I made these fudgy delights. The entire kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate, drawing everyone in, eager to taste the freshly baked goodies. This recipe has quickly become a favorite—perfect for a cozy weekend treat, a quick chocolate fix, or even a thoughtful gift. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. I can’t wait for you to experience the sheer joy of making these Classic Fudgy Brownies in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these brownies together in just 15 minutes, with a bake time of 30-35 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich dark chocolate paired with chocolate chips delivers a deep, luscious taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The shiny, crinkly top makes for an impressive dessert that looks and tastes gourmet.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast treat!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar: This sweet base creates the fundamental sweetness and texture in your brownies. Caster sugar dissolves easily, but granulated sugar works just as well.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs help the brownies rise and bind everything together while contributing richness. Best at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess to the batter. Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
- 200 grams (1 and 1/3 cup) dark chocolate (45-70% cocoa): Using good-quality dark chocolate is key to enhancing the brownies’ deep chocolaty flavor. Adjust cocoa content to your preference for sweetness.
- 70 grams (1/2 cup) plain flour or all-purpose flour: This provides the structure that transforms your gooey batter into a more stable brownie while keeping it fudgy.
- 20 grams (1/4 cup) cocoa powder, sifted: Adds an intense chocolate flavor and improves the overall texture; it’s best to sift to prevent clumps.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt accentuates the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- 75 grams (1/2 cup) chocolate chips: Extra chocolate bits elevate the texture and flavor, providing gooey pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
How to Make Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)

- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) standard or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square or round baking pan with baking or parchment paper to ensure easy removal once baked.
- Mix Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of caster sugar and 3 large eggs. Whisk together by hand for about 30 seconds until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 200 grams of dark chocolate broken into pieces. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until it’s melted and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg mixture. Whisk by hand until the two are fully integrated and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of plain flour, 1/4 cup of sifted cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until a thick, smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Stir through 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for that extra indulgent touch, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is shiny and crinkly. The middle should no longer wobble, and a toothpick inserted should come out almost clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. You can choose to store them at room temperature or refrigerate for a chilled treat. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months!
Storing & Reheating
Store your brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you wish to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For freezing, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag—these can last up to three months! To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; this restores their fudgy texture and revives their flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour and cocoa to keep your brownies tender.
- Use room temperature eggs for easy incorporation into the mixture.
- If you’re unsure about doneness, err on the side of underbaking slightly to achieve that coveted fudgy texture.
- If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Make-ahead options are great; the flavor improves a day after baking, so don’t shy away from preparing them early!
These Classic Fudgy Brownies are not just a recipe; they’re a delightful experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen. With their rich chocolate flavor combined with a lovely crinkly top, everyone will be asking for seconds. These brownies work beautifully for birthday parties, cozy nights in, or even as a sweet surprise for a friend.
Invest some time in this wonderfully simple recipe, and you won’t regret it. There’s something undeniably rewarding about crafting the perfect brownie, especially when you can share them with loved ones. Enjoy every fudgy, chocolatey bite!

Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute the dark chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can use semi-sweet chocolate instead. However, dark chocolate gives these brownies a richer flavor, which is often the hallmark of a great brownie.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Check for a shiny crinkly top and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re in the sweet spot of fudgy perfection. If it comes out clean, it may be time to experiment with a shorter baking time next time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has a good balance of texture and flavor, and you’ll be enjoying these brownies without gluten worries!
How should I store leftover brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for up to two weeks. Freezing them for up to three months also works wonders for keeping them fresh. Just be sure to wrap them well!
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📖 Recipe Card

Classic Fudgy Brownies (Crinkly Top, One Bowl)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Classic Fudgy Brownies boast a rich chocolate flavor, crispy crinkly top, and simple one-bowl preparation. Perfect for any sweet craving!
Ingredients
- 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter
- 200 grams (1 and 1/3 cup) dark chocolate (45-70% cocoa), broken into pieces
- 70 grams (1/2 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour
- 20 grams (1/4 cup) cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 75 grams (1/2 cup) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) standard or 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square or round baking pan with baking or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and eggs. Whisk together for about 30 seconds until creamy and well combined.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, place the butter and dark chocolate. Microwave, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted and smooth.
- Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir gently with a spatula until a thick, smooth batter is formed. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes until shiny on top and no longer wobbly, with a toothpick coming out almost clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, then cut into squares for serving. Store at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze for later.
Notes
Ensure the chocolate is fully melted for a smoother batter.
Allow cooling completely before cutting for clean square edges.
These brownies can be frozen for extended storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
