One Bowl Brownies

You only need One Bowl Brownies to satisfy your chocolate cravings. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for an easy dessert to impress guests. The unique aspect of these brownies lies in their rich, fudgy texture and shiny crackly tops that make them irresistible. Plus, they come together quickly with minimal cleanup!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make One Bowl Brownies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Fold in Chocolate
• Step 5: Bake
• How to Serve One Bowl Brownies
• A La Mode
• With Fresh Berries
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Sprinkled with Nuts
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar
• How to Perfect One Bowl Brownies
• Best Side Dishes for One Bowl Brownies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing One Bowl Brownies
• Reheating One Bowl Brownies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my One Bowl Brownies are done?
• Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my brownies?
• What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
• How do I customize my One Bowl Brownies?
• Are these brownies gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just one bowl required, cleanup is a breeze, making this recipe perfect for busy bakers.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of granulated and brown sugar creates a deep sweetness that complements the cocoa perfectly.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as-is or dress them up with toppings like nuts or sea salt for added flair.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These brownies are sure to be a hit at gatherings, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
• Homemade Goodness: Skip the boxed mix and treat yourself to homemade brownies that taste better than any store-bought version.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious One Bowl Brownies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure that your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for achieving the ideal brownie thickness and allows even baking.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl ensures you have enough space to whisk ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Rubber spatula: This tool helps fold in ingredients gently, ensuring your brownies remain fluffy and tender.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delectable One Bowl Brownies:

• 1 cup butter, (melted and slightly cooled)
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Dutch-processed or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder, (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¼ cups chopped chocolate, (divided)

How to Make One Bowl Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper so there’s an overhang on the sides. Spray again for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until fully combined and the sugar has dissolved. Add in the eggs and pure vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift in the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder into the wet mixture. Add kosher salt and espresso powder (if using). Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate

Fold in 1 cup of chopped chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped chocolate on top for extra decadence.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the brownies on the middle rack for about 25–30 minutes. Check them by lightly touching the surface; they should be set but not dry. If they look done, remove from oven and let cool before cutting into squares. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious One Bowl Brownies!

How to Serve One Bowl Brownies

One Bowl Brownies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a twist, these serving suggestions will elevate your brownie experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm brownies topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert that melts in your mouth.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair your brownies with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a decadent touch by drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of your brownies.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Lighten up the richness by adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each brownie square.

Sprinkled with Nuts

• Enhance texture by sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans over the brownies before baking for an added crunch.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• For a simple yet elegant finish, dust your brownies lightly with powdered sugar right before serving.

How to Perfect One Bowl Brownies

Making the perfect One Bowl Brownies is easy if you follow these simple tips. These tricks will help you achieve that sought-after fudgy texture and rich flavor.

• Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate for melting and chopping to enhance the overall taste of your brownies.
• Do not overmix: Stir just until combined to maintain a soft and fudgy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that gooey finish.
• Let them cool: Allow your brownies to cool completely before cutting; this helps them set and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with add-ins: Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter for unique flavor variations.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for One Bowl Brownies

Pairing side dishes with One Bowl Brownies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious suggestions:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   The creamy texture complements the rich chocolate perfectly, creating an irresistible combination.
2. Chocolate Sauce
   A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds extra indulgence and makes each bite even more enjoyable.
3. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
4. Coffee
   Brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavors, making it an excellent drink choice alongside your brownies.
5. Milkshake
   A thick milkshake pairs wonderfully as it balances the richness of the brownies with its creamy texture.
6. Cheesecake Bites
   These mini treats add another layer of flavor and texture that perfectly complements the brownies’ fudginess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Bowl Brownies can be a breeze, but there are common mistakes that may ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined for a perfect texture.
• Not measuring ingredients: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to make sure your brownies bake at 350°F for best results.
• Baking too long: Overbaking can dry out your brownies. Check them around the 25-minute mark, as they will continue to set while cooling.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Not using parchment makes it hard to remove brownies from the pan. Always line it for easy lifting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.

Freezing One Bowl Brownies

• Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating One Bowl Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes for fresh-tasting brownies.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per square until warm.
• Stovetop: Place brownies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making One Bowl Brownies.

How do I know when my One Bowl Brownies are done?

Brownies are done when the edges look set and the center is still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my brownies?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in nuts or extra chocolate chips before baking for added flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

You can substitute with unsweetened baking chocolate by melting it down—use about 3 tablespoons of baking chocolate for every tablespoon of cocoa powder.

How do I customize my One Bowl Brownies?

Experiment with mix-ins like caramel, peanut butter, or even different flavored extracts such as almond or mint for unique twists on this classic recipe.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free One Bowl Brownies, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

Final Thoughts

These One Bowl Brownies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With their rich, fudgy texture, they can satisfy any chocolate craving. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Try this simple recipe today and indulge in homemade goodness!