Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These best-ever 5 ingredient brownies are fudgy, rich, and incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple pantry staples, you can enjoy decadent homemade brownies without any fuss. Perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (420 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams)
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder (62 grams)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (98 grams)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a 9×9 inch metal baking dish with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs on high speed with an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes, until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture feels smooth between your fingers.
- Step 3: Whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 4: Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until you have a thick batter. (Optional: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolatey brownies.)
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 33-38 minutes. The top should be set and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with thick, moist crumbs but no wet batter. Check edges – a toothpick there should come out mostly clean.
- Step 7: Let the brownies cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow them to set fully for a fudgy texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use a metal baking dish for best results; glass can cause uneven baking.
- For a gooier center, bake closer to 33 minutes; for more cakey edges, bake longer.
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for crunch.
- If you don’t have vanilla extract, the brownies will still be delicious without it.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter incorporate smoothly.
Storage
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy them warm. For longer storage, freeze brownies in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch more salt to the batter to balance the flavors.
Why is my brownie batter grainy after mixing sugar and eggs?
It means the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved yet. Beat the mixture a bit longer until it feels smooth when you rub it between your fingers; this helps create a tender texture.
Print
Best-Ever 5 Ingredient Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 16 brownies depending on slice size 1x
Description
These best-ever 5 ingredient brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples. The batter whips up quickly and bakes into a wonderfully moist texture with a deep chocolate flavor, perfect for a quick homemade treat that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (420 grams)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams)
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder (62 grams)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (98 grams)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350° F and line a 9×9 inch metal baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat them together for 3-4 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture feels almost smooth between your fingers.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Whisk in the melted salted butter along with the vanilla extract to add richness and enhance flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt gently until you have a thick, uniform brownie batter. Optionally, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips if desired for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 33-38 minutes until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with thick, moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour to let them set properly. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Using a metal baking dish helps brownies cook evenly and develop a nice crust underneath.
- Room temperature eggs ensure better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Do not underbake or cut brownies while warm; they will appear underdone and will be crumbly. Cooling helps them set up with a perfect fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract is optional but highly recommended for enhanced flavor depth.
- If you want to add extra chocolate, fold in chocolate chips at the end before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy brownies, 5 ingredient brownies, fudgy brownies, quick chocolate dessert, simple brownie recipe
