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Easy Chocolate Brownies – You probably have everything you need to make these chocolaty treats!
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Easy Chocolate Brownies
As much as I love dessert, I don’t always feel up to making something.
I have to admit something to you … my oldest son is the brownie maker at our house. He loves to make these brownies – and asks to make them every so often.
This Basic Brownies recipe is one of the very first recipes I got when I moved out on my own. It’s been my go-to brownie recipe for over 25 years!
The great thing about this recipe is that it uses pantry staples – so you probably already have everything on hand. I love that these cook up so thick and fudgy!
Although we usually enjoy them just plain like this – sometimes, we add mini M&M’s, or add a thick layer of chocolatey frosting or doctor them up some other way.
If you’re looking for a simple, basic brownie recipe that doesn’t disappoint – definitely give these a try!
Brownies Recipe
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking cocoa
- baking powder
- salt
- vegetable oil
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- chopped nuts (optional)
How to make Brownies from scratch
Time needed: 40 minutes
How to make Brownies from scratch
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a 9×13-in. baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the batter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – Do NOT over mix.
- Put the batter in the pan and top with nuts.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with nuts if desired.
- Bake.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center tests clean.
Brownies: FAQs
Yes, you can! Allow the brownies to cool completely. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze them for up to 3 months. To defrost the brownies, remove all of the wrapping and allow the brownies to thaw to room temperature.
Since these brownies are chocolate, your dog should NOT eat them – it could cause a serious medical emergency.
In an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
At room temperature, they’re best eaten within 3-4 days.
Microwave your brownie on a microwave-safe plate for a few seconds – or place it on a baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes to heat it through.
How did you like these homemade brownies?
Aren’t these the most perfect brownies ever?! As I mentioned, they’re a big hit in the Love Bakes Good Cakes house – and I’m hoping they’re a new favorite in yours as well!
Comment down below if you run into any problems and I’ll see if I can help you out! Tell me, did you make any additions or leave anything out?
On the contrary, if you loved this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a comment as well! Other readers love to see success stories!
Other recipes you may enjoy
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
- The Best Lemon Bars EVER
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Cookie Lover’s Red Velvet Bars
- Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
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Basic Brownies
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup baking cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – Do NOT over mix.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with nuts if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center tests clean.
Notes
- Not a fan of nuts? Leave them out.
- My family loves to top the cooled off brownies with this chocolate frosting recipe!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published on November 11, 2013. Updated on September 5, 2020.
I really like the basic brownies. . And my alaga said it taste good and yummy. . .thank you for this recipe. . Godbless
Can u make without baking powder it's the only thing I don't have
Jamie this is just the way I love my brownies – I just love the chocolately, yummy basic brownie and these look perfect!
This looks like an awesome recipe, Jamie! I don't have a go to brownie……or I haven't until now!!
I love trying new basic brownie recipes. Especially if they are fudgy an rich! 🙂
I made these today, weren't as gooey as these pictures, but tasted amazing! They were very sweet which suits me fine, but I'd perhaps make them again with less sugar so my Dad can have them; he's not got a sweet tooth! Thanks for the great recipe 🙂
I'll admit it…in the past I have used boxed brownie mix. But I was looking for….well, a basic chocolate brownie recipe that did not have all of the "yucky" stuff found in the boxed mixes. I made these brownies for the first time a few weeks ago and were such a hit! No fancy or fake ingredients and really not much more time than my old boxed mix. Tomorrow making these for the third time. This is officially my go-to recipe! Thank you 🙂
I am so glad you enjoyed them, and that they're your go-to recipe now!! 🙂 That makes my day – I shared your comment on my Facebook page, too!
In the oven right now! I, well, we, I'll share with Mr. B, can't wait!
I'm going to go make these right now!
Hi Jamie! I've never been able to make good brownies other than from a box so think I'm going to have to try these out. Thanks for sharing on the weekend re-Treat link party!
Britni @ Play. Party. Pin.