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These easy brownies are mixed in one bowl or saucepan, making cleanup a breeze. Melted chocolate and butter are combined with the remaining ingredients and baked to perfection. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra flavor and texture, or skip the nuts and add some chocolate or white chocolate chips.
Enjoy brownies plain or crumble them and add them to a sundae or trifle. You can also cut them into shapes for special occasions, or frost them with a chocolate or vanilla icing.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
One bowl, less mess. Everything mixes together in one bowl or pot—no mixer or extra cleanup needed.
Fudgy and flavorful. Made with real unsweetened chocolate and butter for a rich, classic texture.
Customizable. Add nuts, chips, or swirl in peanut butter for a fun variation.
Great for gifting or parties. These brownies travel well and can be cut into any shape or size.
Ingredient Notes
- Unsweetened chocolate: Gives the brownies that deep, rich cocoa flavor.
- Butter: Adds moisture and richness—melted with the chocolate.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the crackly top.
- Eggs: Give structure and a fudgy interior.
- Vanilla: Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Flour: Just enough to hold it all together without making them cakey.
- Baking soda: Gives a slight lift and lightness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Walnuts: Optional, but add crunch and a nutty finish—toast for best flavor.
Steps to Make Classic One-Bowl Brownies
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl or saucepan.
- Let the mixture cool briefly, then whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
- Spread batter in the prepared pan and bake until set.
- Cool completely, then slice into squares or bars.
Tips for the Best Brownies
- Line your pan with greased parchment paper or foil for easy lifting and clean cuts.
- Let the chocolate-butter mixture cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- For extra crunch and flavor, toast the walnuts before folding them in.
- Cool the brownies completely before slicing for neat, even pieces.
Recipe Variations
- Nut-free. Skip the walnuts or swap in chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks.
- Espresso boost. Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Frosted brownies. Top cooled brownies with a simple chocolate or vanilla icing.
- Cut-out brownies. Chill and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for holidays or parties.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add to a sundae bar or trifle for layered desserts.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Wrap in cellophane or boxes for gifts and bake sales.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Refrigeration is optional but may extend freshness slightly.
Freeze: Wrap individual brownies or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Let frozen brownies thaw at room temperature, or microwave individual slices for a few seconds to soften.
Classic One-Bowl Brownies
Ingredients
- Butter and flour for the pan
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- ¾ cup butter, (1 1/2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Recommended Equipment
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl and saucepan
Instructions
- Grease and flour a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper and grease the paper.Butter and flour for the pan
- Put the chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl and place it over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat. Alternatively, melt the chocolate and butter over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat.4 ounces unsweetened chocolate | 3/4 cup butter
- Let the butter and chocolate cool for at least 5 minutes, then whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.2 cups granulated sugar | 3 large eggs | 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and stir until well blended.1 cup all-purpose flour | 1/2 tsp baking powder | 1/4 tsp fine salt | 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Spread the batter in the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until set.
- Cool and cut into bars.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
