These rich, chocolatey brownies come together in one bowl with simple pantry staples. Moist, chewy, and deeply satisfying—with or without walnuts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield: 9–12 squares
Calories: ~220 kcal per square (without walnuts)
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian • Nut-Free (without walnuts)
🛒 Ingredients
Sugar
All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt
Eggs
Butter, melted
Vanilla extract
Optional: Chopped walnuts
👨🍳 Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and thick.
Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in chopped walnuts if using.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool & Slice: Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
📝 Notes
For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake and allow to set while cooling.
Want extra gooey texture? Add ¼ cup chocolate chips.
Brownies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
🍫 The Ultimate One-Bowl Brownie Fix
This recipe is my go-to for last-minute cravings or easy baking projects. No fancy equipment, no fuss—just rich, chewy brownies that always satisfy. Customize with nuts or chocolate chips, or enjoy them as-is for that pure cocoa flavor.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment for easy cleanup and perfect edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry
In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add the Wet
Add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Fold in Extras
Mix in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, if using.
Step 5: Bake
Spread batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let cool completely for clean cuts. Slice into 9 large or 12 smaller squares.
🧂 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
Key Ingredients
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives that deep, chocolatey base.
Butter: Melted butter makes the texture rich and dense.
Eggs: Help bind and add structure to the chewy crumb.
Substitutions
No walnuts? Use pecans, almonds, or skip altogether.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-free: Use melted plant-based butter or coconut oil.
Add-ins: Chocolate chips, peanut butter swirls, or espresso powder for variation.
🍽 Variations & Serving Ideas
Fun Add-Ins
🍫 Chocolate chips or chunks
☕ 1 tsp instant espresso powder
🥜 Swirl in peanut butter or Nutella before baking
🧂 Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty finish
How to Serve
With a glass of cold milk or almond milk
Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Drizzled with warm caramel or chocolate sauce
As a base for brownie sundaes
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days (texture will firm up slightly).
Freezing
Freeze individual squares in parchment and airtight wrap for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temp or microwave in short bursts to soften.
📊 Nutrition (Per Brownie – Approximate, without nuts)
Calories: 220 kcal
Carbs: 27g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Allergens: Eggs, dairy, gluten (unless substituted)
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make these brownies more cakey?
A: Add an extra egg and bake for 5 more minutes for a cakier texture.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes—double ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can reduce by ¼ cup, but it may affect moisture and texture slightly.
Q: Why are my brownies dry?
A: Likely overbaked—pull them out when the center is just set and toothpick has moist crumbs.
❤️ Your New Go-To Brownie
This simple recipe proves you don’t need a boxed mix to enjoy bakery-quality brownies at home. With just one bowl and everyday ingredients, you’ll be diving into chocolatey bliss in no time.
📣 Made These Brownies?
Tag your bakes @YourHandle on Instagram or leave a rating and comment below. Did you try a fun twist like adding espresso or swirling in peanut butter? I’d love to hear about it!