Without question, the worst part of baking is the mess. I love to bake, but I can’t stand the mound of dirty mixing bowls, measuring cups, spatulas, pans, and measuring spoons that it results in. For me, simple recipes which utilize minimal ingredients and one-bowl preparation are always attractive. Don’t get me wrong. Quality and taste will always be my top priorities, but there’s nothing wrong with trying to achieve those ideals in the simplest way possible.
Last week, I got the idea in my head to make brownies. When it comes to brownies, I like them dense, chewy and super fudgey. After reviewing the ingredients in several fudgey brownie recipes, it occurred to me that I could probably make the world’s simplest fudgey brownie recipe; so simple that you’ll probably never need to read this recipe again; so simple that using a boxed brownie mix will start to seem like hard work. So, last week, I tested my idea. And, it worked. It worked perfectly. Gooey, fudgey brownies that were easier than a piece of cake to make.
Here’s the deal… 1 stick Butter + 1 cup Chocolate Chips + 1 cup Sugar + 1 cup Flour + 2 Eggs, mixed in 1 Saucepan and baked in 1 Baking Dish = 1 Delicious Batch of Brownies. Five ingredients total; one of each, except the eggs. You’ve got to use two eggs. It’s simple. It’s memorizable. It’s totally chocolicious.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ve got a few options. You can add a little salt (up to 1 teaspoon), if you’re like me and like that touch of salty flavor to your baked goods. A tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder will deepen the chocolate flavor; another plus in my book. Then, throw in whatever little add-ins you like; chocolate chips, nuts, shredded coconut, candied citrus peel, etc. Go wild. This time, I threw in some chopped up pieces of leftover Halloween candy! And next time, I’m thinking about making Monkey Brownies with peanuts and bits of fresh banana!
Fudgey Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 stick of Butter
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Flour
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (optional, for a darker chocolate flavor)
- Up to 1 tsp Salt (optional)
- Optional Add-ins (Nuts, Coconuts, Candy, Candied Citrus Peel)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter until smooth, stirring constantly. Turn off the heat. Add in the salt and cocoa powder, if desired. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Stir in the flour. Add the eggs and stir until well blended. If desired, stir in extra add-ins. Bake for about 35 minutes. Cool before cutting.
The Gourmand Mom 
A recipe after my own heart – simple. Quick and easy are always best.
🙂 Mandy
oh I bet those were just heavenly, too!
I totally want brownies now 😀
What an easy recipe. Those brownies look delicious!
I can’t remember how I found your blog, but I just love it. And I cannot thank you enough for this recipe, which I will be trying VERY soon! It is SOO hard to find a good homemade fudgey brownie recipe (which is definitely my kinda brownie) that I generally resort to a box mix rather than trying (and striking out) on yet another new recipe, but this looks perfect! 🙂
Thanks for your comments, Emily! I hope you enjoy the brownies!!
I love recipes that are easy to remember! And now I want to go make some myself…!
I love brownies and I love simple! I will definitely try these. 🙂
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If you are going to splurge, these brownies seem worth it! Yum…
BROWNIESSS!!!! I love that your recipe is so simple.. I’m definitely making brownies this weekend! You’ve started the cravings, lol.
Wow those brownies look super yummy and sounds really easy to make! What a great recipe!
I made this today, and the “boys” (20, 21 and hubby, LOL) pretty much polished the pan off after supper 🙂 I took them out at the 30 minute mark – I think they probably only needed 25-27 minutes in my oven. Thanks for a quick and easy – AND YUMMY!!! – recipe 🙂
yummy
These look delicious 🙂 They make me want to have a brownie!
You saved me this morning! I was worried I had to run out to the store to get brownie mix for my son’s preschool birthday celebration when I remembered seeing this recipe on your blog. Only had dark chocolate chips in the pantry, so here’s hoping the kids have an advanced palette, but this is so rediculously fast and easy…and the house smells amazing at 8:00 am, score!