Unleash Your Inner Baker: The Ultimate Guide to Fudgy, Chewy, and Irresistible Brownie Recipes

Is there any chocolate dessert quite as universally beloved as a brownie? For many, the answer is a resounding “NO!” Brownies hold a special place in our hearts – whether they’re classic fudgy squares, delightfully chewy, adorned with luscious frosting, secretly stuffed with unexpected fillings, transformed into bite-sized morsels, or reimagined as crispy bark. When it comes to brownies, we’re always enthusiastically “ALL IN.”

Today, we’ve curated an extraordinary collection of the most epic brownie recipes you’ll find anywhere. Consider this your definitive, one-stop destination for mastering all things brownie, from timeless traditions to innovative creations.

The timing for this decadent dive into chocolate couldn’t be more perfect! This week, we’re thrilled to be part of #Choctoberfest, an annual gathering where food bloggers unite to flood the internet with an abundance of chocolate recipes. Doesn’t that sound like the most fantastic way to brighten your day?

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What is Choctoberfest? Celebrating All Things Chocolate

#Choctoberfest is more than just a recipe-sharing event; it’s an annual celebration dedicated to all things chocolate. As a proud participant, I’m joining a vibrant community of over 70 food bloggers from around the world, all passionate about creating and sharing delicious chocolate recipes. This week-long festival is a delightful explosion of chocolate cakes, pies, cookies, puddings, tarts, candies, and, of course, an incredible variety of brownies.

You can effortlessly follow along with all the chocolatey goodness by searching for the hashtag #Choctoberfest on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. Alternatively, simply follow any of the participating bloggers listed further down this page to discover a daily dose of cocoa-infused inspiration directly in your feed.

This grand event is made possible each year by our truly awesome sponsors, who collaborate to assemble a delicious prize pack worth over $400! It’s an incredible opportunity to win some fantastic goodies that will enhance your kitchen adventures. Be sure to check out the details of what you can win and enter the giveaway at the end of this post!

Let’s Talk Chocolate: The Heart of Every Brownie Recipe

Before we dive into the enticing world of brownie recipes, let’s address the fundamental ingredient: chocolate. No matter what creative direction your brownie journey takes, the path invariably leads back to the quality and type of chocolate you choose. While many excellent brands are available, Hershey, Nestle, and Ghirardelli are among the most commonly found and widely used chocolates in grocery stores.

All three brands can yield delicious brownies, and I’ve certainly used them all at various times. However, understanding their subtle differences can empower you to make a more informed choice, perfectly tailored to your desired brownie outcome. The cocoa percentage and flavor profile of your chosen chocolate significantly impact the final taste and texture of your brownies.

Furthermore, your choice between dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate makes a considerable difference. For baking fudgy and rich brownies, I highly recommend opting for dark or semi-sweet chocolate. These varieties provide a deeper, more complex chocolate flavor without being overly sweet, allowing other ingredients to shine. Milk chocolate morsels, while delightful, are often best reserved for toppings or mixing into the batter for a sweeter, creamier note, rather than being the primary chocolate source for the brownie itself.

Decoding Hershey, Nestle, and Ghirardelli for Brownie Perfection

When selecting chocolate for your brownie recipes, remember to look for baking chocolate, typically found in the baking aisle, not the candy section. The three major brands each bring their unique characteristics to the table:

• Hershey: Often carries subtle hints of coconut, contributing a classic, comforting American chocolate flavor. If you’re aiming for that nostalgic, familiar brownie taste, Hershey can be an excellent choice.
• Ghirardelli: Known for its richer, more sophisticated flavor profile, Ghirardelli often possesses a delicate raisin or berry essence. Using Ghirardelli can elevate your brownies with a deeper, more complex chocolate experience, especially in darker varieties.
• Nestle: Offers a versatile chocolate with a faint hazelnut undertone in its rich profile. Nestle is a reliable option for a balanced chocolate flavor that pairs well with a variety of mix-ins and toppings.

If you’re planning to incorporate complementary flavors into your brownies, consider how these natural chocolate essences can enhance your creation. For instance, if you’re making brownies with nuts, Nestle’s hazelnut notes might be a perfect match. Similarly, the fruitier undertones of Ghirardelli could complement a cherry or raspberry brownie.

Essential Brownie Recipe Tips for Ultimate Fudginess

Achieving the perfect brownie texture – that delightful balance of fudgy, chewy, and rich – requires attention to a few simple, yet crucial, preparation tips. These aren’t just suggestions; they’re secrets to brownie success:

• Never Over-beat the Eggs and Batter: This is arguably the most critical tip. Remember, you’re making brownies, not a light, airy cake! Over-beating the eggs and batter incorporates too much air, developing the gluten in the flour excessively. This results in a cake-like texture rather than the dense, fudgy, chewy brownie we all crave. Mix just until combined, avoiding vigorous whipping.
• High Elevation Adjustment: For those living at high elevations (typically above 3,000 feet), the lower atmospheric pressure can cause baked goods to dry out and rise too quickly. To counteract this, consider including an extra egg or two in your recipe. This adds much-needed moisture and structure, preventing your brownies from turning out dry and crumbly like cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, cohesive batter that bakes evenly and results in a superior texture.
• Lining the Pan: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This simple step makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire slab of cooled brownies out of the pan, allowing for clean, neat cuts. It also prevents sticking and ensures uniform baking.
• Don’t Overbake: This is a common pitfall. Brownies continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven. For fudgy brownies, pull them out when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If it comes out completely clean, they are likely overbaked and will be drier.
• The Power of Salt: Don’t underestimate the role of salt in a chocolate recipe. A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness, preventing the brownies from tasting bland or cloyingly sugary.

Advanced Baking Tips for Perfect Brownie Texture

Beyond the basic preparation, these baking techniques will elevate your brownie game, ensuring a consistently delicious outcome:

• Bake on a Single Rack in the Middle: For even heat distribution, always bake your brownies on a single rack positioned in the middle of the oven. If you’re baking two pans, avoid stacking them on separate levels. Stacking can lead to uneven cooking, as steam from the lower rack can prevent the top rack from browning and baking uniformly. When baking multiple pans, it’s best to rotate them halfway through baking or bake them in separate batches if your oven isn’t large enough to accommodate them side-by-side on the same rack.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Before combining your wet and dry ingredients, take the time to sift your flour, cocoa powder, and leavening agents (if any). Sifting removes lumps and aerates the dry ingredients, ensuring they disperse evenly throughout the batter. This finer, more uniform texture of the dry ingredients promotes better binding with the wet ingredients, leading to a smoother, more consistent brownie texture.
• Tap Your Brownie Pan Mid-Bake: You’re aiming for dense, fudgy brownies, not a delicate soufflé! About halfway through the baking time, gently tap your brownie pan on the counter a few times. This helps to release any trapped air bubbles from the batter, encouraging a denser texture and preventing a cakey crumb. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in achieving that signature fudginess.
• Rapid Cooling on Ice: After pulling your brownies from the oven, speed up the cooling process by placing the hot brownie pan directly onto a separate baking pan filled with ice cubes or an ice pack. This quick cooling method helps to immediately stop the cooking process and sets the fudgy texture, preventing the brownies from developing a “cookie bottom” (a hard, overly baked base) and ensuring an evenly fudgy consistency throughout.
• Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before placing your brownie batter inside. An accurately preheated oven ensures that the brownies begin baking immediately at the correct temperature, which is crucial for proper leavening and texture development.

Let’s Get to the Best Brownie Recipes!

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to make the perfect brownie, it’s time to explore the vast and delicious world of brownie recipes. From classic delights to innovative creations, there’s a brownie for every craving and occasion.

Whether a brownie recipe is a cherished family heirloom passed down through generations or a contemporary twist far from basic, the options are virtually endless. Imagine adding crunchy nuts or creamy nut butters, sweet additions like flavored chips or fluffy marshmallows, warming spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon, or even adventurous ingredients like savory bacon or a splash of rich liqueur. Your creativity is the only limit when it comes to customizing these delightful squares.

And that’s just the brownie base! Once you consider the vast world of frostings – from classic chocolate ganache to tangy cream cheese frosting – things can truly get outrageously delicious. A simple brownie can be transformed into a gourmet dessert with the right topping!

Beautiful Brownie Recipes for Every Occasion

These recipes celebrate the classic brownie form, often with a delightful twist. They are beautiful in their simplicity and often elevate traditional flavors to new heights, perfect for any gathering or a special treat.

• Chocolate Ganache Brownies
• S’Mores Brownies
• Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies
• Old Fashioned Brownies
• Lunch Lady Brownies
• Mexican Chocolate Frosted Brownies
• Bourbon Pecan Brownies
• Mississippi Mud Brownies
• Triple Layer Frosted Brownies
• Frosted Peanut Butter Chip Brownies
• Bacon Salt Brownies
• Derby Pie Brownies
• Milk Stout Brownies
• Gluten Free & Egg Free Brownies
• Bailey’s Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

When seeking inspiration for a truly winning brownie recipe, one natural direction to explore is candy or candy bar-inspired brownies. It just makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Adding more chocolate and delightful confections to an already delicious chocolate base creates an irresistible synergy of flavors and textures. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your favorite candy bar into a decadent baked treat.

Candy Inspired Brownies: A Sweet Fusion

Combine the best of both worlds with these brilliant brownie recipes that incorporate your favorite candies and candy bars. Each bite is a delightful surprise, bringing together fudgy chocolate with classic candy flavors and textures.

• Brownie Bites with Rolos
• Almond Joy Brownie Bites
• Frosted Chocolate Turtle Brownies
• Ultimate Butterfinger Brownies
• Dark Chocolate Toffee Brownies
• Fudgy Frosted Chocolate Mint Brownies
• Whoppers Brownies
• Gluten Free Andes Mint Brownies

While Huey Lewis famously declared, “It’s hip to be square,” not all brownies have to conform to that shape! Some of my favorite ways to enjoy brownies break free from the traditional square. Take brownie bark, or as some call it, brownie brittle. These crispy brownie treats, often studded with delightful additions like nuts or toffee, are an absolute revelation. Here’s a little secret: it’s one of my favorite guilty pleasure pairings alongside a glass of red wine. The combination of rich chocolate, satisfying crunch, and a hint of a good red is simply sensational.

The same goes for brownie bites. These perfectly poppable, miniature versions of brownies are ideal for entertaining, school lunches, or simply when you need a small, satisfying chocolate fix without committing to a whole square. They offer all the deliciousness in a convenient, irresistible package!

Brownie Barks, Brittles and Bites: Poppable Perfection

For those who love a crispy edge or a perfectly portioned treat, these recipes are for you. Explore the delightful textures and convenient sizes of brownie barks, brittles, and bites.

• Easy Brownie Bark with Pistachios
• Salted Caramel Brownie Brittle
• Touchdown Turtle Brownie Bites
• Espresso Brownie Bites with Kahlua Frosting

Anyone who claims they would never put vegetables in brownies has clearly never experienced the incredible moisture and richness of my frosted zucchini brownies! Incorporating vegetables like shredded zucchini, pumpkin puree, or even finely grated carrots into baked goods adds an unparalleled level of moisture, tenderness, and often a subtle depth of flavor that complements chocolate beautifully. These “secret” ingredients ensure your brownies are incredibly moist and surprisingly wholesome.

Of course, fruits like tart cherries, sweet raspberries, and juicy strawberries are a no-brainer when it comes to pairing with chocolate. Their natural sweetness and acidity create a harmonious balance with the rich cocoa, resulting in truly delightful and vibrant brownie creations.

Brownies with Fruits and Veggies: A Wholesome Indulgence

Discover how fruits and vegetables can add incredible moisture, flavor, and even a nutritional boost to your favorite brownie recipes. These surprising combinations are sure to become new favorites.

• The Very Best Zucchini Brownies
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
• Lemon Brownies
• Chocolate Cherry Brownies
• Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cherry Brownies
• Cherry Amaretto Frosted Brownies
• Strawberry Brownies
• Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies
• Secret Ingredient (Black Bean) Brownies

Our love for brownies runs so deep that we often take an already perfectly good dessert and ingeniously combine it with another to create something even more outrageous and delicious! Brownie-inspired desserts are truly remarkable creations, designed to find the fast track straight to your heart. From indulgent cakes layered with brownie goodness to cookies with brownie centers, these hybrid desserts offer double the delight and a guaranteed wow factor.

Brownie Inspired Desserts: Double the Delight

When one dessert isn’t enough, infuse it with the magic of brownies! These creative recipes take classic desserts and elevate them with rich, fudgy brownie elements, offering a truly decadent experience.

• Brownie Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cake
• Super Chocolate Hot Fudge Brownie Cake
• Brownie Sandwich Cookies with Cookie Dough Frosting
• Oreo Brownie Poke Cake
• Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake

Making brownies is, for the most part, a delightfully straightforward process that doesn’t demand a lot of fancy equipment. In many cases, you won’t even need an electric mixer (unless you’re intentionally striving for that lighter, cakey texture we discussed earlier). A sturdy batter bowl, reliable wooden spoons or silicone spatulas for mixing, and accurate measuring cups and spoons will set you well on your way to brownie success.

However, when it comes to the baking dishes, you do have a few key decisions that can impact your brownie’s final form. Depending on your preference for thickness, you might opt for a smaller pan for thicker, denser brownies or a larger one for a thinner, chewier result. And if, like me, you adore those coveted crispy edges, an “All Edges Pan” is an absolute game-changer. It ensures every piece has that perfect chewy-crisp crust!

Essential Kitchen Tools for Easier Brownie Making:

Having the right tools can make your brownie-making experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials and helpful additions:

• Kitchenaid Mixer: While not always necessary, a stand mixer makes quick work of creaming butter and sugar, or for recipes that require more thorough mixing for a slightly cakey texture.
• Hand Mixer: A more compact and versatile alternative to a stand mixer, perfect for smaller batches or quick mixing without taking up much counter space.
• 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish: A standard size for most brownie recipes, offering durability and even heat distribution. Great for larger batches for crowds or meal prep.
• 8×8 Baking Dish: Ideal for smaller batches, resulting in thicker brownies due to the reduced surface area. Perfect for when you want a really dense, fudgy treat.
• Rubber Spatulas: Essential for gently folding in ingredients without overmixing, and for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
• Wooden Spoons: A classic choice for mixing, especially when you want to avoid overworking the batter. They provide a sturdy grip and feel comfortable in hand.
• Batter Bowl: A large, sturdy bowl with a comfortable handle and pouring spout makes mixing and transferring batter effortless and mess-free.
• Dry Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key in baking. A good set of dry measuring cups ensures precise amounts of flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
• Pyrex Measuring Cups: Transparent liquid measuring cups are perfect for precise measurements of wet ingredients like oil, milk, or water.
• Brownie “All Edges” Pan: For the edge-lovers among us, this specialty pan ensures every single piece has that delightful crispy crust. A true indulgence!
• Measuring Spoons: Indispensable for accurately measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
• Brownie Serving Spatula: A flat, sturdy spatula designed for clean, easy serving, ensuring your perfectly baked brownies retain their shape.

^PIN this Ultimate Brownie Collection for Later!^

We genuinely hope you’ve discovered an abundance of brownie recipes here that you’re eager to try and perhaps even a few new techniques to perfect your baking skills. A huge thank you is extended to my incredible foodie blogger BFFs for their invaluable contributions to this absolute must-keep list. Their creativity and passion for chocolate have made this collection truly special!

Don’t forget to enter the fantastic #Choctoberfest giveaway for a chance to win over $400 in prizes, and be sure to check out all the other amazing chocolate recipes shared by participating bloggers throughout the week. Happy baking!

#Choctoberfest Prize Pack: Your Chance to Win Big!

We’re thrilled to announce the incredible prize pack that one lucky winner will receive, thanks to our generous sponsors. This is your opportunity to enhance your kitchen and indulge in some truly delightful treats!

• Candy Gift Pack from blog host Triple Chocolate Kitchen: Indulge in an 180-pack of Lindt LINDOR Chocolate Truffles, featuring a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate. Triple Chocolate Kitchen is not only the organizer of #Choctoberfest but also a year-round source for fantastic chocolate recipes.
• Chocolate and Cocoa Gift Pack from Divine Chocolate: Receive a selection of high-quality, fair trade chocolate bars, premium cocoa powder, and exclusive Divine Chocolate swag. Divine Chocolate’s baking line boasts three premium flavors (55% to 100% cocoa), all made with 100% cocoa butter, non-GMO, and Vegan Society Certified.
• $100 Nordic Ware Gift Card and 40 Pounds of Granulated Sugar from Imperial Sugar: Elevate your baking with a generous gift card from Nordic Ware and a massive supply of high-quality granulated sugar from Imperial Sugar, a kitchen staple for over 175 years. Don’t forget to check out their annual Scary Scramble for fall-inspired recipes!
• Collagen Fuel™ Drink Mix Gift Pack from Primal Kitchen: Support your hair, skin, and nails with these delicious drink mixes. The chocolate version features organic, fair-trade cocoa and coconut milk powders, free from wheat, soy, or dairy ingredients.
• Cracker Gift Pack from Mary’s Gone Crackers: The lucky winner will enjoy a variety of vegan, cruelty-free, and organic crackers, many of which pair wonderfully with chocolate. Explore their recipe page for inspiring ideas!
• Fig Spread Gift Pack from Dalmatia Spreads: Discover a range of delicious fig-based spreads in flavors like sour cherry, plum, blackberry, and orange. Many are perfect for chocolate recipes, as a crêpe filling, warm over ice cream, or on toast. They even offer a fig cocoa spread with fair trade cocoa.
• Alkaline Water Pack from Perfect Hydration: Stay refreshed and rebalanced with 9.5+ pH alkaline water, which undergoes a 9-stage filtration process. It contains no added sodium, chlorine, or fluoride, and comes in recyclable BPA-free bottles.
• Kitchen Conversions Chart and Etsy Gift Card from Moonflower Mountain: Choose your preferred colors for this beautiful flower-adorned conversion chart, making it easy to double recipes or convert units.

This entire prize pack is worth over $400! The giveaway is open worldwide, except where prohibited by law. Entrants must be 18 years or older (21+ in some locations). One lucky winner will be randomly selected on October 20, 2019, and contacted via email. Please review the terms and conditions for full details. Enter the giveaway now for your chance to win:

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Entries from spam or inactive accounts are invalid. #Choctoberfest bloggers, sponsors, and their immediate families/households are not eligible to win. This giveaway is not affiliated with or sponsored by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Discover More #Choctoberfest Recipes from Participating Bloggers:

Make sure you check out the amazing participating bloggers to see all the incredible #Choctoberfest recipes being shared throughout the week:

Triple Chocolate Kitchen • 2 Cookin Mamas • A Day in the Life on the Farm • A Labour of Life • A Little Fish in the Kitchen • A Southern Fairytale • Amy’s Cooking Adventures • An Affair from the Heart • Bottom Left of the Mitten • Broken Teepee • Bunsen Burner Bakery • Champagne and Coconuts • Cindy’s Recipes and Writings • Cook with Renu • Cook’s Hideout • Cookaholic Wife • Crafty Cooking Mama • Daily Dish Recipes • Dixie Chik Cooks • Everyday Eileen • Fairyburger • First Timer Cook • Fix Me a Little Lunch • Frugal & Fit • Fun Happy Home • Get the Good Stuff! • Glenda Embree • Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks • How Was Your Day? • I Can Cook That • Join Us, Pull up a Chair • Karen’s Kitchen Stories • Kate’s Recipe Box • Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats • Life & Medicine Blog • Life on Food • Long Distance Baking • Lynchburg Mama • Makes, Bakes and Decor • Making Miracles • Mama Needs Cake • Memories In The Kitchen • Our Good Life • Our Sutton Place • Palatable Pastime • Queenslee Appétit • Reviewz & Newz • Sarah Cooks the Books • Sarah’s Bake Studio • Seduction In The Kitchen • Shockingly Delicious • Simple Family Crazy Life • Simply Inspired Meals • Sneha’s Recipe • Style Island • Sumptuous Spoonfuls • Sweet Coralice • Sweet Dash of Sass • Take Two Tapas • That Recipe • The Awesome Muse • The Beard and The Baker • The Delicious Spoon • The Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine • The Freshman Cook • The Redhead Baker • The Schizo Chef • The Spiffy Cookie • The Urben Life • Trampling Rose • Turnips 2 Tangerines • Who Needs A Cape? • Wildflour’s Cottage Kitchen • Zesty South Indian Kitchen