Brownies are the perfect dessert, rich, chocolatey, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you crave fudgy, cakey, or gluten-free brownies, this guide covers everything you need to bake perfect brownies every time. There’s nothing quite like the rich, fudgy goodness of homemade brownies fresh from the oven. Whether you love them chewy, cakey, or packed with gooey chocolate chips, the perfect brownie recipe can turn an ordinary day into something special.
In this post, we’re sharing our favorite homemade brownie recipes that are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to satisfy every chocolate lover’s craving. From classic recipes to creative twists, there’s a brownie here for every baking mood.
Try our absolute favorite 15+ Best Homemade Brownie Recipes
1. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Nutella Brownies
These decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies layer fudgy Nutella brownies with fresh strawberries and a silky chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or romantic date nights, they’re ready in 50 minutes with simple ingredients. The strawberry-Nutella-chocolate combo creates pure magic in every bite. Vegetarian-friendly and easily made gluten-free with 1:1 flour. Pro tip: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for an adorable presentation! Great for special occasions or when you need an impressive dessert.
2. Banana Bread Brownies with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese
Two classics collide in these Banana Bread Brownies! A moist banana brownie base gets topped with whipped peanut butter cream cheese frosting for the ultimate sweet-salty treat. Ready in 1 hour, they’re the perfect way to use overripe bananas in a delicious new way. The cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness beautifully. They’re vegetarian-friendly and easily made gluten-free. These banana bread brownies are great for potlucks, bake sales, or weekend baking projects. Kids will love the fun twist on traditional banana bread!
3. Skinny Chocolate Chip Brownies
Guilt-free indulgence alert! These Skinny Chocolate Chip Brownies are low in sugar and fat but still packed with rich chocolate flavor. Made with Greek yogurt and whole wheat flour, they’re ready in 35 minutes. Each fudgy square has just 120 calories but tastes decadent. Perfect for healthy snack cravings or lunchbox treats. Pro tip: Add walnuts for extra crunch! A smart dessert choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
4. Perfect Fudgy Brownies Recipe
The ultimate Fudgy Cocoa Brownies – crackly tops, gooey centers! This 5-star recipe uses just pantry staples for intense chocolate flavor. Ready in 45 minutes (no mixer needed!), they’re better than boxed mixes. The melted butter technique creates a perfect texture. Pro tip: Don’t overbake – a toothpick should have moist crumbs. Great for weekend baking or last-minute dessert emergencies. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for pure bliss!
5. Brownies with a crackly Top
These ultimate Cocoa Fudge Brownies are dense, chocolatey perfection with crackly tops and gooey centers! Made with just cocoa powder (no melted chocolate needed), they’re easy yet impressive. Ready in 45 minutes, they’re perfect for chocolate emergencies or gift-giving. The brown sugar addition adds depth of flavor.
6. Best Ever Chewy Brownies Recipe
Bakery-style Chewy Brownies with the perfect texture – slightly crisp edges and soft, stretchy centers! This tested-to-perfection recipe uses both cocoa and chocolate for maximum flavor. Ready in 50 minutes, they’re great for summer potlucks or cookie boxes. The cornstarch trick ensures ideal chewiness. Vegetarian-friendly and freezer-friendly. Pro tip: Line your pan with parchment for easy removal. A crowd-pleasing classic you’ll make again and again!
7. Blonde Brownies Recipe
Butterscotch lovers rejoice! These Blonde Brownies (aka Blondies) are chewy, buttery, and packed with brown sugar flavor. Ready in 35 minutes, they’re a delicious vanilla alternative to chocolate brownies. The simple 6-ingredient recipe is foolproof. Vegetarian-friendly and easily customized with chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Great for lunchboxes or afternoon tea. Pro tip: Underbake slightly for extra chewiness. A nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
8. A Brownie in a Mug – Single-Serve Dessert
Single-serving dessert emergency solved! This Brownie Mug Cake delivers warm, fudgy chocolate goodness in just 5 minutes. Made with pantry staples, it’s perfect for late-night cravings or dorm room baking. The microwave method means no oven is needed! Vegetarian-friendly and easily made gluten-free. Top with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Pro tip: Don’t overcook – it keeps cooking as it cools! The easiest way to enjoy fresh-baked flavor without leftovers.
9. Chocolate Brownies
These classic Chocolate Brownies are fudgy, rich, and loaded with chocolate chips for the ultimate indulgence! Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute dessert emergencies or bake sales. The crispy crackly top gives way to a gooey center – exactly how brownies should be! Vegetarian-friendly and easily made gluten-free with 1:1 flour. Kids love helping mix the batter! Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure bliss.
10. Vanilla Brownies
Not a chocolate fan? These Vanilla Brownies (Blondies) are buttery, chewy, and packed with brown sugar flavor! Ready in 35 minutes, they’re a delightful alternative to traditional chocolate brownies. The simple 6-ingredient recipe is foolproof and perfect for customizing with white chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Vegetarian-friendly and great for lunchboxes or afternoon tea. Pro tip: Underbake slightly for extra chewiness. A crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
11. Avocado Brownies
Secretly healthy Avocado Brownies that are fudgy, rich, and dairy-free! The avocado replaces butter for a nutrient-packed twist on classic brownies. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re naturally sweetened and perfect for guilt-free indulgence. Vegan and gluten-free – great for special diets. Even avocado skeptics will love these! Pro tip: Top with sea salt for a gourmet touch. A smart dessert choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor
12. Flourless Brownies – Award Winning Recipe!
Decadent Flourless Fudge Brownies with just 6 ingredients and no grains! These ultra-rich brownies are naturally gluten-free and packed with deep chocolate flavor. Ready in 25 minutes, they’re perfect for special diets or quick dessert cravings. The secret ingredient (hint: it’s nut butter!) creates amazing texture. Vegan option included – great for all eaters. Pro tip: Don’t overbake for maximum fudginess. A simple yet impressive dessert that everyone will love!
13. Vegan brownies
These fudgy Vegan Brownies are eggless and dairy-free but still deliver rich chocolate flavor! Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder and flax eggs, they’re ready in 35 minutes. Perfect for special diets or when you want a healthier treat. The crackly top gives way to a gooey center – just like traditional brownies! Gluten-free adaptable with 1:1 flour. Great for vegan bake sales or chocolate cravings. Pro tip: Add walnuts for crunch!
14. Nutella Brownies
Decadent Nutella Brownies that are fudgy, rich, and swirled with hazelnut goodness! Ready in 45 minutes, these easy one-bowl brownies are perfect for Nutella lovers. The crackly top and chewy center make them irresistible. Vegetarian-friendly and great for gifts or parties. Pro tip: Warm before serving and top with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
15. Salted Caramel Brownies
Sweet & salty perfection! These Salted Caramel Brownies layer fudgy chocolate brownies with homemade caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Ready in 50 minutes, they’re ideal for special occasions or when you want to impress. The gooey caramel center takes them over the top. Vegetarian-friendly and easily made gluten-free. Pro tip: Cut with a hot knife for clean slices. A gourmet dessert that’s easier than it looks!
16. Classic Mint Chocolate Brownies
Cool and refreshing! These Mint Chocolate Brownies feature a fudgy brownie base topped with peppermint frosting and dark chocolate ganache. Ready in 1 hour, they’re perfect for holiday parties or St. Patrick’s Day. The layered flavors are a chocolate-mint lover’s dream. Vegetarian-friendly and easily made gluten-free. Pro tip: Chill before slicing for neat squares. A festive treat that always disappears fast!
17. Peppermint Brownies
Festive Peppermint Brownies that are rich, fudgy, and topped with crushed candy canes! Ready in 40 minutes, they’re perfect for Christmas cookie boxes or winter parties. The peppermint extract adds a cool burst of flavor to the chocolatey base. Vegetarian-friendly and easily made gluten-free. Pro tip: Use quality peppermint extract for the best flavor. A holiday classic that’s both pretty and delicious!
Essential Brownie Baking Tips
1. Use Quality Chocolate
- Opt for bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cocoa) for deep flavor
- Cocoa powder works, too, but add extra butter
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Stir just until combined; overmixing will result in tough brownies
3. Test for Doneness Early
- Toothpick test: A few moist crumbs = perfect
- Edges should pull away slightly from the pan
4. Let Them Cool Completely
- Fudgy brownies set as they cool
- Cut with a hot knife for clean slices