Easy Homemade Brownies: Moist & Gooey Chocolate Recipe

Discover how to bake incredibly moist and gooey homemade brownies from scratch, achieving a texture similar to your favorite box mix without any artificial additives. This simple recipe highlights key ingredients and techniques for perfect results every time.

Essential Ingredients for Your Brownies

• Vanilla Extract: A half teaspoon of vanilla extract significantly enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
• Eggs + Water: Michelle's secret for a moist, gooey texture, similar to box mix brownies, without commercial emulsifiers. Since this recipe does not contain baking powder, eggs are crucial for helping the brownies rise in the oven.
• Powdered Sugar: The key to achieving that classic box-mix brownie texture! Powdered sugar contains cornstarch, which naturally thickens the batter without the chemical additives found in commercial mixes.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Michelle recommends using Hershey's Special Dark Dutch-processed cocoa powder for deep flavor. (The author used Whole Foods' 365 Cocoa Powder). Remember to sift it if it is lumpy.
• Oil: While many brownie recipes use unsalted butter, Michelle's recipe calls for canola oil, just like a box mix. The author prefers olive oil for its rich flavor and convenience.

Baking Homemade Brownies from Scratch: Step-by-Step

These fantastic homemade brownies are incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfect, delicious results:

Step 1: Prepare Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately

In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and water.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Sprinkle the dry mixture over the wet ingredients and fold gently until just combined. The batter will be thick.

Step 3: Pour into Baking Pan

Pour the batter into an 8x8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly to all four sides of the pan and to smooth the top. The mixture will be very thick – that is okay.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pan to a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well for up to a month. Doubling the recipe and freezing a batch is a convenient way to have a quick dessert or afternoon treat readily available!