Hello, busy bakers! Today I’m sharing my easy brownie recipe for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is all about getting you to those wonderful homemade brownies as quickly and simply as possible.
We’re using mainly five core ingredients to make a treat that everyone will love.
So, let’s get started on this simple brownie recipe!
Why This Quick Brownie Recipe is a Winner
You’re going to love this easy fudgy brownie recipe because it truly lives up to its name. It’s my solution for a fast chocolate craving. Here’s why it’s so great:
- Seriously Fast to Make. From start to finish, this recipe is quick. You can have brownie batter ready for the oven in about 10 minutes. That’s what makes it a perfect quick brownie recipe.
- Uses Just 5 Main Ingredients. We’re keeping it simple with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and cocoa powder. Fewer ingredients mean less fuss and faster prep for your 5 ingredient brownies.
- Minimal Cleanup. Because it’s so straightforward, you won’t have a mountain of dishes. I always appreciate that, and I bet you do too!
- Still Gets That Yummy Crinkly Top. Even though it’s quick, you can still get that lovely crinkly top that makes brownies look so good. It’s a simple trick I’ll share.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Quick Brownies
For this super easy brownie recipe, the ingredient list is short and sweet. This helps you make them fast. Here’s what you need:
- Salted Butter (melted). Melted butter mixes in quickly. I like salted butter for extra flavor. If you have unsalted, just add a tiny pinch more salt later.
- Granulated Sugar. This gives sweetness. And it helps with the texture.
- Large Eggs. Eggs bring it all together. Using them at room temperature is good, but if you’re in a real hurry, cold eggs will still work okay in this speedy version.
- All-Purpose Flour. This gives your brownies structure. Just basic all-purpose flour is perfect.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. This gives you that important chocolate flavor. Any good unsweetened cocoa powder will do for these cocoa powder brownies.
- Optional (but they add a nice touch!).
- Vanilla Extract. A little vanilla makes chocolate taste even better. Add it if you have it!
- Salt. A tiny bit of salt helps balance the sweetness.
Simple Equipment for Your Easy Brownies
You don’t need anything fancy for this simple brownie recipe. Basic kitchen tools are all it takes. So, you’ll want:
- 9×9 Inch Baking Pan. A metal pan is great because it heats up quickly and bakes evenly.
- Parchment Paper (Optional, but helpful for speed). Lining your pan means you can lift the brownies right out. This saves time on cleanup and cutting. If you don’t use it, just grease your pan.
- Large Mixing Bowl. One bowl is all you need for this simple recipe.
- Whisk or a Spoon. You don’t even need an electric mixer for this super simple version! A whisk works well. Or, a sturdy spoon will do the job too.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. For getting the amounts right.
How to Make Quick & Easy Brownies: Fast Steps!
Ready to make this easy homemade brownie recipe in record time? Follow these quick steps. This is a great beginner brownie recipe because it’s so straightforward.
Quick Prep: Oven On, Pan Ready!
First, let’s get your oven going. Turn it on to 350°F (or 175°C). Then, if you’re using parchment paper, line your 9×9 inch baking pan. If not, just give the pan a quick grease.
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients Super Fast
This part is quick. We want to get these brownies in the oven!
- In your large mixing bowl, put the melted salted butter and the granulated sugar. Give them a quick stir with your whisk or spoon.
- Next, crack in the large eggs. Add the vanilla extract now, if you’re using it. Whisk or stir everything together until it’s just combined. Don’t worry about beating it for a long time for this quick version.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients & Mix Quickly
Now, let’s finish the batter for our simple brownie recipe.
- Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt (if using) right into the bowl with the wet ingredients.
- Stir with your spoon or whisk until everything is just mixed together. Be careful not to overmix. Just mix until you don’t see dry flour. A few little lumps are okay. Overmixing can make brownies tough.
- (Optional quick add-in!) If you want to toss in some chocolate chips, now is the time. About 1/2 to 3/4 cup is good for a quick stir-in.
Step 3: Bake Your Quick Brownies!
Time to bake this easy brownie recipe.
- Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out as evenly as you can.
- Put the pan in your hot oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
- How to tell when these quick brownies are done: The edges should look set. A toothpick put into the center should come out with some moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, they need a few more minutes. Because this is a quicker recipe, we are aiming for just done.
- Important for Quick Enjoyment: These brownies are great warm! While letting them cool a bit helps them set, for a truly quick treat, you can enjoy them sooner than most.
Tips for Making Your Easy Brownies Even Faster
When you want homemade brownies in a hurry, every little bit helps. Here are some tips I use for this quick recipe:
- Melt Butter in the Microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt your butter. It’s faster than doing it on the stove.
- Have Ingredients Ready. Before you start, get all your ingredients out and measured. This is a good habit for any baking, but especially for a quick brownie recipe.
- Don’t Aim for Perfection in Spreading. Just get the batter into the pan reasonably evenly. It will sort itself out as it bakes.
- Slightly Underbake for Gooeyness (and Speed!). If you like your brownies extra gooey, you can pull them out when the center is just barely set. They’ll be delicious and ready faster.
- Cut While Warm (If You Can’t Wait!). For the cleanest cuts, you should let brownies cool. But, if speed is your goal, you can cut these warm. They might be a bit messier, but they’ll still taste amazing. Use a plastic knife for easier cutting of warm brownies.
Simple Add-Ins for Your Quick Brownie Recipe
Even though this is a 5 ingredient brownie recipe (mostly!), you can still add a little something extra quickly.
- Chocolate Chips. A classic! Semi-sweet, milk, or even white chocolate chips are great.
- Chopped Nuts. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you have pre-chopped nuts, it’s even faster.
- Sprinkles. If you’re making these for fun or with kids, a few colorful sprinkles on top before baking adds a festive touch.
- A Pinch of Spice. A tiny bit of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder can add a surprising and nice warmth. Add it with the cocoa powder.
How to Store Your Brownies
If you have any leftovers from your brownie recipe (which might not happen!), here’s how to keep them:
- Room Temperature. Once they’ve cooled down a bit, you can store them in an airtight container. They’ll be good for a couple of days.
- Eat Them Fresh! Honestly, these quick brownies are best enjoyed soon after baking. That’s part of their charm!
FAQs
You can get a slight crinkle. For a very pronounced crinkly top, you usually need to beat the eggs and sugar for longer. But for this quick version, a gentle crinkle is still achievable if you mix the eggs and sugar well for a minute or two.
These brownies will be moist and delicious. They might be slightly less intensely fudgy than recipes that use more steps or different ingredient ratios, but they are still wonderfully chocolatey and satisfying, especially for a quick treat.
Yes, but the baking time will change. An 8×8 inch pan will make thicker brownies that need more baking time. If you use a larger pan like a 9×13, they will be very thin and bake much faster, so watch them closely.
Of course! An electric mixer will make the mixing even faster. Just be careful not to overmix, especially after you add the flour. Keep it on low speed.
Conclusion
A truly quick and easy brownie recipe that proves you don’t need a lot of time or a long list of ingredients to enjoy delicious homemade brownies.
This is my go-to when I need a chocolate dessert fast. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it always hits the spot.
Now, I’m curious to hear from you. Did you try this super simple brownie recipe? And what are your favorite shortcuts when you’re baking in a hurry?
Please share your thoughts and give the recipe a star rating below!
Easy Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Quick Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line your 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper if using. Or, just grease the pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Next, in a large bowl, stir together the melted salted butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract (if using). Stir with a whisk or spoon until just combined.
- Add Dry & Mix Quickly: Then, add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt (if using) to the bowl. Stir until everything is just mixed together. Do not overmix. If adding chocolate chips, stir them in now.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick put into the center should have moist crumbs.
- Cool Slightly & Enjoy: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes if you can wait! This makes them easier to cut. Or, enjoy them warm for a quick, gooey treat. Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- For Speed: This recipe is designed to be quick. Don’t worry about long mixing times.
- Pan: A metal pan helps with quick, even baking.
- Warm Brownies: These are great enjoyed warm, soon after baking!
- Simplicity: This recipe uses minimal ingredients for maximum ease.