7 ingredients & just 30 minutes for rich, fudgy, delicious brownies.
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small batch fudge brownies
Hello hello! I’m here today with a dessert staple in small batch form. If you’re craving browies, and you’re craving them NOW, this recipe is for you. All you need is 7 common baking ingredients, and 30 minutes for these rich, oh-so chocolate-y brownies.
If you’ve perused my blog, you might notice that I LOVE small batch recipes. These fudge brownies are small batch, yielding just an 8×4″ loaf pan’s worth of brownies. They’re perfect for when you want some brownies, want them fast, and don’t need enough for a party! If you’re looking for a larger batch of brownies, you can check out my perfect fudge brownies, which are thicker and made in an 8″ square pan.
why you’ll love these small batch fudgy brownies
- They’re ready in 30 minutes. It takes 10 minutes or less to prep the brownies, and only 20 minutes to bake them!
- They’re super rich and fudgy. These brownies are so fudgy and rich thanks to a mix of melted chocolate directly in the batter and dutch process cocoa powder.
expert baking tips
Weigh your ingredients:
My recipes are all written in grams because it is the most accurate way to bake. When you use a kitchen scale, you ensure that your baked goods turn out as close to the written recipe as possible. Plus, the cleanup is way easier when using a scale! I will provide standard cup measurements but please note that I have not tested the recipe using cup measurements and therefore can not guarantee your recipe will come out how mine did. Here is my favorite kitchen scale.
Mix the batter carefully:
When adding in the flour, only fold the mixture just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing the dough leads to more gluten formation, which can make the brownies tough and chewy rather than fudgy.
The secret to crackled brownie tops:
The secret to getting those perfectly crackled tops in this small batch brownie recipe is all in the eggs, sugar, and chocolate. When you add in the egg, be sure to vigorously beat it into the mixture for at least 1 minute. This will add air into the batter, which will cause the brownies to rise, then fall while baking – leading to that perfectly crackled top. Also note that I’ve found that chocolate chips make a more prominent crackled top than chocolate bars.
How to get perfect brownie slices:
Brownies and bars can be annoying to cut, especially when they start dragging the batter and it seems like half of the brownies have ended up on your knife! To get perfect brownie cuts, get a clean knife and a tall glass of hot water. Dip the knife in the hot water, then make a slice in the brownies. Continue dipping and slicing to be left with perfectly cut brownie slices!
How to tell when brownies are done baking:
Fudge brownies are a little more difficult to tell when they’re done since they are essentially meant to be a little raw. For that reason, I definitely don’t recommend using the standard toothpick test. Instead, you’ll know that your brownies are done when the edges have fully set and the middle of the brownies just BARELY move when the pan is jiggled. The listed time for baking is 20 minutes which is true if your oven is at 350F and are using a standard metal baking dish. I recommend against using glass pans, so please note that if you do use a glass pan, your baking time will increase. I highly recommend using an oven thermometer so you know if your oven is actually the temperature it claims to be!
A note on oven temperature:
Ovens vary and fluctuate in temperature and might not always actually be at the temperature they claim to be at. If you love to bake like I do, I highly recommend getting an oven thermometer. They are super helpful for letting you know when your oven might be lying to you! I use this one.
ingredients for small batch brownies:
- All purpose flour: lends some structure to the brownies and makes them slightly chewy.
- Salt: helps balance and bring out the sweetness and flavor of the brownies.
- Unsalted butter: makes the brownies tender and gives them that melt-in-your-mouth feel. You can use salted butter in place of the unsalted, just be sure to omit the extra salt from the brownies.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: where the main flavor of these brownies comes from! I use chocolate chips as I have noticed that they are better for bringing out that crackled top when compared to using a baking bar. Make sure you use good quality chocolate chips here as this part makes up the entire flavor of the brownies!
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the brownies, helps lock in moisture in the batter, and helps contribute to that perfect crackled top.
- Dutch process cocoa: lends a deeper chocolate flavor to the brownies. I love using dutch process cocoa because it has a deeper and richer flavor than natural cocoa, but natural cocoa or even black cocoa powder can easily be substituted in here.
- Instant espresso*: helps bring out the chocolate flavor from the chocolate and cocoa (*optional but strongly recommended!)
- Egg: binds the brownie batter together, adds moisture to the brownies, and is the main contributor to getting that perfectly crackled top.
how to make small batch fudge brownies:
- Melt together the butter & chocolate chips, then whisk in the cocoa and set aside. In another bowl, vigorously whisk the egg and sugar together.
- Mix the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
- Mix in the flour & salt, followed by the remaining chocolate chips.
- Bake for 20 minutes, slice, serve, and enjoy!
small batch brownie recipe q&a
What size loaf pan do I need?
I used an 8×4″ loaf pan for this small batch brownie recipe, but if 9×5″ is all you have on hand then it will be perfect for the job. Just note that in a larger loaf pan, the brownies will be a tad more thin and therefore will require a little less baking time (probably 2-3 minutes less.)
Can I double this small batch brownie recipe?
If you are looking for a larger batch of brownies, you can check out my perfect fudge brownies recipe! It is essentially this recipe tripled and baked in an 8″ square pan. If you’re looking for more & thicker brownies, use that recipe!
WHAT MAKES BROWNIES CAKEY VS FUDGY?
The amount of flour in the brownies is the main decider in if a brownie will be cakey or fudgy. Brownies that have more flour in them develop more gluten (structure) in the batter, which makes them cakier. These brownies use a small amount of flour relative to the other ingredients, which makes them fudgier. We also don’t use any baking powder or baking soda in these so that they stay super dense.
Do I need to use instant espresso?
Not if you don’t want to! The instant espresso is simply there to compliment and enrich the flavor of the chocolate, you can’t really taste it in them. However, if you are avoiding espresso for any reason you can definitely leave it out and you will still have delicious fudge brownies.
How to store fudge brownies
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
tools and ingredients
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other recipes you might enjoy:
did you make this recipe?
I’d love to see and know your thoughts! please leave a comment and review below, and tag me on instagram @freshbeanbakery. #freshbeanbakery
Small Batch Fudge Brownies
Ingredients
- 56 g unsalted butter (¼ c.)
- 135 g semi-sweet chocolate chips divided (½ c. + ¼ c.)
- 12 g dutch process cocoa (2 tbsp.)
- 1 egg
- 100 g granulated sugar (½ c.)
- 40 g all purpose flour (⅓ c.)
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. instant espresso powder *optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Butter and line an 8×4" loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a small microwave safe bowl, melt together the butter and 90g (½ c.) chocolate chips in 30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval.
- Once the mixture is melted and smooth, whisk in the cocoa powder and set aside.
- Add the egg and sugar into a medium sized mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously for at least 1 minute, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add in the melted chocolate mixture and gently mix until well combined.
- Add in the flour, salt, and espresso powder (if using). Use a rubber spatula to lightly fold the flour into the ingredients. When there are only a few streaks of flour remaining, add in the remaining 45g (¼ c.) of chocolate chips. Fold just until no flour streaks remain.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the brownies are set on the outsides and only ever so slightly jiggle in the middle.
- Wait for the brownies to fully cool before cutting. Serve, and enjoy!
All time fav brownie recipe!!! A hit every time I make them! Thank you <3
Thank you so much Nina! ♡
furious about this recipe, 5 stars because it looks amazing but internally zero stars because saying “it comes together in one bowl/all you need is one bowl” and then saying “in another bowl” is so evil.
Sorry about that 🥲 They used to be one bowl but I’ve found you get a better crackled top from whisking the eggs & sugar in a separate bowl and totally missed updating the parts about using one bowl – I’ve updated it now!
This is honestly one of the best (if not the best) chocolate-based desserts I have eaten in MY LIFE!
Instead of melting down chocolate chips would it be possible to substitute for a cut up chocolate bar?
Hi Michelle, you could definitely melt down a chocolate bar instead of chocolate chips for these! Just note that you probably won’t have a prominent crackled top on the brownies.
Such an easy yet delicious recipe!!! I also had to extend the baking time to around 30 minutes but other than that it turned out so good!!!!!
Thank you so much, I’m so happy you liked them! 🙂
Hello there , if i want to double the recipe. How long should i bake this in the oven if i am using an 8” square ?
Hi! If you just want to double it it should take roughly the same amount of time, maybe a couple more minutes. I do also have a recipe for “perfect fudge brownies” which is essentially this recipe but tripled and baked in an 8″ square if you wanted to check that out as well!
These are some of the best brownies I’ve ever had! They are so fudgy, it’s insane! And the warm melted chocolate when there fresh is to die for! They needed a way longer cooking time for me but they turned out amazing, thanks for the great recipe!
These are some of the best brownies I’ve ever had! They are so fudgy, it’s insane! They needed a way longer cooking time for me but they turned out amazing, thanks for the great recipe!
Ahh what a compliment, thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed the brownies 🙂
i’ve made these twice and i’m in love!!! if i don’t have chocolate/chocolate chips, can i replace it with the cocoa powder?
Hi Alexis, thank you so much! I’m so happy you like the recipe! Unfortunately, the texture will be completely different if you swap in cocoa powder for the melted chocolate so I highly recommend against it.
Hi!Could I add walnuts to the brownies?And if so how should I go about it and how much should I use?
Hello! You can definitely add in walnuts – that sounds delicious! I’d recommend using around 1/4 c. of crushed walnuts, which you’d want to mix in with the additional chocolate chips at the end. I’d love to know how it turns out if you do try it! 🙂
I made these today bc I was having a serious chocolate craving. Wow! It delivered!! Very fudgy and delicious with a very easy to follow recipe. Took no time at all. Thank you for another great small batch recipe👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you so much Jane, I’m so happy you liked the recipe! 🙂
I made these and they came out super delish! Me & the hubby loved them! Perfect for just 2 people. I like that you don’t need an electric mixer to make these.
Also, I added some semi- chocolate chunks on top with a little sea salt. YUM! Thank you for a great recipe 🙂
Thank you so much! The extra chocolate and sea salt sounds delish! 🙂
How can we double the recipe,can you give the example of any one ingredient ?
Hello, to double the recipe you would multiply all of the ingredients by 2, so it would be 113g or 1/2 c. of butter, 270g or 1 1/2 c. of chocolate chips and so on. If you’re doubling the recipe make sure to divide the batter in half at the end and bake this in two loaf pans – otherwise if you’re looking to make this in a larger pan, such as an 8” square, you can check out my “perfect fudge brownies” for a larger batch of brownies!
Also I don’t have 8×4 loaf pan I have 9× something maybe 9×7 or 9 I don’t remember so what can I do ?
If you have a 9×5 loaf you can make the recipe as directed, the brownies will just be a tad thinner. With a 9×7 I would recommend doubling all the ingredients on this recipe – If you have a 9×9 square I would recommend making the amounts under my “perfect fudge brownies” for the best results. Hope this helps!
I’m making the small batch so plz tell me If I can bake in the glass tray
You can bake in a glass baking dish just note that it will take a bit longer to bake (~5-10 minutes). When the edges have completely set and the middle only slightly jiggles, the brownies are ready to be taken out of the oven.
Hello one important question, did you mix baking powder with the “all purpose flour”??
Hello, nope – this recipe doesn’t use any baking powder or baking soda in order to keep the brownies super fudgy!
These were literally the best brownies I’ve ever eaten. Definitely my new go to recipe!!!
Ah what a compliment – thank you so much! <3
Ahh I love this! Finally found my go-to recipe for brownies. I suck at baking but these were great and yummy! Didnt have enough sugar so I added some brown sugar instead and some vanilla essence. The brownies were fudgy inside with crispy outside. Reduce the sugar if you dont like it too sweet! Love love small batch recipes and cant wait to try the rest of yours!
Ah thank you so much, i’m so happy you loved the recipe! 🙂
The Best brownie recipe!! I made them yesterday and they turn out just so chocolatey and fudgy. I put 90g of sugar instead of 100g because normally this recipes taste too sweet for me, and was perfect!
Thank you so much! 🙂
These were really delicious! Super easy to make and the baking time was just right for gooey fidget brownies.
Thank you so much, I’m so happy you liked them! 🙂
I tried these fudge brownies and ommgggggg it tasted like heaven. I can’t even believe that i made those 🥺🥺 your recipe was 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
Ah you are too kind, I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂