Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate chocolate treat, these Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops are about to become your new go-to recipe. They’re decadent, ultra-fudgy, and have that irresistible shiny, crackly crust on top—totally bakery-worthy. Whether you’re making dessert for a special celebration, a potluck, or just an afternoon pick-me-up, these brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops Recipe
- Rich, chocolatey flavor with a perfectly gooey center and crackly, shiny tops.
- Super easy to make with simple pantry staples—no fancy equipment required!
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings, gifting, or satisfying your midnight sweet tooth.
- Stays moist and delicious for days (if they last that long!).
Ingredients for Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Directions: How to Make Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Mix in Cocoa
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat for 2-3 minutes until pale and thick. This step is key for that shiny, crackly top!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir the warm butter-cocoa mixture and vanilla extract into the eggs and sugar. Mix until just blended.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold these into the wet mixture using a spatula—don't overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edges comes out with a few moist crumbs (center should be slightly underbaked for fudginess).
Step 7: Cool & Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out and slicing into squares. Enjoy the crackly tops and rich, fudge centers!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops
- For extra shiny crackly tops, beat the eggs and sugar well until pale and thick. Learn more about the science of shiny brownie tops here.
- Don’t overbake! For ultra-fudgy brownies, remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
- Let the brownies cool fully before slicing for the cleanest edges.
Variations: Make These Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops Your Own
- Nutty Brownies: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop dollops of peanut butter on top before baking and swirl in with a knife.
- Espresso Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the batter for a rich mocha flavor.
Required Equipment for Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Storage Instructions for Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. More on storing brownies.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or cold milk for the ultimate treat.
- Top with fresh berries or whipped cream for a fancy twist.
Pro Tips for the BEST Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops
- For even baking, rotate your pan halfway through the baking time.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor. Explore cocoa powder types here.
- Don’t skip the step of whipping the eggs and sugar—it’s crucial for that signature crackly top!
Homemade Fudge Brownies with Crackly Tops FAQ
- Why did my brownies not get crackly tops?
- The secret is whipping the eggs and sugar until they're very thick and pale—don’t rush this step!
- Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of natural?
- Yes! Dutch-process cocoa makes the brownies even richer, but either works well.
- How do I know when my brownies are done?
- The edges will be set and a toothpick near the center should come out with moist crumbs—not completely clean.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28-32 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and glossy.
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3Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture is thick and pale.
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4Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
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5Fold in the chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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6Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before slicing for the best crackly tops.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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