Thick, rich, and loaded with melty dark chocolate chunks, these ultra fudgy brownies have a gooey center and a perfectly crackled top—pure indulgence in every bite. Whether for a casual family dessert or a decadent treat to impress guests, these brownies strike the perfect balance between dense texture and deep chocolate flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Ultra Fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies are everything a brownie lover dreams of—chewy edges, a soft, gooey center, and bold chocolate flavor in every bite. With dark chocolate both melted into the batter and studded throughout, they deliver intense richness. Best of all, they come together easily with pantry staples and no special equipment required.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter
8 oz dark chocolate (70%), chopped
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips (plus more for topping)

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate over simmering water or in the microwave using 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
Whisk in both sugars until fully incorporated.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in the dark chocolate chunks.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle additional chocolate chunks over the surface if desired.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing to achieve clean edges and maximum fudginess.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 squares
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Espresso Boost: Stir in 1 tsp instant espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
Swirled Toppings: Swirl peanut butter or cream cheese into the top of the batter before baking.
Double Chocolate: Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chunks for a balanced flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-sensitive bakers.

storage/reheating

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve warm, microwave individual squares for 10–15 seconds. Always cool completely before storing to maintain texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the brownies are done?

They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but the brownies will be sweeter and less intense in flavor.

What makes these brownies fudgy instead of cakey?

A higher fat-to-flour ratio and minimal mixing give these brownies their fudgy texture.

Can I add nuts or mix-ins?

Absolutely. Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel pieces work well.

Do I need to use parchment paper?

It’s highly recommended for easy removal and clean slicing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes.

How should I cut brownies cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the brownies before slicing also helps.

Can I make these brownies without cocoa powder?

You can omit it, but the cocoa enhances the richness. Increase the melted chocolate slightly if omitting.

Are these brownies freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but reducing too much may affect texture and moisture. Start by cutting 1/4 cup if needed.

Conclusion

Ultra Fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. With their rich, gooey texture and bold flavor, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or cold from the fridge, these brownies never disappoint. Make a batch and savor the luxurious simplicity of homemade chocolate bliss.