Description
These ultra-fudgy one-bowl brownies feature a crackly meringue top and a dense, moist interior. Made with pantry staples, this recipe requires zero fancy equipment and delivers bakery-style results with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces (113g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Stir in the chopped chocolate until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes until warm but not hot.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 2 whole eggs and 1 cup of sugar vigorously for 1-2 minutes until pale and thickened.
- Pour the cooled butter-chocolate mixture into the egg-sugar bowl. Add vanilla extract and whisk until glossy.
- Sift cocoa powder and flour over the wet mixture. Add salt. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not over-mix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- In a separate small bowl, whip the egg white with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add 1 tablespoon sugar and beat until soft peaks form.
- Spoon meringue over the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the meringue into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be set and crackly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and slicing.
Notes
Do not skip the vigorous whisking of eggs and sugar, as this creates the crackly top. Room temperature eggs emulsify better. For fudgy brownies, remove from oven when a toothpick has moist crumbs, not wet batter. Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: brownies, fudgy brownies, one-bowl recipe, crackly top, easy dessert, homemade brownies, chocolate dessert