What's the secret to the perfect brownie? Brown sugar, of course! Discover how this humble ingredient can take your brownies from good to great. Make our favorite brownie recipe with brown sugar to achieve these chocolatey delights that are fudgy and perfectly balanced in every way.
Few things compare to a fresh batch of fudgy brownies. Some brownie recipes tend to be on the more cakier side (not my favorite) but not this one!
This brownie recipe with brown sugar has a fudgy texture with a crackly top that everyone loves. The brown sugar makes this the perfect brownie to enjoy with family and friends or even just yourself!
But it's not just about texture. The extra molasses in brown sugar adds a depth of flavor that white sugar simply can't match. This is what gives brownies made with brown sugar their signature rich, toffee-like flavor. Who doesn't want a little extra flavor in their brownies?
I don't know about you but my favorite way to enjoy a warm brownie is with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. These brown sugar brownies are great on their own but a little ice cream never hurts!
After making these easy homemade brownies, you'll never go back to box mix again.
Ingredients
Below are the simple ingredients you'll want to gather ahead of time. For the eggs, I recommend letting them come to room temperature before using.
Dry ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
- Flaky salt for finishing (optional but highly recommend it)
Wet ingredients
- Whole eggs
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Below, you will find a few process shots along with step-by-step instructions.
In a large bowl, melt together butter and chocolate chips.
Whisk cocoa powder into butter and melted chocolate chips.
Add brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into your chocolate mixture.
Add in salt and flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Use a spatula or wooden spoon.
Whisk in eggs by hand or use electric mixer for 1-2 minutes.
Pour brownie batter into prepared pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Hint: I used light brown sugar but you can use dark brown sugar if you prefer or if that's all you have on hand.
Tips for baking the best brownies each time
Now that you have the perfect brownie with brown sugar recipe, it's time to ensure that each batch comes out just as delicious as the first. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Use the right pan - The type of pan you use can greatly affect the outcome. Stick to using a metal baking pan, as it conducts heat better than glass or ceramic pans.
- Don't overmix - Mix until just combined. Overmixing your batter can lead to a tough and dry texture.
- Monitor baking time - Every oven is different, so start checking your brownies at the 35 minute mark.
- Let them cool - It's tempting to cut into your brownies right away, but letting them cool completely will give you the best texture. This allows the them to set and become the fudgy and chewy brownies they were meant to be!
Following these simple tips is a fool proof way of getting the best outcome each and every time.
Substitutions
Below, are a few substitutions you may consider.
- Chocolate chips - you can use chopped chocolate instead of chocolate chips when you combine it with your melted butter.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips- instead of using semi-sweet chocolate chips to melt with the butter you can use dark chocolate chips or unsweetened chocolate if you prefer.
You will get a subtle taste of brown sugar with each bite. It's hard to stop at just one piece. I know for me it was! This has easily become my new favorite brownie recipe.
Variations
Below, are a few fun variation ideas you may consider when making this brownie recipe with brown sugar.
- More chocolate - if you'd like more chocolatey brownies, add in an extra ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. You may need to adjust baking for this. Check bake time at 32 minutes.
- Deluxe - stir in chocolate chips and/or nuts into brownie batter before placing in the oven.
- Flaky salt - sprinkle a bit of flaky salt over brownies once you remove them from the oven. This makes for a perfectly balanced sweet and salty treat!
Equipment
- Square baking pan, 8x8"
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Hand mixer
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Top tip
Don't overmix: Overmixing your brownie batter can lead to a tough and dry texture. Mix until just combined and don't worry about getting rid of all the lumps. The lumps will disappear during the baking process.
FAQ
Brown sugar has more moisture content than white sugar. This moisture gives it a slightly sticky texture that is perfect for baking. This means that you'll end up with a fudgy texture that is difficult to achieve with granulated sugar alone.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, brown sugar is the key to taking your brownies to the next level. Give our recipe a try and don't forget to share your baking success with your friends and family. Spread the joy of delicious, chocolatey brownies!
Related
Looking for other brownie recipes like this? Try these:
Brown Sugar Brownies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 9 tablespoon butter, unsalted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Spray 8x8" square baking pan with non-stick spray then line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt together your butter and chocolate chips. Microwave for 20 seconds at a time and stir occasionally to keep from burning. Add in your cocoa powder and combine well. Next, you'll want to whisk in your sugar, eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk for 1-2 minutes. You can do this with an electric mixer if you prefer.
- Add in dry ingredients and combine well with a spatula. Pour brownie batter into prepared baking. Bake brownies at 350°F for 40 minutes. Once you remove brownies from the oven, place the dish on a cooling rack. Sprinkle a bit of flaky salt over the top. Let them cool and set for 30-45 minutes before removing from the dish and cutting into squares. Enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of ice cream!
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