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How to Bake a Great Big Beautiful Batch of Fudge Brownies

Great Big Beautiful Fudge Brownies

This large-batch brownie recipe produces rich, dense, deeply chocolatey squares with fudgy centers and chewy edges. Chopped walnuts or pecans are optional, but toasting them first adds wonderful flavor and crunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brownie Batter
  • 1 pound (4 sticks) Unsalted butter
  • 1 pound Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 6 large Large eggs
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Fine salt
Optional Add-In
  • 1-2 cups Chopped walnuts or pecans

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet or 13-by-18-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift out the cooled brownies, then lightly grease the parchment.
  2. Melt the butter and chopped chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, or use short microwave intervals. Stir until smooth and let the mixture cool slightly.
  3. Whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Slowly whisk in the warm chocolate mixture so the ingredients form a glossy batter.
  4. Fold in the flour and salt just until no dry streaks remain. Stir in the walnuts or pecans if using, taking care not to overmix.
  5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula so the brownies bake to a consistent thickness.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist fudgy crumbs. Do not wait for the toothpick to come out clean.
  7. Cool the brownies completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. Lift them out using the parchment overhang, then cut into 24 to 36 squares.

Notes

For the cleanest slices, chill completely cooled brownies before cutting and wipe the knife between cuts. Toast the nuts before adding them for deeper flavor and better texture. Store tightly covered at room temperature or refrigerate for a firmer bite.