Brownies are one of the simplest yet most loved desserts, and the best part is how easy they are to customize. With one reliable base recipe, you can create countless flavor combinations—from classic fudgy brownies to cheesecake swirls, mocha, nuts, fruit, and more. This guide covers a foolproof brownie base along with delicious variations for any craving.
Basic Fudgy Brownie Base
A rich, chocolatey, moist brownie that’s perfect on its own or as a foundation for creative add-ins.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup (60 g) cocoa powder
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Whisk melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until the mixture becomes glossy.
- Fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt gently—avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a lined 8-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out slightly moist.
Brownie Variations
Transform your base batter into endless exciting flavors:
🍫 Chocolate Chunk / Nutty Brownies
Add ½–¾ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (walnut, almond, cashew, hazelnut) into the batter before baking.
🍯 Caramel Swirl Brownies
Add spoonfuls of ¼–⅓ cup caramel sauce, swirling lightly for ribbons of caramel.
🥜 Peanut Butter Brownies
Drop spoonfuls of ¼ cup peanut butter on top and swirl gently.
🍰 Cheesecake Brownies
Mix separately:
- 100 g cream cheese
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla
Pour on top of brownie batter and swirl.
🌶 Mexican Spiced Brownies
Add ½ tsp cinnamon + ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper for a warm, subtle kick.
🍒 Black Forest Brownies
Mix in ½ cup chopped cherries, top with chocolate chunks.
🍪 Oreo / Cookie Brownies
Crush 8–10 Oreo cookies into the batter or press on top before baking.
☕ Mocha Brownies
Add 1 tbsp instant coffee powder dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water.
🥥 Coconut Brownies
Fold in ½ cup desiccated coconut and sprinkle some on top.
🍌 Banana Brownies
Add ½ mashed ripe banana and optional walnuts.
Air Fryer Brownie Guide
For small-batch brownies without turning on the oven:
- Line a small baking tray that fits your air fryer.
- Cook at 160°C / 320°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Check at 12 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Do not overmix once flour is added—keeps brownies fudgy.
- For extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake.
- Let brownies cool before cutting.
- Add flaky salt on top for elevated flavor.