• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Genetic Chef

  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
  • SHOP
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Amazon
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
  • SHOP
    • Amazon
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • ABOUT
    • SHOP
    • Amazon
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    • Caprese pasta salad in a bowl with a basil garnish.
      A Simple Caprese Pasta Salad
    • A side view of a sliced smores bar.
      Easy To Make Gooey Chewy S'mores Bars
    • A mason jar of lemon garlic steak marinade with lemons and garlic cloves.
      The Best Lemon Garlic Steak Marinade In Existence
    • Basil vinaigrette in a jar with garlic cloves and a spoon resting on a dish.
      A Simply Amazing Basil Vinaigrette
    • Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portabello Mushroom on a black plate.
      Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
    • A skillet of ground beef with porcini mushrooms garnished with green onions.
      Super Easy Ground Beef With Onions And Mushrooms
    • Half of a lemon olive oil cake with sliced lemons.
      An Amazing Lemon Olive Oil Cake - No Mixer
    • Roasted asparagus with Parmesan on a baking sheet.
      Easy Delicious Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
    • Sautéed broccoli with garlic and crushed red pepper.
      Quick Simple Sautéed Broccoli With Garlic
    • A sour cream coffee cake with two slices cut.
      A Sour Cream Coffee Cake Worth The Calories
    • Greek lemon potatoes in an oval baking dish.
      Greek Lemon Potatoes - Ellinikos Lemoni Patatas
    • A spatula lifting a serving of New England baked haddock.
      New England Baked Haddock
    Home » Bars

    BEST COCOA BROWNIES, EVER

    Published: May 3, 2019 · by Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy. · 8 Comments

    RECIPE PRINT PIN

    My Cocoa Brownies are just as easy as using a mix, but with far better results. They're thick, chewy, fudgy, delicious and made in one bowl.

    A stack of brownies.

    This is one of those recipes I had to create when brownies were in demand NOW. What makes these the Best Cocoa Brownies? No mixer required, no melting of chocolate and butter, and no fuss.

    I wanted this recipe to be as simple as the box mixes. Measure, mix, pour, and bake.

    Here we go.

    Grab a large bowl.

    Add in the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Now it looks like the mix from the box.

    To that, add eggs, oil, and vanilla (or bourbon because vanilla is so expensive now).

    Mix and once incorporated (need to just combine to prevent powder and liquid flying all over the place) mix for 50 strokes. Why 50? Because that's what I remember as a kid.

    • Dry ingredients for cocoa brownies.
    • A bowl of brownie batter ready to be mixed.

    Spread in pan. Tap the pan a few times on the counter to allow air bubbles to escape.

    • Brownie batter in a pan.
    • Baked cocoa brownies.

    Bake about 40 - 45 minutes and test with a toothpick halfway between the edge and center of the pan. There should be a few crumbs attached, but it should not be gooey. I've even baked these in my toaster oven and they come out perfect.

    The cocoa brownies never get a chance to cool completely in my house, although they should cool completely before cutting into them. If you wrap these and refrigerate, you'll experience a firmer yet fudgy brownie that's easier to cut. Remember, cool translates to clean-cut. Want them to cool faster? Refrigerate.

    TOOLS YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE THE BEST COCOA BROWNIES

    Bowl

    Whisk

    Spatula

    Parchment paper

    Baking pan

    Cooling rack

    Two long stacks of brownies.

    THESE COCOA BROWNIES FREEZE WELL

    The brownies can be frozen after being tightly wrapped with plastic. Freeze individually for an anytime chocolate fix. I rarely have any left to freeze because these are the best damn cocoa brownies in the world and they disappear quickly.

    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE:

    • Strawberry jam bars
    • Gooey chewy s’mores bars
    • Congo bars
    • Thick chewy chocolate chip cookies
    • The best oatmeal raisin cookies
    • Anisette toasts
    • Natalie’s ultimate almond biscotti
    A bunch of cut brownies.

    Life is too short for mediocre food.

    HAVE YOU SEEN THESE?

    • A skillet of garlic butter kale rice.
      A Simple Delicious Garlic Butter Kale Rice
    • A white bowl of Guinness beef stew with crusty bread.
      An Incredible Guinness Beef Stew
    • Chicken pot pie being scooped out with a serving spoon.
      The Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Ever
    • A bowl of rice pilaf.
      Quick And Easy Rice Pilaf

    CHECK OUT MY SHOP FOR PRODUCTS I RECOMMEND

    PIN THIS RECIPE FOR THE BEST COCOA BROWNIES TO SAVE FOR LATER.

    FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST FOR MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES!

    A bunch of cut brownies.

    BEST COCOA BROWNIES

    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    A simple brownie recipe that delivers delicious, fudgy, chewy brownies. Uses one bowl and can be prepared in minutes.
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Author: Natalie Gregory

    Equipment Used

    1 Large Bowl
    Parchment Paper
    whisk
    Spatula
    BAKING DISH
    Cooling Rack

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (130 g) flour
    • ¾ cup (75 g) cocoa powder
    • 2 cups (400 g) sugar
    • ½ teaspoon fine salt
    • ¾ cup neutral oil
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla See NOTES
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325℉.
    • Spray an 8x8 pan then line with parchment paper. Scrunching up the parchment into a ball and then flattening it makes it easy for it to stay in place and to shape it into the pan.
    • In a large bowl, add flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk well to combine.
    • Add in oil, eggs, and vanilla.
    • Mix until just incorporated then mix for 50 strokes. The batter should be dense, smooth, and shiny. You can use a whisk or spatula to mix.
    • Spread batter into prepared pan then tap pan once or twice to allow air bubbles to escape.
    • Bake for 40 - 45 minutes. Test with a toothpick halfway between the edge and center of pan. There should be a few crumbs attached, but it should not be gooey.
    • Allow to cool completely for a clean cut. Cut into any size bars you like. Enjoy.

    Notes

    *   I like to change it up by substituting bourbon, coffee brandy, or Frangelico for the vanilla. It gives such a delicious flavor. The alcohol cooks off and it's such a small amount. Remember, vanilla is made with vodka so using any of these is no different.
    Did You Love This Recipe?Buy Me A Cup Of Coffee Thank You!

    Nutritional Information

    I don't post the nutritional value because I don't trust the accuracy of the nutritional apps. I’m not a nutritionist and don't want to post misinformation.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag @thegeneticchef and use #thegeneticchef and tell me about it!

    MORE DELICIOUS BARS

    • Chunky chocolate date nut bars.
      Easy No-Bake Chocolate Date Nut Bars - 2 Ways
    • Chocolate ganache peanut butter bars sliced.
      Chocolate Ganache Peanut Butter Bars
    • Apple butter oatmeal bar closeup.
      QUICK AND EASY APPLE BUTTER OATMEAL BARS
    • A strawberry jam bar leaning on sliced bars.
      SUPER SIMPLE STRAWBERRY JAM BARS

    See More Bar Recipes →

    More Bars

    • A fudgy Peruvian pepper brownie topped with ganache.
      PERUVIAN PEPPER BROWNIES WITH KICKED UP GANACHE
    • A peanut butter and jelly bar with some peanuts sprinkled around it.
      ABSOLUTE BEST PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY BARS
    • Side view of a honey nut granola bar.
      Crunchy Honey Nut Granola Bars
    • Looking for the Ultimate Homemade Larabars recipe? You've found it! This is a powerhouse of a bar not only made of fruit and nuts, but with a variety of spices that awaken the senses. Simple, easy, delicious!
      Ultimate Homemade Larabars

    NEVER MISS A RECIPE!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tiffany

      August 21, 2022 at 2:17 am

      Best brownies , everrr! I wish I could post my outcome!! Converted the recipe times two, in a 8*18 pan, absolutely beautiful!

      Reply
      • Natalie

        August 21, 2022 at 10:17 am

        Thank you for commenting! Everyone loves these brownies and they are super easy. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sharmaine

      September 05, 2020 at 11:27 pm

      How to bake using an oven toaster?

      Reply
      • Natalie

        September 06, 2020 at 9:15 am

        I actually bake these in my toaster oven. Just adjust the rack so the pan is centered in the toaster oven. You can check 5 minutes under the time but in my case I've found the baking time to be ok. All ovens are different so check.

        Reply
    3. kaypeabrokebaker

      May 25, 2020 at 8:31 pm

      This recipe looks good. Was wondering if I could double the ingredients and make in a 13 x 9 rectangular pan?

      Reply
      • Natalie

        May 25, 2020 at 10:03 pm

        I haven't made it in a 9x13 but feel the middle may not cook and stay very fudgy. You will have to bake longer and risk overcooking the edges (which taste great overcooked by the way). If you try it, please let me know how it comes out. I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    4. kathy

      September 25, 2016 at 6:30 pm

      I tried these brownies with one cup of pecans and the family enjoyed them. The top was crisp like a cookie but they were moist and delicious . I will be making this recipe again.
      Thanks for sharing your recipe

      Reply
      • Natalie

        September 26, 2016 at 5:16 pm

        Hi Kathy!
        I'm so happy you enjoyed them. Those are my go to brownies that are a quick fix for a chocolate craving. Enjoy!

        Reply
    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Natalie

    I'm Natalie a.k.a The Genetic Chef. Here you will find from scratch family recipes coupled with humor, helpful tips, and product recommendations.

    More about me →

    Like what you see? Please show your support by buying me a cup of coffee. Thank you!

    Categories

    AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE

    The Genetic Chef is an Amazon affiliate. If you click through to Amazon from my website, I get a small commission at no cost to you which helps me keep this site going. Thank you for your support!

    Visit My Shop!

    Product Recommendations

    Vitamix 5200 Blender

    Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor

    KitchenAid Stand Mixer

    Breville Smart Oven Pro

    Le Creuset 7-1/4-Quart (Dutch) Oven

    Duralex Stackable 9-Piece Bowl Set

    Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

    Nordic Ware Baker's Half Sheet

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy Policy

    Subscribe

    Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 The Genetic Chef

    Foodie Pro Theme

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.