5-Ingredient Brownies So Good They Should Be Illegal
One Bowl, Five Ingredients, and Zero Regret
Okay, let’s get something straight—if you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, craving chocolate but with the energy level of a sleepy sloth, this 5-ingredient brownies recipe is your new BFF. Forget boxed mix. Forget measuring out 12 ingredients like you’re auditioning for The Great British Bake Off. This is lazy baking at its finest—and trust me, nobody will know you didn’t break a sweat.
Why These 5-Ingredient Brownies Are the GOAT
You know what’s great about these brownies? Besides the fact that they taste like rich, fudgy heaven? They’re fast, stupid-easy, and they’ll make you look like a baking genius to anyone lucky enough to snag a bite.
- They’re chewy on the edges, gooey in the middle, and intensely chocolatey.
- They don’t require a mixer. Or a culinary degree.
- They impress even your judgy cousin who “only eats from scratch.”
Plus, they’re practically a blank canvas—customize them however you like (more on that later).
Ingredients (Literally Just 5 Things)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Optional upgrades:
- Add chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra.
- Swap sugar for coconut sugar for a less refined vibe.
- Gluten-free flour? Totally works.
Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these bad boys—perfect for your Amazon affiliate links:
- Mixing bowl (big enough for all five ingredients to party)
- Whisk or spoon (yes, even a spoon works—lazy bakers unite)
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (so you don’t have to chisel brownies out of the pan)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula (for licking the bowl… I mean, scraping)
- Oven (obviously)
Step-by-Step Instructions (No Degree Required)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Yes, turn it on now. Don’t be the person who forgets this and waits 20 minutes. - Grease or line your baking pan.
Parchment paper is your BFF here. - Melt the butter in your mixing bowl (microwave = win). Let it cool for a sec so you don’t scramble the eggs.
- Whisk in the sugar and eggs until it’s smooth and glossy. Your arm workout for the day.
- Add cocoa and flour, stir until just combined. No overmixing! This is brownies, not bread.
- Pour into your pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes.
You want the center just set. A little jiggle is okay—like a brownie Beyoncé. - Cool, slice, devour.
Or just grab a spoon and go in. I won’t judge.
Calories & Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 24g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Gluten-free? Use almond or GF flour
- Dairy-free? Sub with coconut oil
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Dry brownies are a crime. Pull them out when the center is just set.
- Overmixing the batter: You want fudgy, not fluffy.
- Using sweetened cocoa powder: Unsweetened only, please.
- Skipping parchment paper: Unless you like chiseling dessert.
- Microwaving the butter too hot: Don’t cook your eggs before baking them.
Variations & Customizations
Feeling wild? Here’s how to switch it up:
- Peanut Butter Swirl – Drop in dollops and swirl before baking.
- Espresso Kick – Add 1 tsp instant coffee for a mocha moment.
- Keto Vibes – Use almond flour and erythritol instead of flour and sugar.
FAQ Section (Pulled from People Also Ask)
Q1: Can I make 5-ingredient brownies without eggs?
Yes! Sub 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
Q2: How do I make brownies fudgy and not cakey?
Less flour, no overmixing, and don’t overbake. Fudgy = underdone vibes.
Q3: Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, but you’ll lose a bit of richness. Butter is bae.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13 pan and adjust the baking time to 30–35 minutes.
Q5: What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
Sorry, friend. Cocoa is kinda the whole point.
Q6: How do I store these?
Airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days. Fridge? Sure. Freezer? Yup.
Q7: Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Oh heck yes. Go nuts. Literally.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—5-ingredient brownies that take less time than scrolling through TikTok. Whether you’re baking to impress or just want chocolate now, these bad boys have your back.
Try them out, snap a pic, and tag me—because if you don’t post your brownies, did you even bake them?