Do you often find yourself yearning for a decadent, fudgy brownie, but hesitate to bake a full tray, knowing you’ll end up with more leftovers than you can handle? That’s precisely the dilemma that inspired this incredible small batch brownie recipe! Designed for ultimate convenience and minimal waste, this recipe allows you to whip up a perfect batch of brownies right in your loaf pan. With just 1 egg and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll produce 8 delightful brownies, each boasting that irresistible crinkly top, a wonderfully gooey center, and deliciously crispy edges. It’s the ideal solution for satisfying your chocolate cravings without committing to a large dessert.

Why You’ll Adore These Easy Small Batch Brownies

• This recipe consistently makes exactly 8 perfectly sized brownies. They’re substantial enough to satisfy, but small enough that you won’t be burdened with an excessive amount of leftovers. For those times you want just a tiny bite, you can easily cut them into 12 or so mini, indulgent pieces! It truly is the ideal brownies for one or two people recipe.
• Every time I spot brownies, I get an intense craving for their rich, chocolatey goodness. However, making a huge batch for just my husband and me often leads to them going stale. This recipe guarantees fresh, homemade brownies that always taste superior to any frozen or store-bought alternative, straight from your oven to your plate!
• You likely have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry right now. Even if your baking supplies are running low on specific items, this clever small-batch recipe is an excellent way to use up those last few sprinkles of flour or a single egg, preventing food waste and saving you a trip to the store.
• Baking them in a loaf pan offers a unique advantage: everyone gets an amazing edge piece! No more fighting over the best part – every brownie boasts those delightful crispy edges combined with a soft, fudgy interior.
• Beyond just convenience, these brownies deliver on taste and texture. They boast the best fudgy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and that signature shiny, crackly top that signifies a truly exceptional brownie.

Essential Ingredients for Your Fudgy Small Batch Brownies

This simple 1-egg brownie recipe relies on everyday kitchen ingredients to achieve its incredibly fudgy texture and rich flavor. Here’s a closer look at what makes these brownies so special:

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

• All-Purpose Flour – You’ll only need a mere ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour for this perfectly proportioned recipe. For the most precise and consistent baking results, I highly recommend using a food scale to weigh your flour. While I haven’t personally experimented with alternative flours in this specific small-batch recipe, if you do, please share your results in the comments section to help other bakers!
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This is the star ingredient responsible for the deep, rich chocolate flavor that defines a good brownie. Both Dutch-processed and natural cocoa powder will work beautifully in this recipe, so simply use whichever you have readily available in your pantry. My personal favorites for consistent quality are Hershey’s and Good & Gather brands.
• Unsalted Butter – Opting for unsalted butter gives you complete control over the total salt content in your brownies, allowing for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Remember to melt it in the microwave and then let it cool slightly before incorporating it into the batter. This crucial step prevents the warm butter from inadvertently cooking your egg, which would alter the brownie’s final texture.
• Granulated Sugar – The magic of those shiny, crinkly brownie tops and that lusciously fudgy interior is largely thanks to the interaction between the granulated sugar, warm butter, and egg. Whisking them together thoroughly helps dissolve the sugar, contributing to that desirable texture.
• Large Egg – A single large egg is all it takes for this brilliant small-batch recipe! If you’re a fan of recipes that use just one egg in your baking endeavors, you’ll also adore my small-batch peanut butter cookies, which impressively use just one egg yolk for their rich flavor and texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – I believe chocolate chips elevate these brownies to another level of decadence, adding pockets of molten chocolate. However, if you prefer a simpler brownie or don’t want the extra chocolate, feel free to omit them. You can also experiment with dark, bittersweet, milk chocolate, or even a combination of your favorite chocolate varieties instead of just semi-sweet.

For a complete list of ingredients and precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Delicious Brownie Mix-Ins & Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize your fudgy small batch brownies by adding up to ¼ cup of your favorite mix-ins! These additions can significantly enhance the flavor and texture:

• Chopped nuts: Add a delightful crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans. Toasting them lightly beforehand can deepen their flavor.
• Different chocolate varieties: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier contrast, or use dark chocolate for an extra intense cocoa experience.
• Nut butter swirls: Create an irresistible swirl by dolloping in peanut butter or Nutella on top or in the middle of the batter before baking. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl.
• Espresso powder: A teaspoon of espresso powder can significantly enhance the chocolate flavor, turning them into delectable mocha brownies without adding a coffee taste.
• S’mores transformation: For a fun twist, incorporate mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces into the batter or sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of baking for a delightful s’mores vibe.

If you’re looking for individual brownies that are already perfectly portioned and easy to serve, be sure to check out my popular mini brownie bites recipe!

How to Make Perfect Fudgy Brownies in a Loaf Pan

These loaf pan brownies are incredibly simple to prepare, coming together effortlessly in just a few steps. Follow this guide to achieve amazing, consistent results every time you bake:

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until they are well combined and no lumps of cocoa remain. This ensures even distribution of flavor and leavening throughout your brownies.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, add the melted unsalted butter (ensure it has cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the egg!), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the large egg. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously for about 2-3 minutes. This crucial step helps dissolve the sugar, incorporating air into the mixture and contributing significantly to that sought-after shiny, crinkly top texture on your brownies.

How to Check for Brownie Doneness

Knowing exactly when your brownies are perfectly baked can be a bit of an art! Remember that they will continue to set and bake slightly in the hot pan even after you remove them from the oven, so it’s crucial to avoid over-baking. Over-baked brownies lose their fudgy texture and can become dry. Here are my tried-and-true methods for checking if they’re done:

• The Jiggle Test: Gently give the loaf pan a slight shake. If the very center of the brownies still visibly jiggles like liquid, they need a few more minutes in the oven. If the center looks mostly set with a slight tremble, move on to the toothpick test.
• The Toothpick Test: Carefully insert a toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the brownies. If it comes out covered in wet batter, they are definitely not done yet. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, they are perfectly baked and will be wonderfully fudgy! A completely clean toothpick indicates they are likely over-baked and will result in a cakey texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Fudgy Loaf Pan Brownies

1. To achieve those gorgeous, shiny, and crackly brownie tops that everyone loves, the secret lies in whisking your wet ingredients thoroughly. The initial mixing of sugar with warm, melted butter helps dissolve the sugar crystals, and then whisking the egg into this mixture really well creates a light, almost meringue-like batter. This aeration and sugar dissolution are key to that coveted crinkled surface.
2. I know, it’s incredibly tempting to dive into a warm brownie straight out of the oven, but allowing them to cool completely is absolutely essential! As they cool, the brownies continue to set, developing their intensely rich flavor and achieving that perfectly dense, fudgy texture. Additionally, fully cooled brownies are much easier to cut cleanly without crumbling.
3. For impeccably clean-cut edges on your brownies, use a warm chef’s knife. My simple trick is to run the knife under hot tap water for a few seconds, carefully wipe it completely dry with a clean cloth, and then make your slice. Repeat this process for each cut to get professional-looking brownies every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Batch Brownies

Storage Solutions for Your Small Batch Brownies

Room Temperature Storage

If you happen to have any of these delicious brownies leftover – a rare occurrence, perhaps! – they store beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and fudgy for up to 4 days. In my opinion, their flavor and texture often peak on the day after they’re baked, allowing the chocolate to fully meld and deepen.

Serving Tip: For an extra indulgent treat, warm a brownie in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until just slightly gooey, then top it with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream 😋. Pure bliss!

Freezing Instructions

If you’d like to save some brownies for a future craving or simply extend their shelf life, they freeze exceptionally well. Once the brownies are fully cooled and sliced, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two before serving. You can also briefly warm them in the microwave for that freshly baked experience.

More Irresistible Brownie Recipes You’ll Love

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Thank you for baking with us!
-Kayla

Fudgy Small Batch Brownies

Kayla Burton