Classic Chocolate Chunk Brownie Bars
Fudgy and thick chocolate brownie bars studded with chunks of semi-sweet chocolate for an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (2 sticks), melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks), melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup melted unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until combined.
- Step 3: Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, then mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Sift together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks evenly into the batter.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 9: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment overhang and cutting into bars.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Chocolate Chunk Brownie Bars take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Classic Chocolate Chunk Brownie Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Chocolate Chunk Brownie Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Chocolate Chunk Brownie Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Chocolate Chunk Brownie Bars?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
