What's the Difference Between Cakey Brownies and Fudgy Brownies?

Everyone loves brownies, but some like these chocolaty squares rich and dense, while others prefer a taller treat. What does a baker need to do to have their brownies turn out just as they want them?

brownies-fudgey-cakey-159-d112142.jpg
Photo: Bryan Gardner

Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio than cakey ones. So add more fat -- in this case, butter and chocolate. A cakey batch has more flour and relies on baking powder for leavening. The amount of sugar and eggs does not change whether you're going fudgy or cakey.

See the recipes below to get an idea of the ratios needed to achieve your ideal brownie.

Thomas's Cakey Brownies

homemade-cakey-brownies-kc0069-4030.jpg

A little less chocolate, a little less butter, but more flour yields a taller, more cakey brownie -- that bakes faster than its fudgy relation.

Thomas's Fudgy Brownies

homemade-fudge-brownies-kc0069-0430.jpg

If your batch is still not fudgy enough, gradually increase the amount of butter and chocolate, or decrease the flour.

Now, watch Thomas Joseph explain the science behind the perfect brownie:

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles