Crowd-Sized Homemade Brownies: Simple Recipe for Large Batches

Chocolatey, tender, and with a cake-like texture, this Homemade Brownies For A Crowd recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

This large batch of homemade brownies is quick to mix and perfect for sharing at gatherings, bake sales, or team meals.

If you enjoy brownies, try other favorites like Texas Brownies and Cupcake Brownies for variety.

Recipe For A Big Batch of Brownies

This is a family favorite my mom has made for years to feed large groups. It’s especially handy when teenage appetites demand extra portions. The recipe yields a generous sheet of rich, chocolatey brownies that we often finish quickly. A light dusting of powdered sugar brightens the finish, but it’s optional.

These brownies are ideal for bake sales, benefit auctions, potlucks, and team dinners. A 12 x 17 half-sheet baking pan is the best size to use. This is an economical dessert that delivers great flavor without a lot of fuss.

I love that this recipe takes about ten minutes to mix and uses pantry staples. If you like big-batch desserts, consider Raspberry Crumb Cake bars as another crowd-pleasing option.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Made in a half-sheet pan (about 18 x 12 x 1″) to fit a standard home oven; it can be scaled up for commercial ovens and larger mixers.
• Servings are flexible — cut small bite-sized portions or larger squares depending on the crowd.
• Uses common ingredients and mixes in ten minutes or less.
• Great way to use extra eggs if you have them on hand.

Ingredients Needed to Brownies For A Crowd:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 1/4 cups eggs (about 6–7 eggs)
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

How to Make a Big Batch of Homemade Brownies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 12 x 17 (half-sheet) baking pan.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light. Stir in the vanilla.
3. Beat in the eggs until well combined.
4. Sift or whisk the dry ingredients together (flour, cocoa, salt) and gradually blend them into the wet mixture until smooth. Fold in nuts if using.
5. Spread the batter evenly on the prepared pan and bake 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the brownies cool for about 20 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar if desired and cut into serving pieces.

Easy Homemade Brownies

A larger mixer makes mixing easier, but a 4.5-quart stand mixer works fine if you mix slowly at first to avoid splatter. Once the ingredients are combined, you can increase the speed to finish quickly.

A sifter is helpful for an even dusting of powdered sugar and gives a polished look, though a simple spoon shake will still taste great. Don’t worry if you don’t have special tools — the brownies will still be delicious.

Step By Step Instructions

Cream the softened butter with sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and mix. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until fully combined. Fold in nuts if desired.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared half-sheet pan and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done. Allow the pan to cool on a rack for about 20 minutes before sprinkling with powdered sugar and slicing.

Cut the cooled brownies into the desired size using a rubber spatula or a butter knife to avoid scratching the pan. Serve and enjoy!

More Easy Dessert Recipes:

Here are a few more simple, classic dessert recipes often enjoyed at our farmhouse table:

• Easy Cowboy Cookie Bars
• Magic Bar Cookies
• Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Caramel Bars

We hope you enjoy these easy, timeless desserts as much as our family does.

5 from 1 vote

Brownies For A Crowd

Created by Jennifer Osterholt

Servings: 20 people

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Chocolatey, tender morsels and a cake-like consistency make these Homemade Brownies For A Crowd delicious.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1-1/4 cup eggs (about 6–7 eggs)
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

• Cream the butter and sugar; add vanilla.
• Mix in the eggs, beating well.
• Blend in dry ingredients. Pour mixture into a large, well-greased 12×17 half-sheet baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• If desired, sift powdered sugar over the top for an even finish.

Originally posted October 29, 2018 with updates made on April 26, 2023.