Cold-weather favorite': Just 5 ingredients. I’ve made it enough times to eyeball everything.

This 5-ingredient fudgy brownie pie is what I make on the nights when I want something homemade and chocolatey, but my brain is already clocked out from work and kid schedules. It’s basically a rich, gooey brownie baked in a pie dish, so it feels a little more special than a pan of brownies but takes about the same effort. Brownie pie has been around forever in potluck-land here in the Midwest—someone’s aunt always brings one to the church basement or school fundraiser—and it’s loved because it slices like pie but eats like a fudgy brownie. You only need one bowl, a handful of pantry ingredients, and about 10 minutes of hands-on time. It’s the perfect last-minute dessert when you remember at 3 p.m. that you volunteered to “bring something sweet.”

This fudgy brownie pie is fantastic just slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts into the cracks and makes it extra gooey. If you’re serving it after a heavier dinner (like pasta or a casserole), keep it simple with just a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries to lighten things up. For a more dressed-up dessert spread, pair it with coffee or a little espresso, and maybe set out a bowl of whipped cream so everyone can top their own slice. It also travels well, so it’s a great choice for potlucks or game nights; just bake it in a pie dish with a lid or cover it tightly with foil, and you’re good to go.

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Optional: pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (not counted in the 5 core ingredients, but nice to add)