Creating your fudgy and cakey brownies is a delightful process when following these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until well mixed.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
8. Pour Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
10. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
11. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and transfer to a serving platter once cooled.

These steps will guide you in making delicious fudgy and cakey brownies that are sure to please everyone!