I know this will sound odd-but I bake almost everything from scratch...however the only time I get good looking brownies is when I use a mix...yep a mix...preferable DUncan Hines with the Fudge packet.
They come out great every time. I also add stuff like nuts, chips, sometimes mini marshmallows etc.
Good luck- and if you find a homemade recipe that works well please let me know. Some people I know say it is b ecause I have electric and not gas... some say because of the pan (metal or glass)....but I have tried everything....