I cannot wait to share this irresistible Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe with you! These brownies strike the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey, coated with a luscious chocolate frosting that adds a creamy, dreamy finish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who loves simple, homemade treats, this recipe will soon become your go-to for satisfying chocolate cravings and impressing friends and family with minimal fuss. Get ready for rich cocoa flavor, tender texture, and that melt-in-your-mouth frosting all in one easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect chocolate frosted brownies starts with simple, straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role. From the richness of butter to the deep cocoa notes, every component builds layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe shine.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides a rich, creamy base and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens evenly and helps create a delightful chewy texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients while adding moisture to the brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolate flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers that signature deep chocolate taste.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Builds structure without making the brownies dry.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just a touch of lift for a perfect fudgy-cakey texture.
- For the frosting:
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, softened): Provides a creamy, spreadable base.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3 tablespoons): Adds rich chocolate flavor to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and creates a smooth texture.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting consistency perfectly for spreading.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth.
How to Make Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the brownies come out cleanly and look beautiful. Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this step is where the magic begins, as the butter and sugar create the perfect fudgy base.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that timeless, comforting flavor that makes every bite memorable.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Carefully
Incorporate the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the bowl. Stir just until everything is combined – you want to avoid overmixing to ensure the brownies stay tender and not tough. The flour adds structure while the cocoa powder guarantees that intense chocolate hit we all love.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This signals that your brownies are perfectly cooked — fudgy in the middle yet firm on the edges. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan; this step is crucial for the frosting to spread beautifully without melting.
Step 5: Make and Spread the Frosting
While the brownies cool, whip up the luscious chocolate frosting. Beat the softened butter with cocoa powder until thoroughly mixed and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of milk, beating until smooth and spreadable. If needed, add a little more milk to reach the perfect consistency. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies for that glossy, decadent finish.
How to Serve Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your chocolate frosted brownies by adding a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, crushed nuts, or mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting before it sets. These little touches not only add texture but also elevate the flavor profile, making each bite more interesting and decadent.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their rich chocolate flavor. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can provide a bright, tart contrast that refreshes the palate and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your brownies into a showstopper by serving them in dessert glasses layered with whipped cream or pudding. You can cut them into small bite-sized pieces for a party platter or drizzle them with caramel or raspberry sauce for extra flair. Remember, presentation makes dessert feel even more special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them moist and preserves the frosting’s creamy texture, allowing you to enjoy the same fresh taste later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frost the brownies after thawing to enjoy that fresh homemade frosting flavor when you’re ready.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm brownie, simply microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds. This little zap awakens the chocolate flavors and softens the frosting slightly, giving you a cozy, just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or skip the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste. Unsalted butter gives better control over seasoning, but salted butter works fine in a pinch.
How can I make these brownies extra fudgy?
Add a few tablespoons of melted chocolate or 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This addition will boost the richness and give you an indulgently fudgy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.
What is the best way to spread the frosting evenly?
Make sure your brownies are completely cool before frosting. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the frosting evenly and smoothly for that beautiful, bakery-style finish.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely. Just use a larger baking pan, like 9×13 inches, and adjust the baking time by a few minutes, checking for doneness regularly to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with indulgence in every bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to whip up yet leaves a lasting impression, these brownies will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself to a slice of chocolate heaven!
Print
Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Frosted Brownies recipe delivers rich, fudgy brownies topped with a smooth chocolate frosting. Perfectly moist and indulgent, these homemade brownies are easy to make with simple ingredients and baked to perfection in under 35 minutes. Ideal for dessert lovers craving a classic treat with a luscious finish.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder just until the batter is combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting. This ensures the frosting spreads smoothly without melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter with unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of milk. Beat until smooth, adding more milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula or knife. Make sure to cover the entire surface for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Serve: Cut the frosted brownies into 9 squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious, homemade chocolate frosted brownies!
Notes
- For a richer brownie, stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.
- To achieve a glossy frosting, warm it slightly before spreading on the brownies.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
