Frosted Brownies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a rich, fudgy brownie topped with a layer of creamy, decadent frosting. These brownies are perfectly moist with a dense, chocolatey texture that melts in your mouth. The rich, buttery chocolate base is complemented by a smooth, velvety frosting that’s slightly sweet with a hint of vanilla, creating the perfect balance of flavors. The frosting not only adds a beautiful glossy finish but also enhances the brownie’s indulgent taste, making each bite feel like a little moment of heaven. Whether for a family dessert, a potluck, or just a sweet craving, these Frosted Brownies are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to make but look and taste like something you’d find at a bakery, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate frosting)
Instructions:
For the Brownies:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and mix the batter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring in between. Add the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until the batter is smooth and just combined.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; you want the brownies to be soft and fudgy.
- Cool the brownies: Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before frosting. This will help the brownies set and prevent the frosting from melting when applied.
For the Frosting:
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy. If you want chocolate frosting, add the cocoa powder and continue to mix until combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Frost the brownies: Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, spread an even layer of frosting over the top using a spatula. You can add a little extra frosting in the center if you like a thicker layer.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
