If you have a sweet tooth and crave something deeply chocolatey and irresistibly rich, this Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These brownies strike the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey, with a luscious chocolate frosting that takes each bite to a whole new level of bliss. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because, this recipe always delivers that warm, comforting feeling that only homemade brownies can provide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe starts with a handful of simple ingredients that combine perfectly to create that iconic brownie texture and flavor. Each component plays a key role, from the richness of butter to the cocoa’s deep chocolate punch and the fluffy sweetness of the frosting.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup melted): Gives the brownies a moist, tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds the essential sweetness that balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Contributes moisture and subtle caramel notes to enhance texture.
- Large eggs (4): Provide structure and richness for that perfect fudgy density.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp + ½ tsp for frosting): Elevates the chocolate flavor with a warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base that holds the brownies together without weighing them down.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup for brownies + ¼ cup for frosting): The heart of every chocolate brownie, delivering intense cocoa goodness.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Just a touch to give the brownies a slight lift without losing fudginess.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups for frosting): Creates a silky smooth frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Milk (¼ cup for frosting, plus more if needed): Adjusts frosting consistency to a creamy, spreadable perfection.
How to Make Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bakeware and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and ready. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly—this is key so your brownies come out cleanly and keep that beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Then beat in the eggs, one by one, followed by the vanilla extract. This mixture becomes the velvety foundation of your brownies that promises rich flavor and moistness.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting here ensures there are no lumps, leading to a smoother brownie batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—that’s the secret to brownies that are tender with a slight chew rather than cakey and tough.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, indicating fudgy perfection. Let the brownies cool completely before you move on to frosting—patience here pays off big time.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
While the brownies cool, it’s time to whip up the creamy chocolate frosting. Beat softened butter and cocoa powder until smooth, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Keep beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable—add a splash more milk if it feels too thick. This frosting is what transforms these brownies from great to unforgettable.
Step 7: Frost and Set
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes so that the frosting sets nicely. Once ready, slice into squares and prepare for some serious brownie bliss.
How to Serve Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips over the frosting adds a nice textural contrast and a bit of crunch that beautifully complements the smooth chocolate topping.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a cool, creamy element that balances the deep chocolate flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and delicious. If you prefer a firmer texture, placing them in the refrigerator works well too.
Freezing
You can freeze these delicious brownie bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm brownies briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive their gooey, freshly baked texture—especially wonderful if you’re adding ice cream on top!
FAQs
Can I use cocoa powder that is not Dutch-processed?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that natural unsweetened cocoa powder is typically more acidic and can impact the flavor slightly, but it will still yield delicious brownies.
How do I know when my brownies are perfectly baked?
The toothpick test is your best friend here—when inserted in the center, it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures fudgy brownies rather than dry.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Stirring in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans into the batter before baking adds great texture and additional pockets of flavor.
What’s the best way to spread frosting smoothly?
Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon while the frosting is still soft helps you spread it evenly without tearing the brownies.
How long do these brownies keep their freshness?
Stored properly at room temperature, they stay fresh for about three days. Refrigeration can extend this up to a week, but always keep them sealed well to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making this Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe from scratch—the rich fudge-like brownies combined with silky chocolate frosting is pure comfort and joy. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try, whether for a cozy night in or to impress friends at your next get-together. Once you taste these brownies, they just might become your new go-to dessert favorite.
Print
Chocolate Frosted Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Frosted Brownies recipe delivers rich, fudgy brownies topped with a smooth and creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings, these homemade brownies combine the deep flavors of cocoa with a sweet, velvety frosting, making them an irresistible American classic dessert.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the chocolate frosting:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk (plus more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it thoroughly to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, whisking continuously until fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This ensures there are no lumps and the ingredients are well blended. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cocoa powder together until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract while beating continuously to create a light and fluffy frosting. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Frost and serve: Once the brownies have completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Allow the frosting to set for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate frosted brownies!
Notes
- Add chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the brownie batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the brownies.
