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Best Ever Brownies with Fudge Frosting Recipe

4 from 20 reviews

These Best Ever Brownies with Frosting deliver a rich, fudgy, and indulgent chocolate experience. Made with melted chocolate and butter, a blend of granulated and brown sugars, espresso powder for depth, and a luscious homemade frosting, these brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion. The recipe yields a gooey center with a slightly crisp top, finished with a creamy vanilla frosting that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, divided (1/2 cup melted, 3/4 cup mixed into batter)
  • 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

Frosting

  • 8 Tbsp. butter, softened
  • 34 cups confectioners sugar
  • 23 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray and set aside.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips together with the 12 Tbsp. butter in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
  3. Combine Cocoa and Seasonings: Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into a larger mixing bowl. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, and salt until well incorporated.
  4. Add Sugars and Eggs: Mix in both the granulated sugar and the dark brown sugar thoroughly. Then whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil for moisture and flavor.
  5. Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the all-purpose flour and remaining 3/4 cup chocolate chips into the batter. Mix until well combined but be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
  6. Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. For gooey, fudgy brownies, it’s best to slightly underbake.
  7. Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool for 15-30 minutes before frosting. This step is important so the frosting doesn’t melt.
  8. Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter together with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to incorporate fully.
  9. Beat in Heavy Cream: Once the sugar is fully mixed, increase the mixer speed to high and beat in the heavy whipping cream for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  10. Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy your rich, fudgy brownies with creamy frosting!

Notes

  • You can omit the espresso powder if you prefer a pure chocolate flavor, but it enhances and deepens the chocolate taste.
  • Be careful not to overbake to maintain a fudgy texture; underbaking slightly results in perfect gooey brownies.
  • If frosting isn’t desired, these brownies are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
  • Use non-stick spray generously to ensure easy removal of brownies from the pan.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Keywords: brownies, chocolate brownies, homemade brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate frosting, dessert recipes, easy brownies