Chewy Fudgy Frosted Brownies
There’s something undeniably enchanting about the aroma of freshly baked brownies wafting through your home. These Chewy Fudgy Frosted Brownies evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of cozy afternoons in the kitchen with loved ones. Picture biting into a rich, chocolatey square, where the fudginess is perfectly balanced with a luscious frosting that melts in your mouth. The best part? This simple recipe doesn’t require hours of your precious time, making it a perfect treat for busy weeknights or those moments when a craving strikes. Whether it’s for an after-school snack, a potluck gathering, or a midnight indulgence, these brownies are bound to leave you and your taste buds wanting more.
Are you ready to sink your teeth into chocolate heaven?
Imagine sitting down with a friend, savoring a thick slice of brownie while laughter fills the air. Have you ever had those moments when you just needed something sweet to brighten your day? What if that something was an ooey-gooey chocolate brownie topped with silky frosting? Could you resist? It’s the little indulgences in life that make everything sweeter, and these delectable brownies are here to save the day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall head over heels for this recipe for so many reasons.
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Easy Prep: With minimal ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them at any gathering, and watch people come back for seconds.
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No Fancy Equipment Needed: A few bowls and a whisk are all you need.
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Kid-Friendly: Get your little ones involved in the baking fun.
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Irresistibly Fudgy: Who can resist that incredible texture?
These brownies are sure to win hearts and satisfy every chocolate craving that comes your way!
Ingredients
For these Chewy Fudgy Frosted Brownies, you will need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into smaller pieces, for that melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- 2 (4-ounce) semi-sweet chocolate bars, coarsely chopped (chocolate lovers will rejoice)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (to add just the right sweetness)
- 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (providing that delightful caramel flavor)
- 3 large eggs (for richness)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (because vanilla elevates all desserts)
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (keeping the brownies perfectly fudgy)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (a deep chocolatey taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavor)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for that glorious ooze)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (to create that creamy consistency)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar (for sweetness and smoothness)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (to amp up the chocolate flavor)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, slightly warm (for a luxurious texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (doubling down on flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, coming together to create an indulgent treat bursting with flavor.
Timing
Imagine the joy of preparing a decadent treat in under an hour! These brownies are perfect for those who are short on time but still want to indulge. With the aroma of chocolate filling your kitchen, you can dive into your sweet tooth cravings without the luxury of a slow and meticulous baking process.
Set aside about 35-40 minutes from prep to plate. Plus, waiting for them to cool is the hardest part—but trust us, that patience is worth every bite!
Step-by-Step
Make the Brownies
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Start by cutting the butter into smaller pieces and placing it in a heatproof bowl. Add the chopped chocolate and melt in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each until melted, or melt it over low heat on the stove. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
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In the cooled chocolate-butter mixture, whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until fully combined.
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Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking until smooth before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract.
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Slowly whisk in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until no dry ingredients remain.
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Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, allowing their melty goodness to become part of the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 32-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
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Allow the brownies to cool for 1 to 2 hours before proceeding to the frosting.
Make the Frosting
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Using a mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy.
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Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, slightly warm medium cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
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Beat the mixture on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed for about 1 minute, creating a luscious frosting. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
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Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and cut them into squares.
These brownies are best enjoyed fresh, though unfrosted brownies will stay fresh at room temperature for 1 week, while frosted brownies are good for 2 days at room temperature or 1 week in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
Indulging in Chewy Fudgy Frosted Brownies is a delightful experience, but like all things, it’s essential to know what’s in them! Each brownie square contains approximately 200 calories. Enjoying an occasional indulgence isn’t just permissible; it’s essential for a satisfying life. After all, what’s a scrumptious dessert without a little balance?
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to meet dietary needs:
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Sugar Substitutes: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a low-calorie sweetener.
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Dairy-Free Options: Use plant-based butter and almond milk for a dairy-free version.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute with almond flour or gluten-free flour blends.
These swaps ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious treat, guilt-free!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these decadent brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm summer day for an unforgettable dessert experience. They make for a delightful holiday treat, served alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa during the chillier months.
Consider repackaging them creatively for gifts or special occasions, easily appealing to chocoholics and dessert aficionados alike!
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls to achieve the perfect batch of brownies:
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Overbaking: Keep a close eye while baking as overbaking leads to dry brownies.
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Texture Issues: Ensure accurate measurements—too much flour can result in dense bites instead of fudgy ones.
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Messes: Use parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup.
Mastering these simple tips will ensure your brownies are a hit every time!
Storing Tips
For those who can resist eating the entire batch in one go, here are some storing tips:
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Freezing Portions: Cut brownies into squares and freeze in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to three months.
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Reheating Instructions: To enjoy at a later time, simply microwave a square for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.
Tempted to Bake It ASAP?
Life is too short to skip dessert, especially when it comes to something as delectable as Chewy Fudgy Frosted Brownies. With simple ingredients, a quick prep time, and a payoff that fills your home with an irresistible aroma, there’s no reason to wait. Grab your mixing bowls and get baking right now—your sweet tooth will thank you!
FAQs
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Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate bars in the batter?
- Yes, you can! Using chocolate chips will yield slightly different melting properties but will still be delicious.
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Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare them a day or two in advance; just store them properly to maintain their freshness.
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What’s the best way to cut brownies?
- Use a sharp knife and warm it under hot water before cutting to ensure clean edges.
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Can I add nuts to this recipe?
- Sure! Pecans or walnuts make a great addition for those who enjoy an extra crunch.
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How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, rather than wet batter. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking!
Indulge in the creative process, enjoy the flavors, and don’t forget to share your delightful treats with friends and family!
Print
Chewy Fudgy Frosted Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich, fudgy brownies topped with silky chocolate frosting—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into smaller pieces
- 2 (4-ounce) semi-sweet chocolate bars, coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, slightly warm
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt the butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl or microwave, then let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk in granulated and brown sugar into the chocolate mixture until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Whisk in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until no dry ingredients remain.
- Fold in chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 32-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool for 1-2 hours before frosting.
- For frosting, beat all frosting ingredients together until smooth, then spread over cooled brownies and cut into squares.
Notes
For optimal freshness, the unfrosted brownies can be stored at room temperature for one week, while frosted brownies stay fresh for two days at room temperature or one week in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
