Details
9 servings
15 minutes
25 minutes
280
Imagine a tray of rich, fudgy brownies, their glossy tops crackling slightly as you cut into them, revealing a dense, chocolatey interior that’s both moist and indulgent. These brownies are the epitome of chocolate decadence, with a deep cocoa flavor that’s perfectly balanced by a sweet, velvety frosting that melts into every nook and cranny.
The brownies are baked to perfection—crisp around the edges yet soft and chewy in the center. A layer of homemade chocolate frosting, made with cocoa powder, honey, and a hint of vanilla, adds a luxurious finish, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. The frosting is smooth and creamy, clinging to the warm brownies and enhancing their richness.
These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a midnight snack, hosting a gathering, or simply treating yourself. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of freshly brewed coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
Key Elements 🔑
- Flavor Profile: Deep cocoa intensity balanced by sweet, velvety frosting.
- Texture Play: Crisp crust, fudgy interior, and melt-in-your-mouth frosting.
- Signature Technique: Melting butter for a dense, fudgy crumb.
- Cultural Nod: A classic American dessert with European frosting elegance.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Classic: Warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Grown-Up: Pair with bourbon-spiked coffee.
- Garnish: Gold leaf, raspberries, or crushed peppermint.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
✅ Pantry Staples Only: No fancy ingredients – just chocolatey magic.
✅ One-Bowl Simplicity: Melt, mix, bake – minimal cleanup!
✅ Textural Heaven: Crackly top vs. gooey center vs. creamy frosting.
✅ Customizable Garnish: Add sea salt, nuts, or a caramel drizzle.
✅ Freezer-Friendly: Frosted or unfrosted – slice and freeze for cravings.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips 🕒
Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
Refrigerate: Keep for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving
Freeze: Wrap unfrosted brownies tightly for up to 3 months; frost after thawing
Common Questions 💬
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Use a 9×13 inch pan and increase baking time by 5-7 minutes.
Q: My frosting is too thick. What should I do?
A: Add ½ teaspoon milk or cream at a time until you reach desired consistency.
These Decadent Chocolate Brownies are more than just a dessert-they’re a celebration of chocolate in its purest, most irresistible form. 🍫✨
Decadent Chocolate Brownies with Velvety Frosting
Course: Cookies u0026amp; BarsCuisine: American, American ClassicDifficulty: Easy9
servings15
minutes25
minutes280
kcal40
minutesThese deeply chocolatey brownies strike the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy, crowned with a glossy frosting that melts in your mouth with each decadent bite.
Ingredients
- Brownie Base
½ cup (64g) all-purpose flour (or GF flour)
⅓ cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (113g) butter
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
- Frosting & Finishing
3 tbsp (42g) softened butter
3 tbsp (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sea salt or chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan.
- Melt & Mix
- Melt butter in a saucepan until golden. Off heat, stir in sugar until glossy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Fold in cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined (thick batter = fudgy texture!).
- Bake
- Spread batter into pan. Bake 25-30 mins until edges pull away. Cool 10 mins in pan.
- Frosting
- Beat softened butter, cocoa, confectioners’ sugar, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost & Set
- Spread frosting over slightly warm brownies. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Pro Tips 🔥
Room Temp Eggs: Ensures smooth batter – cold eggs can harden melted butter.
Fudgy Hack: Underbake by 2 mins for molten centers.
Frosting Twist: Add 1 tsp espresso powder for depth, or orange zest for brightness.
These brownies strike the perfect balance between homemade charm and bakery-quality indulgence. The honey in the frosting adds a subtle depth that most recipes miss, while the technique of applying frosting to warm brownies creates that coveted fudgy layer between cake and topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers who appreciate the little details that elevate a classic dessert to something truly special.
Tag your brownie photos with #RecipePenguinBrownies for a chance to be featured! 📸
