Brownies: Easy & Delicious Chocolate Fudge with Rich Cocoa Frosting Recipe
This easy and delicious brownie recipe delivers rich, fudgy brownies topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate frosting. Perfect for any chocolate lover, the combination of melted butter, cocoa powder, and a creamy vanilla-infused frosting creates an indulgent treat that’s simple to make and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 22 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 5 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal of brownies.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter until completely smooth using the microwave or stovetop method.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add Cocoa and Vanilla: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, then add vanilla extract; whisk until the batter is smooth and velvety.
- Incorporate Eggs: Crack eggs one at a time into the mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition to fully combine and thicken the batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Brownies: Bake for 26 to 32 minutes, checking with a toothpick at 26 minutes to ensure moist crumbs and avoid overbaking.
- Cool Brownies: Remove from oven and let brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Make Frosting: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat; whisk in cocoa powder, honey, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Thicken Frosting: Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency; adjust with cream if needed.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the frosting generously over the cooled brownies for a smooth, indulgent layer.
- Set and Serve: Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely so the frosting sets before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra richness, use high-quality cocoa powder as it significantly enhances flavor.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the frosting for a sweet-and-salty flavor contrast.
- For added texture, fold in nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
Keywords: brownies, chocolate brownies, easy brownie recipe, homemade brownies, chocolate frosting, dessert, baking