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Let me share my absolute favorite brownie recipe with you! These Chewy Fudgy Frosted Brownies are the result of countless recipe tests to create the perfect balance of rich, dense brownie and silky chocolate buttercream. Every time I make these for friends, they beg for the recipe. The best part? That moment when you bite through the creamy frosting into the fudgy brownie heaven below!
What Makes These Extra Special
These aren't your average brownies! They have that perfect crackly top we all dream about, and they're so rich and chocolatey that even a small piece feels indulgent. I love that they come together in just two bowls no fancy equipment needed! And that buttercream frosting? It takes these from amazing to absolutely irresistible. My kids always fight over the corner pieces!
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Butter: Get the good stuff your brownies will thank you!
- Quality Chocolate: I splurge on Ghirardelli it really makes a difference.
- Just a Bit of Flour: The secret to that fudgy texture.
- Two Kinds of Sugar: Both granulated and brown for perfect texture.
- Farm Fresh Eggs: Three of them for that tender, melty bite.
- Dutch Cocoa: Makes everything extra chocolatey.
- The Supporting Cast: Vanilla and salt they make chocolate taste more like chocolate!
- Chocolate Chips: Optional but who are we kidding? More chocolate is always better!
Let's Make Some Magic
- The Melting Moment
- Start by melting your butter and chocolate together until it's glossy and smooth. This is where the magic begins!
- Building the Batter
- Mix in those sugars while everything's still warm this helps create that amazing crackly top. Then eggs, vanilla, and our dry ingredients join the party.
- Into the Oven
- Spread that gorgeous batter in your pan. The hardest part? Waiting while they bake!
- Frosting Time
- Once they're completely cool (yes, you must wait!), spread on that dreamy buttercream. This is where patience really pays off.
My Best Brownie Tips
After making these countless times, I've learned a few secrets! Make sure that chocolate-butter mixture is completely smooth any lumps now will show up later. And here's a game-changer: whisk your sugar into the warm chocolate mixture it's the key to that gorgeous crackly top we all love!
About That Amazing Frosting
The buttercream is like a silky chocolate cloud on top of these brownies! I like to warm my cream just slightly before adding it makes the frosting extra smooth and glossy. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of espresso powder too it makes the chocolate flavor even more intense!
Common Questions Answered
I get asked these questions all the time! Those chocolate chips really do help create that perfect top, but you can skip them if needed. And no, sadly you can't swap the chocolate for all cocoa powder it just won't be the same. As for pan size, stick with 9-inch square these are designed to be thick and fudgy!
Keeping Them Fresh
If you somehow end up with leftovers (it's rare in my house!), these brownies keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container, and they'll stay perfect for days. I actually love them straight from the fridge the frosting gets extra fudgy! And yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months, but honestly, they never last that long around here!
Why You Need These in Your Life
These brownies are my go-to when I need to bring something special to a gathering or just want to make someone's day better. They're that perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownie and creamy frosting that makes everyone's eyes light up. Plus, they're surprisingly simple to make, which means you're just a couple of hours away from chocolate heaven!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use chocolate bars instead of chips for melting?
Chocolate bars melt better because they don't contain stabilizers like chips do. Quality chocolate bars provide better taste and texture when melted, while chips work fine as mix-ins.
- → How do I know when brownies are done?
A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Err on underbaking as they continue setting while cooling. Check at 30 minutes as all ovens vary.
- → Why warm the liquid for frosting?
Slightly warm cream or milk helps thin the frosting and creates a smoother, more satiny finish. This makes the frosting easier to spread and gives it better texture.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Many have successfully used 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour, though the recipe developer hasn't tested this personally.
- → How should I store these brownies?
Unfrosted brownies keep one week at room temperature, frosted keep 2 days at room temp or one week refrigerated. Both freeze well for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These decadent brownies combine melted chocolate and butter for a fudgy base, topped with chocolate buttercream frosting. Quality chocolate ensures the best texture and flavor.