Introduction
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of Chocolate Frosted Fudge Brownies—a delightful treat that brings together fudgy brownies with a creamy chocolate frosting. Whether for a special occasion or a simple dessert at home, these brownies are sure to impress. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating these mouthwatering delights, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Brownies:
– ¾ cup unsalted butter
– 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup light brown sugar
– 4 large eggs + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– ¼ cup heavy cream
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25–30 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour
Yield
16 servings
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Frosted Fudge Brownies!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
3. Mix Sugars and Eggs
Add the granulated and brown sugars to the melted chocolate mixture, whisking until well combined. Incorporate the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until about halfway combined. Add the chocolate chips and continue folding until no flour streaks remain.
5. Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is thick. Slowly add the heavy cream, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
7. Frost the Brownies
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set the frosting before cutting into squares.
Notes
Storage
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Variations
For a different flavor, consider adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the brownies warm with ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven is essential for even baking. Set your oven to the required temperature before you start mixing your ingredients, ensuring that the brownies bake uniformly.
Melt Butter and Chocolate
Melt the butter and chopped chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl, using short intervals and stirring frequently. This method prevents burning and allows for a smooth mixture.
Mixing Sugars and Eggs
Whisking granulated and brown sugars into the melted chocolate creates a rich mixture. Adding eggs one at a time ensures better incorporation, resulting in a fudgy texture.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution of the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Folding them into the wet mixture prevents overmixing, keeping the brownies tender.
Baking the Brownies
When baking, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. The brownies should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are perfectly baked.
Preparing the Frosting
Beat softened butter with cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream for the right consistency, adjusting with cream for a spreadable texture.
Setting the Frosting
Chilling the frosted brownies allows the frosting to set properly, resulting in cleaner cuts and a firmer finish.
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor, but it may alter the sweetness of the brownies.
How do I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, which should yield similar results.
How can I make my frosting creamier?
If your frosting is too thick, gradually add more heavy cream until you achieve the desired spreadable consistency.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chunks, or even caramel for extra flavor and texture in your brownies.
Conclusion
Indulging in these Chocolate Frosted Fudge Brownies is a delightful experience for any chocolate lover. The combination of rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy chocolate frosting creates an irresistible treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or a special snack, these brownies are sure to impress.
Brownie Sundae
Layer brownies with ice cream and your choice of toppings like hot fudge, whipped cream, and nuts for a delicious brownie sundae.
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies
Add peppermint extract to the brownie batter and top with mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Swirl creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a rich and nutty flavor combination.
Nutty Brownies
Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
Berry Topped Brownies
Top your brownies with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a fruity and refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Caramel Drizzle Brownies
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted brownies for an additional layer of sweetness and decadence.
