Ingredients
Scale
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- For the Chocolate Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Making the Brownie Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Baking the Brownies: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking to maintain the fudgy texture. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Preparing the Chocolate Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, adding more milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frosting the Brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using an offset spatula. For a nostalgic touch, create swirls or peaks with the frosting. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free milk.
- Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free flour and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Storage tip: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/24th of the recipe)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg