Description
These Chewy Gooey Brownies with Creamy Chocolate Frosting are the ultimate dessert indulgence! Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownie with the perfect chewy edge, followed by the smooth, decadent embrace of a homemade creamy chocolate frosting. This isn’t just any brownie recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply a well-deserved treat after a long day. The combination of dark cocoa powder in the brownie and a rich, creamy frosting creates a symphony of chocolate flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why you will love this recipe
There are countless brownie recipes out there, but this one stands out for its unparalleled texture and flavor. You’ll love it because:
- Intense Chocolate Flavor: The use of dark cocoa powder in the brownies delivers a deep, rich chocolate experience that’s far superior to brownies made with regular cocoa. The contrasting cocoa in the frosting allows the sweetness to come through nicely.
- Perfectly Chewy and Gooey Texture: The combination of sugars and the precise baking time creates a brownie that is both chewy around the edges and delightfully gooey in the center.
- Creamy, Dreamy Frosting: The homemade chocolate frosting is the perfect complement to the rich brownies. It’s smooth, creamy, and intensely chocolatey, adding another layer of decadence to the dessert.
- Easy to Make: Despite the impressive results, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. It requires common ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: While the recipe is perfect as is, it can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Add nuts, sprinkles, or a swirl of peanut butter for a unique twist.
- Always a Hit: These brownies are guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering. They’re a timeless classic that everyone loves.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed cocoa powder recommended for a deeper flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (or chunks)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% milk works best), plus more as needed
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Preparation:
step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal of the brownies after baking. This is especially helpful if you want to cut clean, uniform squares. Set the pan aside.
Step 2: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the butter is completely melted. Stir the mixture well to ensure the sugars are dissolved into the melted butter. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This cooling period is important because adding eggs to very hot butter can cause them to cook.
Step 3: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the cooled sugar and butter mixture, whisking well after each addition. It’s crucial to incorporate the eggs fully to create a smooth, emulsified batter. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking soda. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent texture.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. The batter should be thick and glossy. Stir in the chocolate chips (or chunks) until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as this will result in a dry, crumbly texture.
Step 8: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting. Cooling the brownies completely is essential for ensuring that the frosting sets properly.
Step 9: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and cocoa powder. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 10: In a large mixing bowl, alternately add the powdered sugar and milk to the melted butter mixture, beginning and ending with the powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 11: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can use a spatula or a butter knife to create a smooth, even layer.
Step 12: Let the frosting set for at least 30 minutes before cutting the brownies into squares. For neat, clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each cut.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the brownies at room temperature for the best texture.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts.
- Cut into smaller squares for a party or gathering.
Tips:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Don’t overmix the brownie batter, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as this will result in a dry, crumbly texture.
- Cool the brownies completely before frosting to ensure that the frosting sets properly.
- For neat, clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each cut.
- Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated per serving, varies depending on portion size)
Calories: Approximately 350-450
Protein: Approximately 4-6g
Sodium: Approximately 100-150mg
Conclusion
These Chewy Gooey Brownies with Creamy Chocolate Frosting are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy any sweet tooth. They are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply craving a decadent treat, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the irresistible combination of chewy, gooey brownies and creamy chocolate frosting!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate chip in the brownies?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, you can easily substitute them with your favorite type of chocolate. Milk chocolate chips will create a sweeter brownie, while dark chocolate chips will intensify the chocolate flavor. You could even experiment with white chocolate chips or a combination of different types of chocolate chips.
Q2: Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make the brownies ahead of time. Baked brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Allow the brownies to thaw completely before frosting. The frosting is best made fresh, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature and re-whip it before using.
Q3: What can I add to the brownie batter to customize the recipe?
A: There are endless possibilities for customizing this brownie recipe! Here are a few ideas:
- Nuts: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a nutty crunch.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking for a sweet and salty treat.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the frosting for a festive touch.
- Candy Pieces: Mix in chopped candy bars or other candies for added texture and flavor.
Q4: How can I make the brownies even gooier?
A: For an even gooier texture, try slightly underbaking the brownies. Reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes, or until the center is still slightly soft and jiggly. Keep in mind that the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
Q5: Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. However, keep in mind that gluten-free flours can sometimes affect the texture of baked goods. You may need to experiment with different blends to find one that works well for this recipe. It’s also a good idea to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients to help bind the batter and prevent it from becoming crumbly.
