why make this recipe
This recipe makes soft, cake-like brownies with a rich chocolate frosting. It is easy and uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. You get a light crumb but still full of chocolate flavor. It works for a quick dessert or a small party treat.
introduction
These brownies bake up light and tender, not dense like fudgy brownies. They frost easily and taste like a simple chocolate cake in brownie form. If you want a different flavor idea to try later, check a related banana pudding brownies recipe for a fun twist.
how to make Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
Make the batter, bake until set, then spread the chocolate frosting after the brownies cool. Use room temperature eggs so the batter mixes easily. Do not overmix the dry and wet ingredients. Bake in a 9×9 inch pan and test with a toothpick for doneness.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup milk (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well, then add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- To make the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Add powdered sugar and milk, and beat until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
- Spread frosting over the cooled brownies and cut into squares.
how to serve Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
Cut the brownies into squares and place on a plate. Serve at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or milk.
how to store Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
Let the brownies cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to one week. You can freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months; thaw and frost before serving.
tips to make Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Do not pack.
- Melt butter slowly and let it cool a bit before mixing with eggs.
- Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep it cake-like.
- Let brownies cool fully before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts for crunch.
- Stir in 1/2 cup dried cherries or raisins for fruit notes.
- Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different taste.
- Make a cream cheese swirl before baking for a tangy twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: Yes. Use the same amount of neutral oil. The texture will be slightly different but still good.
Q: Can I make these in a larger pan?
A: Yes. For a 9×13 pan, increase bake time and check after 20 minutes. You may need 5–10 more minutes.
Q: How do I know when they are done?
A: Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Do not wait for a wet batter on the toothpick.
Q: Can I skip the frosting?
A: Yes. The brownies are tasty plain. You can also dust them with powdered sugar.
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes. If you use salted butter, reduce added salt slightly or skip it.
Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cake-like brownies are light, tender, and topped with rich chocolate frosting, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (plus 1/4 cup for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus 1/4 cup for frosting)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup milk (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well, then add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- To make the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Add powdered sugar and milk, and beat until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
- Spread frosting over the cooled brownies and cut into squares.
Notes
Let the brownies cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to one week. You can freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months; thaw and frost before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
