why make this recipe
These brownies look like cake but keep a soft chocolate taste. They use simple ingredients you may already have. You can bake them for a snack, a quick dessert, or to bring to a small party.
introduction
This recipe makes cake-like brownies with a smooth chocolate frosting. The brownies bake light and rise a bit, so they feel more like a cake slice than a dense brownie. For a different flavor idea, try a related treat like banana pudding brownies which mix two favorites into one.
how to make Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
- Preheat the oven and grease a baking pan.
- Melt the butter and mix in the sugar until it blends well.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in another bowl.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mix slowly and stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- For frosting, whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and cut into squares.
Ingredients :
1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- For the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and cut into squares.
how to serve Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
Cut the cooled and frosted brownies into squares. Serve at room temperature. Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.
how to store Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week. You can freeze squares wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
- Do not overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until just smooth.
- Check brownies with a toothpick at 25 minutes; remove when a few crumbs stick but not wet batter.
- Cool fully before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Use room-temperature eggs for better mix and rise.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for more texture.
- Swap vanilla extract for a teaspoon of espresso powder to boost chocolate flavor.
- Use half all-purpose flour and half cake flour for an even lighter crumb.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes. If you use salted butter, skip adding extra salt or reduce the salt to a small pinch.
Q: How do I make these fudgier instead of cake-like?
A: Reduce baking time by 3–5 minutes and remove when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick.
Q: Can I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
A: Add a little more milk to thin it, or add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Q: Can I bake this in a different pan size?
A: Yes. A smaller pan will make thicker brownies and may need more baking time; a larger pan will bake faster.
Q: Are these good for kids to help make?
A: Yes. Kids can help mix wet ingredients and spread frosting with supervision.
Cake-Like Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these cake-like brownies topped with smooth chocolate frosting; perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- For the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and cut into squares.
Notes
Do not overmix after adding the dry ingredients. For a fudgier texture, reduce baking time by 3–5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
