Easy Frosted Brownies Recipe to Try Today
If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this Frosted Brownies recipe is a perfect choice. Combining rich, fudgy brownie layers with a smooth, plant-based frosting, these brownies are great for all kinds of occasions, from casual snacks to festive gatherings. With simple ingredients that come together quickly, you can enjoy decadent, moist brownies topped with luscious frosting without any fuss – making Frosted Brownies a new favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Baking: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples, ensuring you can whip up Frosted Brownies anytime without complicated prep.
- Plant-Based Goodness: The rich frosting uses creamy ingredients that are totally plant-based, adding both flavor and texture.
- Perfect Texture: The brownies achieve a perfect balance of chewy and moist, making every bite wonderfully satisfying.
- Customizable Flavors: Easy to adapt with your favorite nuts, spices, or even fruit additions for a personal twist.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether for an afternoon treat or party dessert, these brownies are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own unique contribution to the delicious, fudgy texture and naturally rich taste of your Frosted Brownies. From cocoa powder to plant-based frosting ingredients, everything comes together with ease.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure needed for chewy brownies without making them dense.
- Cocoa Powder (natural): Offers deep chocolate flavor while keeping the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Baking Soda: Helps the brownies rise slightly for a tender crumb and perfect texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture for a soft bite.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create lift and helps balance the flavors.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle depth of flavor enhancing the chocolate notes.
- Plant-Based Butter: Provides richness and a smooth mouthfeel in both the brownies and frosting.
- Plant-Based Milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender without overpowering the chocolate.
- Natural Vanilla Extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Natural Gelling Agent: Used in the frosting for that creamy, spreadable consistency you’ll adore.
- Powdered Sugar (plant-based): Sweetens and lightens the frosting into a fluffy finish.
Variations for Frosted Brownies
Frosted Brownies are incredibly versatile and easy to customize for any taste or dietary preference. Feel free to mix things up by experimenting with different add-ins and toppings – the possibilities are endless.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch that pairs beautifully with the smooth frosting.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the batter for a warming kick that complements the chocolate.
- Fruit Infusion: Top your frosted brownies with fresh berries or swirl in a bit of natural fruit jam right before baking.
- Mocha Flavor: Mix a spoonful of instant coffee granules into the batter to enhance the chocolate’s richness.
- Nut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of almond or peanut butter on top of the frosting for a delicious layered taste.
How to Make Frosted Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder (natural), baking soda, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and intensify the chocolate flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar, plant-based butter (melted), apple cider vinegar, plant-based milk, natural vanilla extract, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Blend Batter
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your brownies tender and chewy.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the brownies cool, make your plant-based frosting by beating melted plant-based butter with powdered sugar (plant-based), natural vanilla extract, and a natural gelling agent until creamy and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost and Chill
Once the brownies are completely cooled, generously spread the frosting on top. Chill them in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making Frosted Brownies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature plant-based butter and milk for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove from the oven when a toothpick shows moist crumbs to keep brownies fudgy.
- Cooling is Key: Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and slipping.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your frosting batter and add more powdered sugar (plant-based) if you prefer sweeter layers.
- Even Frosting: Use an offset spatula to spread frosting smoothly and achieve a professional look.
How to Serve Frosted Brownies
Garnishes
Enhance your frosted brownies by sprinkling crushed nuts, cocoa nibs, or a dusting of natural cocoa powder on top to add texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
A scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream or a serving of fresh fruit complements the richness of the brownies perfectly, creating a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with edible flowers or drizzle extra plant-based chocolate sauce for an elegant touch at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your frosted brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze frosted brownies by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag, allowing them to last for about 2-3 months without losing quality.
Reheating
Warm your brownies gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let them come to room temperature naturally for a soft, freshly-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Frosted Brownies recipe?
Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well and keeps the texture close to traditional brownies while accommodating dietary needs.
Is it necessary to chill the brownies after frosting?
Chilling helps the frosting set perfectly, making brownies easier to cut and preventing the frosting from sliding off when served.
Can I substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice?
Absolutely! Lemon juice provides a similar acidic reaction with baking soda to maintain the light texture of the brownies.
How do I store the brownies to keep them moist?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread inside to maintain moisture for several days.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, folding in plant-based chocolate chips before baking adds delightful bursts of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
Final Thoughts
These Frosted Brownies bring together simplicity and indulgence in the best way possible. Perfect for busy days or special celebrations, the recipe’s ease and delicious results make it a must-try. Dive into a batch today, and watch how quickly these brownies become a staple treat you love sharing with friends and family.
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Frosted Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Plant-Based
Description
This Frosted Brownies recipe offers a rich, fudgy chocolate treat topped with a smooth, plant-based frosting. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, it delivers perfectly chewy and moist brownies suitable for any occasion. Customizable with nuts, spices, or fruit, these brownies combine indulgence and simplicity in every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup natural cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the light brown sugar, melted plant-based butter, apple cider vinegar, plant-based milk, natural vanilla extract, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well incorporated.
- Blend Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the brownies tender and chewy.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat melted plant-based butter with powdered sugar (plant-based), natural vanilla extract, and natural gelling agent until creamy and fluffy.
- Frost and Chill: Once the brownies are completely cooled, generously spread the frosting on top. Chill them in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature plant-based butter and milk for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Remove brownies from the oven when a toothpick shows moist crumbs to keep them fudgy.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and slipping.
- Taste your frosting batter and add more powdered sugar (plant-based) if you prefer sweeter layers.
- Use an offset spatula to spread frosting smoothly and achieve a professional look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: frosted brownies, plant-based brownies, vegan brownies, chocolaty brownies, easy brownies, dairy-free dessert
