Description
Deliciously rich fudge brownies topped with a smooth and creamy cocoa cream cheese frosting. These brownies combine the perfect balance of intense chocolate flavor, a soft, fudgy texture, and a luscious frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for dessert, parties, or a special treat, this recipe yields 16 generous servings and is easy to prepare in about an hour.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (140 grams) (1 stick plus 2 extra tablespoons, melted and cooled slightly)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (105 grams) (light or dark, light used)
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder (60 grams) (sifted)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/3 cup butter (75 grams) (softened to room temperature)
- 3 ounces brick-style cream cheese (85 grams) (softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (20 grams)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (110 – 165 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup until the mixture is homogeneous and you no longer see butter separating on top.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the 2 large eggs, the additional egg yolk, and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is smooth and without lumps from the eggs.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently whisk in the sifted cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt until just combined and smooth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 27 to 32 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies bake, cut the softened butter and cream cheese into cubes and beat together in a medium bowl until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients: To the butter-cream cheese mixture, add cocoa powder, 1 cup of powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and salt. Beat on low speed until smooth and creamy. Taste the frosting and if it’s not sweet enough, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar. If the frosting is too thick, beat in 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, use a flat edge knife or the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, place them on a cutting board, and slice with a sharp knife into 16 pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and butter help the batter mix smoothly and ensure even baking.
- Sifting the cocoa powder and flour helps to avoid lumps in the batter and produces a smooth texture in the brownies.
- Adjust powdered sugar in frosting to your desired sweetness.
- If frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream a little at a time until smooth.
- Let brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use parchment or foil with overhang for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
