Description
Indulgent chocolate brownies with cream cheese frosting offer a delightful balance of rich, fudgy texture and tangy sweetness. Chocolate lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this classic dessert that combines intense cocoa depth with creamy, smooth frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Brownies):
- 1 cup (226 grams or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (165 grams) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients (Brownies):
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113 grams or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven and setting up a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a protective parchment lining or a light butter coating.
- Create a silky base by thoroughly blending melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Introduce eggs and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously to ensure a uniform, well-integrated liquid foundation.
- In a separate container, carefully sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, eliminating any potential lumps and creating a fine, even dry mixture.
- Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using delicate folding motions to maintain the batter’s airy texture. Tenderly fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread the mixture into a uniform layer that reaches all corners of the pan.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for the signature signs of perfectly baked brownies – a set exterior with a slightly soft center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely, giving the internal structure time to stabilize and set.
- Once thoroughly cooled, prepare to apply the cream cheese frosting, transforming these rich chocolate squares into an indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Customize the brownie texture by adjusting butter temperature. Cold butter creates denser brownies, while room temperature butter yields a lighter crumb.
- Prevent chocolate chips from sinking by coating them lightly in flour before folding into the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the brownies.
- For gluten-free alternatives, replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour. These options provide a rich, moist alternative while catering to dietary restrictions.
- Create a swirl effect with cream cheese frosting by using a piping bag or zigzagging a knife through the surface. This adds visual appeal and a professional touch to your dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 329
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 117 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg