Completely decadent frosted brownies perfect for parties, potlucks, and bake sales.
Okay, you guys know I usually do small-batch desserts around here. But life isn’t all quiet nights in with your partner or a friend or two. Sometimes six cookies just aren’t going to cut it, and you need something sweet that will feed a crowd.
That’s what I have for you today, a big batch of completely decadent frosted brownies perfect for parties, potlucks, and bake sales.
These are a full-size version of my ever-popular small-batch brownies, which means they’re my favorite brownies in the world. They’re super rich with the ideal level of brownie fudginess: moist and decadent without feeling undercooked or too wet like some really fudgy brownies do.
They’re kind of going to knock your socks off.
A Big Batch of Brownies
This recipe makes a 9×13-inch pan of brownies, which translates to 24 good-sized brownies. They’re not huge, but these things pack such a sugary punch, you can’t really eat more than one at a time.
The Best Frosting for Brownies
To make these really good brownies even better, I’ve added a substantial layer of chocolate frosting. This chocolate frosting is an American buttercream, which means it’s made with softened butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. No eggs required. I love American buttercream for brownies because it’s rich, buttery, very chocolatey AND it sets beautifully.
The frosting won’t get completely solid—you can still dent it if you press hard with your finger, but it will harden enough for stacking or wrapping, so if you’re looking for a frosting that hardens enough to package for gifts or bake sales, this is it.
Must Add Sprinkles
Because these brownies are so rich and chocolatey, I do recommend topping them with something with a bit of crunch. I used star sprinkles. Regular jimmies work too, and I think mini M&M’s or Reeses Pieces would be stellar.
I haaaaate nuts on brownies, but they’re your thing, you do you. 😉
Just make sure to add your toppings right after frosting the brownies, because they won’t stick as well once the frosting sets.
Frosted Brownies Recipe Notes
- The chocolate frosting recipe calls for espresso powder. It doesn’t make your frosting taste like coffee (unless you are very sensitive to the taste) and helps bring out the chocolate flavor. If you don’t have any, you can omit it or buy it on Amazon or in the coffee aisle at your grocery store. It’s usually sold in a small glass jar next to the instant coffee.
Frosted Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup (8oz) salted butter melted and cooled to lukewarm
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Frosting
- 10 tablespoons (5oz) butter softened
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar sifted
- 2/3 cup (53g) cocoa powder sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder optional
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup milk any percentage, plus more as needed
- Sprinkles
Instructions
Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted and cooled butter and sugar until well-mixed. Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until well-combined.
- Add flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until combined.
- Transfer batter to prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top slightly.
- Bake for 27-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Chocolate Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, optional espresso powder, and salt. Pour in milk as you beat the frosting until it reaches your desired consistency, adding more milk by the 1/2 teaspoon if necessary.
- Spread frosting over completely cooled brownies and add sprinkles if desired. Slice and enjoy!
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Debbie says
Does the brownies need to be refrigerated?
Tracy says
No, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Ajay Rana says
Its decoration is impressive and These look absolutely divine, We made the frosted- brownies two nights ago and they were delicious.
Tracy says
Thanks, Ajay! So glad you enjoyed them!