Chocolate Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in these rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting—a perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter Creates that rich, fudgy texture.
- ½ cup Dutch process cocoa powder Gives the brownies a deep chocolate flavor.
- 4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate (chopped) Intensifies the chocolate richness.
- 3 large eggs Helps bind the brownies together and adds moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the brownies perfectly.
- ½ cup light brown sugar Adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the chocolate taste.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour Gives structure to the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder Boosts the chocolate flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) Softens for easy mixing in frosting.
- 3¾ cups confectioners' sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor to the frosting.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 4 oz cream cheese (cold) Creates that creamy, tangy frosting.
- ½ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder Deepens the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional) Adds a touch of richness if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Melt the unsalted butter and the chopped chocolate together in a bowl, either in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and mix until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder. Gently fold until just mixed.
Cooking
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Frosting and Serving
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat the room temperature butter and cold cream cheese together until smooth.
- Gradually add in the confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies, smoothing it out as you go.
- Cut into squares and serve!
Notes
For a silkier frosting, add a splash of heavy cream. Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you layer them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.