Irresistible Frosted Brownies for Sweet Cravings
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with these rich, fudgy Frosted Brownies topped with a luscious creamy plant-based frosting (natural). Whether you’re satisfying a sudden sweet craving or planning a cozy gathering, these brownies deliver a perfect harmony of moist texture and smooth sweetness that never disappoints. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, Frosted Brownies are the treat you’ll want to bake again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and fudgy texture: Achieve the perfect dense and moist brownie that’s soft on the inside.
- Plant-based creamy frosting (natural): A smooth, dairy-free topping that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples that come together easily without fuss.
- Customizable flavors: Adaptable to your favorite nuts, spices, or extracts for a personal touch.
- Great for any occasion: Perfect for snacks, parties, or dessert plates, these brownies shine in all settings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Frosted Brownies combine straightforward ingredients, each chosen for its role in creating that rich flavor and tender crumb. From the cocoa powder to the plant-based butter and natural gelling agent, every component contributes to the bold taste and decadent texture.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the brownies for structure and softness.
- Cocoa powder (natural): Provides deep chocolate flavor and rich color.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Plant-based butter: Offers creaminess and helps create a tender crumb.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Enhances depth in the chocolate flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to ensure lightness while maintaining moistness.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent to give the brownies a slight rise.
- Plant-based milk: Keeps the batter smooth and balances the dry ingredients.
- Natural vanilla extract (natural): Infuses a warm, aromatic note throughout the batter.
- Natural gelling agent: Stabilizes the plant-based frosting for the perfect spreadable texture.
- Powdered sugar (natural): Sweetens and smooths the frosting without graininess.
- Plant-based cream cheese (plant-based): Adds tang and richness to the frosting (natural).
Variations for Frosted Brownies
Make this Frosted Brownies recipe your own by swapping in different add-ins, toppings, or flavor profiles. It’s simple to tweak these brownies to fit your dietary preferences or to surprise your taste buds with new combinations.
- Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for texture and enhanced flavor.
- Spiced delight: Sprinkle cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder into the batter to give it a subtle kick.
- Fruit infusion: Mix in some dried cranberries or cherries for a burst of natural tartness.
- Mocha twist: Blend instant coffee granules into the batter and frosting for a sophisticated coffee-chocolate combo.
- Extra creamy frosting: Whip in some mashed avocado for a richer, smoother plant-based frosting.
How to Make Frosted Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder (natural), baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, cream the plant-based butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add the plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, natural vanilla extract (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, mixing well. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake at the right temperature until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep that luscious fudgy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Plant-Based Frosting (natural)
While the brownies cool, whip together the plant-based cream cheese (plant-based), plant-based butter, and powdered sugar (natural) with a natural gelling agent until smooth and fluffy. This frosting will be creamy but firm enough to spread generously.
Step 4: Frost and Chill
Spread the frosting evenly over completely cooled brownies. For the best flavor and texture, chill the frosted brownies for at least an hour to allow the frosting to set beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Frosted Brownies
- Measure flour carefully: Use a spoon and level method to avoid dense brownies.
- Don’t overmix: Stir ingredients until just combined for tender brownies.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder (natural): It makes a noticeable difference in chocolate flavor.
- Cool brownies completely: Prevent frosting from melting by chilling the base fully.
- Chill frosting before spreading: Helps you achieve a smooth and easy-to-spread consistency.
How to Serve Frosted Brownies
Garnishes
Top your frosted brownies with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or a dusting of cocoa powder for added flair and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these rich Frosted Brownies with a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries to balance the chocolatey indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters, plate with drizzles of grape juice reduction (natural), or serve alongside a small cup of warmed apple cider vinegar-infused fruit compote for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Frosted Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days to retain freshness and prevent the frosting from softening too much.
Freezing
Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to keep the frosting intact.
Reheating
Enjoy your brownies slightly warmed by microwaving for 10-15 seconds or letting them sit at room temperature; this helps bring out the fudgy texture without melting the frosting excessively.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour in this Frosted Brownies recipe?
Absolutely, gluten-free flour blends work well, but for best texture, consider one designed for baking that includes xanthan gum or similar natural gelling agents.
How long do the Frosted Brownies stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, these brownies stay fresh for about five days, maintaining their fudgy quality and smooth frosting.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge; just give it a quick whip before spreading.
What if I don’t have plant-based cream cheese?
You may substitute with extra plant-based butter and a splash of plant-based milk to keep the frosting creamy and spreadable.
Can these brownies be made nut-free?
Definitely! Simply omit any nuts in the recipe or garnishes to make the brownies nut-free without compromising on taste.
Final Thoughts
These Frosted Brownies bring together the best of both worlds: intense chocolate goodness and a creamy, plant-based frosting (natural) that satisfies every sweet tooth. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Grab your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy sharing this sweet delight with your loved ones!
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Frosted Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in rich, fudgy Frosted Brownies topped with a luscious creamy plant-based frosting. These brownies combine a moist, dense texture and smooth sweetness, made from simple, natural ingredients and perfect for any occasion. Easily customizable with nuts, spices, or fruit, they are a comforting treat you’ll want to bake repeatedly.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Plant-Based Frosting (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based cream cheese
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Variations and Garnishes
- Chopped walnuts or almonds
- Ground cinnamon or chili powder
- Dried cranberries or cherries
- Instant coffee granules
- Mash avocado for extra creamy frosting
- Chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or cocoa powder for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the plant-based butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, natural vanilla extract, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, mixing well. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, avoiding overmixing to keep the batter tender.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Do not overbake to maintain the fudgy texture.
- Prepare the Plant-Based Frosting (natural): While the brownies cool completely, whip together plant-based cream cheese, plant-based butter, powdered sugar (natural), and natural gelling agent until smooth and fluffy. Ensure the frosting is creamy yet firm enough to spread.
- Frost and Chill: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the frosting set beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Measure flour carefully using the spoon and level method for soft brownies.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense brownies.
- Use high-quality natural cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chill frosting before spreading to achieve smooth and easy application.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: frosted brownies, plant-based frosting, vegan brownies, chocolate dessert, dairy-free brownies, gluten-free dessert
