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Chocolate Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brownies
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.
  • ½ cup Dutch process cocoa powder Provides a deep chocolate flavor.
  • 4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped Enhances the fudginess and depth of flavor.
  • 3 large eggs Binds the ingredients together.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the brownies.
  • ½ cup light brown sugar Adds moisture and subtle molasses flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavors in the batter.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour Helps form the structure.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature Creates a creamy, spreadable frosting.
  • 3 ¾ cups confectioner's sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor to the frosting.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt Maintains a balanced sweetness.
  • 4 oz cold cream cheese Primary ingredient for creamy richness.
  • ½ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder For a chocolatey twist.
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional) To achieve desired frosting consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt ¾ cup unsalted butter with chopped chocolate until smooth. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in granulated and brown sugars; add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa, salt, and espresso powder together.
  6. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until combined.
  7. Pour batter into greased 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes; let cool before frosting.
Frosting
  1. Beat cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Serving
  1. Frost cooled brownies, slice, and serve.

Notes

Overmixing can make brownies tough. Ensure brownies are completely cool before frosting.