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    Homebody Eats » Recipes » Dessert

    Chocolate Brownie Frosting (6 Ingredients)

    Published: Jul 21, 2023 · Modified: Aug 6, 2023 by Jessica Mode · This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through the link, at no extra cost to you. Please see full disclosure for more details.

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    With just 6 ingredients, whip up this decadent chocolate brownie frosting that will elevate your brownies to the next level. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a frosting you’ll want with every brownie you eat.

    brownies with chocolate frosting.

    If you’re looking to switch up your basic brownie and add a nice elegance to your presentation, this six-ingredient chocolate brownie frosting recipe is for you. The best part of this brownie frosting is that it's easy to make in just 15 minutes.

    Enjoy a rich and light textured frosting that pairs perfectly on top of a fudgy brownie and involves minimal cleanup.

    What You'll Learn In This Recipe

    • My secret to a light and fluffy chocolate brownie frosting. 
    • Two types of cocoa powder to use for chocolate buttercream. 
    • Storage instructions in case you want to make the chocolate frosting for brownies ahead of time.

    Interested in learning more about baking? Advance your baking knowledge by checking out my top 10 baking secrets guide. 

    Ingredients You Need

    chocolate brownie frosting ingredients with labels.

    Unsalted butter: For this recipe, allow the butter to soften to room temperature. For the ideal consistency, the butter should slightly give when you push against it but still hold its overall form. If you choose to use salted butter instead, be sure to adjust the amount of extra salt added.

    Confectioners’ sugar: Otherwise known as powdered sugar or icing sugar, this will provide both sweetness and a light and smooth consistency to the frosting. Be sure to measure out the confectioners' sugar and then sift it. Sifting the sugar will ensure there are no clumps, so the chocolate frosting has the best consistency possible. 

    Unsweetened cocoa powder: This ingredient adds a rich, chocolate taste to the frosting. If you prefer an even richer, more decadent frosting, substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for a Dutch process cocoa powder.

    Heavy cream: The heavy cream helps thin out the buttercream. This is important because it creates a consistency that’s perfect for spreading across brownies. Be sure your heavy cream is as fresh as possible, especially if you want to prepare the frosting ahead of time.

    Vanilla extract: This ingredient adds a delicious depth of flavor to the frosting. I recommend purchasing a high-quality vanilla extract like Rodelle for the best flavor. 

    Fine sea salt: Salt is an important ingredient in nearly any baking recipe. It helps balance out the sweetness of the buttercream and enhances the flavors of the chocolate and vanilla. 

    How To Make This Recipe

    In just a few minutes, enjoy the tastiest chocolate brownie topping. Here's how to make it.

    numbered photos showing properly creamed butter.

    To begin, start by adding your softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on to medium-high speed and beat the butter for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.

    Be sure to use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl, so the frosting is evenly whipped. 

    numbered photo adding confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder in a mixer.

    Next, lower the speed on the mixer to medium-low and add in the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder. Make sure both of these ingredients are sifted before adding them to the butter. This will prevent any clumps of sugar or cocoa powder from ruining the consistency of the frosting. 

    numbered photo adding heavy cream to buttercream.

    With the dry ingredients mixed in, add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt, then allow these ingredients fully incorporate. 

    numbered photo showing whipped chocolate buttercream.

    For the perfect textured frosting, set the mixer to medium-high speed and allow the buttercream beat for an extra 5 minutes until it's light and fluffy.

    Don't cut this time short, if you want a light and easy-to-spread frosting.

    numbered photo spreading chocolate buttercream onto brownies.

    Finally, spread the frosting on a 9 x 9-inch pan of brownies using an offset spatula. Using an offset spatula helps spread the frosting evenly and allows you to create a nice wavy pattern across the top of the brownies. 

    If you prefer your brownies with chocolate frosting to have a smooth look, dip the offset spatula in a glass of hot water, shake off the excess water, and then slowly and steadily run the spatula along the top of the frosting.

    The heat from the water will allow you to manipulate the texture of the frosting for the smoothest result.

    Expert Tips

    • Did you know you can make this frosting ahead of time? Chocolate brownie frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, as long as the heavy cream is fresh. Before using the buttercream, allow it to come to room temperature before spreading on the brownies. 
    • Allow the brownies to cool before adding the frosting. If the brownies are warm, the frosting will melt off.
    • Making these chocolate brownies for a birthday or special occasion? You can decorate the frosting with sprinkles, chopped nuts, a caramel drizzle, or chocolate chips for an extra fun touch.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I freeze brownies with frosting? 

    Yes. Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container, and these will stay good in the freezer for up to 1 - 2 months. Allow brownies to come to room temperature before eating them. 

    Can I store brownies with chocolate frosting at room temperature?

    No. Unfortunately, this recipe uses heavy cream which means the brownies cannot be stored for an extended period of time at room temperature. The frosted brownies can be left out at room temperature for 1 - 2 hours, but no longer.

    Do I have to use all of the chocolate frosting on my brownies?

    This recipe yields 1 ¼ cups of frosting, which is just enough for a heavy layer of frosting on a 9" x 9" tray of brownies. With this being said, if you prefer less frosting on your brownies, you don’t have to use the whole batch. 

    sliced brownies with chocolate frosting.

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    brownies with chocolate frosting.

    Chocolate Brownie Frosting (6 Ingredients)

    With just 6 ingredients, whip up this decadent chocolate brownie frosting that will elevate your brownies to the next level. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a frosting you’ll want with every brownie you eat.
    Author: Jessica Mode
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Active Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9 brownies (9 x 9 inch pan)
    Calories 149 kcal

    Equipment

    • stand mixer or electric hand mixer
    • silicone spatula
    • offset spatula

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
    • 1 ¼ cups confectioners' sugar measured then sifted
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder measured then sifted
    • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt

    Instructions
     

    • Beat butter in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 - 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the mixer as needed.
    • Add confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder; mix on medium-low speed until combined.
    • Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt; mix until fully combined.
    • Set the mixer to medium-high speed and allow the buttercream to beat for an additional 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
    • Spread frosting on top of a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) pan of brownies using an offset spatula.

    Notes

    Storage: Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    Chocolate buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, as long as your heavy cream is fresh. Allow the buttercream to come to room temperature before spreading on brownies.
    In order to achieve a light and pillowy buttercream, beat for a full 5 minutes after all of the ingredients have been incorporated. Don't be tempted to cut this time short. 
    Allow the brownies to cool before adding the frosting. If the brownies are warm, the frosting will melt off.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownie (frosting only)Calories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 282IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.3mg
    Have you tried this recipe?Tag @homebody.eats on Instagram so we can see your creations!

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    Hi, I'm Jessica! Here, you'll find delicious & fresh recipes that will help you learn to master a new skill in the kitchen!

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