Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and chocolaty with a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
Fudgy texture that’s so melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Frosted finish adds an extra layer of decadence.
Perfect for sharing at parties, or a special treat at home.
Can be made in advance for easy snacking or dessert prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownies:

8 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup butter
5 eggs
3 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups chopped walnuts

For the Frosting:

1 ¼ cups white sugar
1 cup heavy cream
5 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

For the Brownies:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine baking chocolate and butter. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, or until the chocolate is soft and the butter is melted. Stir well to combine.
In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the melted butter-chocolate mixture.
Add flour and beat until just combined—do not overmix. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Let cool in the pan.

For the Frosting:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and heavy cream. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, about 3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer without stirring for about 7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the baking chocolate and butter until they are melted and the chocolate is fully blended.
Whisk in vanilla extract until smooth.
Place the frosting in the refrigerator and stir every few minutes until it thickens and is cool, about 30 minutes.
Once the brownies have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Cut into 32 squares and serve!

Servings and timing

Yields: 32 brownies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Nuts: Add or substitute other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Chocolate chips: Stir in mini chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolatey bites.
Flavored frosting: Add a teaspoon of mint extract or coffee to the frosting for a twist on the flavor.
Caramel drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted brownies for an extra layer of indulgence.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour to make these brownies gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Reheat: Gently warm brownies in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened baking chocolate?

Yes, but the frosting may be sweeter. You can adjust the sugar levels accordingly.

Can I make these brownies without walnuts?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can leave out the walnuts or replace them with another nut or none at all.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make both the brownies and the frosting a day ahead, then frost them when ready to serve.

Can I bake these brownies in a different pan size?

If using a different pan size, you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan may require a longer bake time, while a larger pan will likely bake faster.

How do I prevent the brownies from being too dry?

Don’t overmix the batter, and be careful not to overbake them. The toothpick should come out with a few fudgy crumbs—not fully clean.

Can I use milk chocolate in the frosting?

While milk chocolate can be used, it will make the frosting sweeter and less rich compared to using unsweetened baking chocolate.

Can I bake these brownies in a square pan?

Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch square pan; just adjust the baking time, as it might need a few more minutes due to the thicker batter.

Can I add a different frosting flavor?

Feel free to get creative with the frosting. You could add flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut to change things up!

Can I reduce the sugar in these brownies?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but since this is a fudgy recipe, too little sugar might affect the texture.

How do I make these brownies less fudgy?

For a cakier texture, you can reduce the amount of butter and chocolate in the brownie batter.

Conclusion

These Scrumptious Frosted Fudgy Brownies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers. With their rich, moist texture and decadent chocolate frosting, they’re guaranteed to satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to indulge at home, these brownies will be a hit every time!