Description
These Frosted Brownies combine rich, moist chocolate brownies with creamy plant-based frosting for a delicious and comforting dessert. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, they offer a tender fudgy texture topped with luscious plant-based cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or cozy afternoons, this versatile recipe invites customization and provides a delightful chocolate treat for all occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 1 cup natural brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Plant-Based Frosting
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based powdered sugar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan. Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of brownies.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening and chocolate flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened plant-based butter with natural brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy to help achieve a tender crumb and moist brownies.
- Add Wet Ingredients. Beat in the apple cider vinegar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract (natural) to the butter and sugar mixture. These activate the baking soda and build depth in the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the brownies soft and tender.
- Bake to Perfection. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Plant-Based Frosting. Beat together the plant-based cream cheese, plant-based powdered sugar (natural), corn syrup (natural), vanilla extract (natural), and natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy to achieve perfect frosting consistency.
- Frost and Serve. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula warmed slightly in hot water for a polished finish. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Measure ingredients precisely using a kitchen scale for consistent results.
- Remove brownies from the oven when a toothpick shows moist crumbs to keep them fudgy.
- Cool brownies completely before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter mixing and frosting texture.
- Adjust frosting thickness by adding more natural gelling agent or powdered sugar (natural) for firmness, or more plant-based cream cheese for softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16 of pan)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Frosted Brownies, plant-based brownies, vegan frosting, chocolate dessert, easy brownies, gluten-free dessert, dairy-free frosting