Pin it
I've gotta tell you about my number one brownie obsession! These Gooey Chocolatey Topped Brownies took so many kitchen experiments to nail that perfect mix of dense, rich base and smooth chocolate buttercream. Whenever friends try them, they always want me to spill the details. Nothing beats that first bite when you crunch through the creamy topping into that fudgy chocolate paradise underneath!
Why These Stand Out From The Crowd
These brownies are totally next level! They've got that amazing crackly surface everybody wants, and they're incredibly rich and chocolatey so you don't need a big piece to feel spoiled. What's great is they only need two bowls to make - no fancy mixers needed! And that buttercream on top? It transforms them from fantastic to absolutely can't-stop-eating good. My little ones always grab for the edges first!
What We'll Need To Make These
- Butter: Don't skimp on quality - your taste buds will notice!
- Top-Notch Chocolate: I always go for Ghirardelli because it really enhances the flavor.
- Small Amount of Flour: This is why they turn out so wonderfully fudgy.
- Double Sugar Approach: Regular and brown sugars team up for ideal texture.
- Local Eggs: You'll want three to create that soft, melting bite.
- Dutch Cocoa: Cranks up the chocolate intensity.
- Flavor Boosters: Vanilla and salt actually make chocolate taste even more like itself!
- Chocolate Chips: Technically not required but let's be real - more chocolate is never wrong!
Creating Brownie Perfection
- First Magical Step
- Begin by combining your butter and chocolate until they're completely smooth and shiny. This sets everything in motion!
- Creating Your Foundation
- Stir in your sugars while the mixture's still hot - this trick helps get that awesome crackly top. Next come eggs, vanilla, and all your dry stuff.
- Baking Time
- Pour your amazing batter into the pan. Now comes the tough part - waiting while they cook!
- Adding The Finishing Touch
- After they've totally cooled down (don't rush this!), spread that incredible buttercream on top. Your patience will pay off here.
Secrets To Success
I've made these so many times I've picked up a few tricks! Double-check that your chocolate-butter mix has no lumps at all - they'll show up in your finished brownies. Here's my best tip: mix your sugar into the warm chocolate blend really well - that's how you get that beautiful crackly top everyone loves!
The Topping That Makes Them Unforgettable
The buttercream feels like soft chocolate heaven sitting on these brownies! I slightly warm my cream before mixing it in - makes everything smoother and gives it a nice shine. Sometimes I throw in a tiny bit of espresso powder too - it doesn't make them taste like coffee, just makes the chocolate flavor pop even more!
Answers To Your Burning Questions
People ask me these things all the time! Those chocolate chips really do help create that perfect top, but you can leave them out if you must. And sorry, but swapping all the chocolate for cocoa powder won't work - the texture just won't be right. For the pan size, stick with 9-inch square because these are meant to be thick and super fudgy!
How To Store Your Treats
If you somehow don't finish them all (doesn't happen much at my house!), these brownies store really well. Put them in something airtight and they'll stay amazing for days. I actually love eating them cold from the fridge - the topping gets extra firm and fudgy! And sure, you can freeze them up to 3 months, but honestly, they vanish way before that around here!
When You Should Bake These Beauties
These brownies are what I make when I need to bring something impressive to a party or just want to brighten someone's day. They hit that sweet spot between rich, fudgy base and smooth creamy topping that makes everyone smile. Best part is they're actually pretty easy to make, so you're not far away from total chocolate bliss!
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's better: chocolate bars or chips for melting?
Bars melt smoother since chips have stabilizers that prevent them from breaking down fully. Use chips as mix-ins instead, and bars for that perfect texture.
- → How can I tell the brownies are cooked enough?
If a toothpick shows a bit of soft crumbs but no wet batter, they're good. Slightly undercook for best fudgy texture and let cool as they’ll set further.
- → Why should the frosting liquid be warmed?
Warming cream or milk just a little lets it blend better into the frosting, making it smooth and much easier to spread evenly.
- → Could I make these without gluten?
You can swap regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free mix. Many say it works perfectly, but this hasn’t been directly tested here.
- → What’s the best way to store them?
Keep plain ones at room temp for a week, or frosted for two days. Refrigerate for a week, or stash in the freezer up to three months.
Conclusion
These gooey treats combine melty chocolate for a chewy base and a smooth chocolate topping. High-quality ingredients make them extra special.