Name: Birthday Brownies with Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 5 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250 g (1½ cups) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 150 g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter; 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1½ tsp vanilla extract; 90 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour; 30 g (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ tsp salt; 230 g (8 oz) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped; 230 g (1 cup) heavy cream (30% fat); 8 g (2 tsp) honey or glucose syrup (optional)

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Introduction

These Birthday Brownies with Chocolate Frosting are rich, fudgy, and perfect for any celebration. Topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate frosting and festive sprinkles, they’re sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

The image shows square chocolate brownies with two visible layers: a dark brown, moist brownie base and a thick, smooth, darker chocolate frosting layer on top. The frosting is decorated with small, round, colorful confetti sprinkles in pastel yellow, blue, pink, purple, and white, scattered unevenly. The brownies are placed on a silver cooling rack, and the background is a white marbled texture. In the lower right corner, there are small white triangular flags with multicolored dots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

250 g (1½ cups) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
150 g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter
200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1½ tsp vanilla extract
90 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
30 g (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
230 g (8 oz) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (for frosting)
230 g (1 cup) heavy cream 30% fat (for frosting)
8 g (2 tsp) honey or glucose syrup, optional (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Melt the 250 g chopped chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer for 1 to 2 minutes until thick and glossy.
Step 4: Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix just until combined.
Step 5: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold gently into the batter until smooth.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 7: Bake for about 25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center remains slightly soft. Let cool completely.
Step 8: For the frosting, place the finely chopped 230 g chocolate in a heatproof bowl and add honey or glucose syrup if using.
Step 9: Heat the heavy cream until just steaming, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 10: Stir gently from the center outward until smooth and glossy.
Step 11: Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until thickened to a spreadable consistency.
Step 12: Spread the frosting over the completely cooled brownies.
Step 13: Decorate with sprinkles while the frosting is still soft, then chill briefly before slicing for clean edges.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth, glossy batter that rises evenly.
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Replace semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense taste.
Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.
If you don’t have honey or glucose syrup, you can omit it; the frosting will still be smooth.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature or warm gently before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze them without frosting for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

The image shows thick square chocolate brownies with a smooth, dark brown frosting spread evenly on top, decorated with bright, round confetti sprinkles in pastel colors like blue, yellow, pink, purple, white, and orange. Each brownie is separated on a white marbled surface, with some sprinkles scattered around them. The texture of the frosting has soft swirls and peaks, making the brownies look soft and moist. Part of a white plate with more sprinkles is visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use a pan slightly larger or smaller, but baking time may vary. Check the brownies after 20 minutes and adjust as needed to ensure they stay fudgy and moist.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The edges should be set and firm, while the center remains slightly soft to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center may come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.