Home » Recipes » Frosting » 5 Minute Decadent Brownie Frosting
by Sam Adleron May 2, 2022 (updated Oct 31, 2023) 96 comments
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5 stars (135 ratings)
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If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to take your brownies up a notch, then you must try this 5 Minute Decadent Brownie Frosting recipe. This rich chocolate frosting is smooth, velvety, and absolutely delicious! It takes just 5 minutes to make, and it will add a layer of wow to your brownies that everyone will love.
I love enjoying a good homemade brownie- especially a super fudgy one. But sometimes they need a little something extra to take them over the top.
That’s where this insanely delicious brownie frosting comes in. It’s the perfect finishing touch to any brownie recipe! Of course if you’re making brownies, you should make these one bowl brownies! This is the recipe I used for these pictures!
You could also top this icing on top of red velvet brownies, or sandwich it between chocolate brownie cookies. Ok I am drooling now!
This brownie icing will give your brownies a beautiful glossy sheen and a delicious chocolate flavor that will take them to the next level. As a trained pastry chef– trust me when I say it’s the perfect addition to any brownie recipe!
The great thing about this is that you can make this as thin or thick as you want. Learn how to thicken frosting quickly to make it any way you want! If you have a bit more time and want something closer to buttercream then you can make this chocolate ganache frosting.
WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE
- It’s made with just 4 simple ingredients you can find in your pantry or at any grocery store.
- This chocolate frosting for brownies takes just 5 minutes to whip up with the help of your microwave and a whisk.
- It truly takes a simple brownie recipe to the next level offering richness and decadence.
- It’s perfect for brownie lovers of all ages!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
- Unsalted Butter – Makes up the creamy base of this recipe and gives the frosting its rich buttery flavor.
- Cocoa Powder – Gives the brownie icing its chocolate taste and natural brown coloring.
- Confectioners Sugar – This fine sugar blends in easily with the rest of the ingredients making it thick and smooth.
- Milk – Helps thin out the frosting to the perfect consistency while keeping it creamy.
HOW TO MAKE BROWNIE FROSTING in 5 minutes
- Prepare the butter: Add the butter to a microwavable safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals in the microwave until no solids remain.
- Mix the frosting: To the melted butter, add the cocoa powder and whisk until it’s incorporated into the butter. Then, add the powdered sugar and milk and whisk until a smooth frosting is formed.
- Frost: Use it to frost cooled brownies immediately. The frosting will harden on the top as it sets leaving a creamy texture underneath.
Cutting and Serving
Wait 5-10 minutes before cutting the brownies after frosting so that the icing hardens and you can make clean cuts.
The best way to cut brownies is to use a large sharp knife. Dip it in hot water, then wipe off the excess and slice the brownies. Clean the knife and repeat with the water. The residual warmth of the knife from the hot water will make nice clean cuts!
TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS
- Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the frosting on brownies
- When melting the butter, make sure it’s not too hot. Use 30-second intervals in the microwave and whisk in between each interval.
- If your brownie frosting is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If your brownie frosting is too thin, add a little more cocoa powder or confectioners sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Be sure to use unsalted butter in this recipe so the brownie frosting doesn’t end up too salty.
- When frosting your brownies, make sure they are fully cooled before frosting. This will ensure that the frosting doesn’t melt off of the brownie from the heat.
STORAGE
Because this frosting hardens quickly, it needs to be used immediately. I do not recommend making this in advance.
You can store the brownies once frosted in an air tight container.
FAQ
What do you put on top of brownies?
You can put frosting, icing, or even a simple glaze on top of brownies. This frosting is a great way to top any brownie recipe!
How long should you wait to frost brownies?
You should wait until the brownies are cooled completely before frosting them. If the brownies are warm, the frosting will melt right off!
What is brownie icing made of?
Brownie icing is usually made with cocoa powder, butter, sugar, and milk. This recipe uses those same ingredients to create a delicious chocolatey frosting!
WAYS TO ENJOY
- Use it to frost the top of a delicious Banana Bundt Cake.
- Frost the tops of these Fluffy Chocolate Chip Cupcakes for a unique twist on the frosting.
- Slather it onto this skillet cookie
5 stars (135 ratings)
5 Minute Decadent Brownie Frosting
Cook: 5 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
Servings: 12 brownies
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to take your brownies up a notch, then you must try this 5 Minute Decadent Brownie Frosting recipe. This rich chocolate frosting is smooth, velvety, and absolutely delicious!
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted, 56g
- ⅓ cup cocoa, 35g
- 2 cups confectioners sugar, 227g
- 3 tbsp milk
Instructions
In a large microwavable safe bowl melt the butter 30 seconds at a time until fully melted.
Add in the ⅓ cup cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
Add in the 2 cups of confectioners sugar and 3 tbsp milk.
Whisk until smooth and frost right away otherwise it will harden.
Use it to frost these one bowl brownies!
Notes
I used my one bowl brownie recipe for the brownies you see here.
Frost immediately or the frosting will harden.
Serving: 1portion, Calories: 119kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 43mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 124IU, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Frosting
Author: Sam Adler
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I read them all!
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by Sam Adler on May 2, 2022 (updated Oct 31, 2023)
96 comments Leave a comment »
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96 comments on “5 Minute Decadent Brownie Frosting”
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Roberta — Reply
Absolutely is decadent and real simple. I never want to lose this recipe.
Thank you-
Sam Adler — Reply
Aww Roberta thank you so much!! So happy you enjoyed this recipe!
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Brooke — Reply
Wow! Printing it now to keep, it’s delicious. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Awww YAY Brooke! So glad you love it! Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a review and rating, I so appreciate you!!
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Rose — Reply
Can you substitute the milk for non dairy milk for lactose intolerant people
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Sam Adler — Reply
Hi Rose! Yep you sure can, I have used rice or soy milk as a substitute and it still works great!
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Rose Losoya — Reply
Amazing, thank you.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you so much for the rating and review Rose!
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Jenny — Reply
Made this to dress up my brownies for company. So easy & so delicous! (I used 1% Lactaid Milk and it came out great)
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Sam Adler — Reply
So happy to hear that Jenny, thank you so much!!
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Joanne — Reply
WOW Sam!!
Simply amazing! Creamy, a breeze to put together and my husband said it was a keeper! I topped off the frosting with orange-colored sprinkles – for a fun and tasty Halloween with my grandchildren! Thank you!!!-
Sam Adler — Reply
YAY Joanne! So glad your family loved this easy recipe! Thank you SO much for coming back to leave a rating and review!! Happy Halloweeen!
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Megan Cofield — Reply
Absolutely magical! Easy and delicious! Saving!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Wohooo! Thanks for the 5 star review and comment Megan! So glad you enjoyed it!
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Rachel Dorsey — Reply
Made this for my son’s 18th birthday and it was the talk of the party!! Will be making this recipe again!!!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Wohooo! Happy Birthday! SO glad you loved this recipe. I so appreciate you coming back and leaving a review and 5 star rating. Thank you so much!
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Rilla — Reply
Very creamy and smooth! Easiest and most delicious chocolate frosting I’ve ever made! Thank you!
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Sam Adler — Reply
*Excitedly jumps up and down* YAY! So glad to hear that! Thank you so much for the 5 star review and your comment, it really makes my day!
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Wendy Mihaly — Reply
I don’t frost brownies. Well……I will from now on! Delicious!
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Sam Adler — Reply
HAHA YAY! I leave them unfrosted sometimes too, especially if they have the crackly tops, but when they don’t I always top it with this recipe! So glad you like it, thank you so much for the comment and rating!!
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Kelley Lackey — Reply
I’m making your 30 minute fudgy one-bowl brownies for the first time tomorrow. Am doubling it cuz I need more. Going to also make your 5 minute decadent brownie frosting. Wondering how big of a bowl I will need to double it?
Will rate after I make them but both recipes sound delicious & easy.-
Sam Adler — Reply
Hi Kelley! For both a double batch of the brownies and frosting you’ll need a large bowl. The frosting needs a large one because of all the powdered sugar but it will all melt once you add the cream to it. To make sure its super smooth I would also sift the powdered sugar. Can’t wait to hear how it comes out!
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Kelley Lackey — Reply
Ok they’re in the oven. You would think I never made anything from scratch before. Had a few mishaps as I was mixing. I did write down all the doubled amounts. Only put in 3 eggs but remembered after the dry ingredients went in. Used my hand mixer to get it all mixed in plus I didn’t have kosher salt so used regular table salt. The batter looked thicker & not as dark as yours in the video. So we’ll see. I may be buying brownies in the morning to take to this meal several of us are providing for a family after a memorial service. In general I never do a new recipe for an event. I think doubling it made it harder to manage the heavy bowl of batter. I of course will have to taste one after they cool before I do the frosting. They may not be worthy of frosting 😜
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Sam Adler — Reply
I hope it all worked out Kelley! I have doubled these before and it was totally fine. It is harder to manage liek you said with double the batter but it just means double the yummy-ness 😝
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Kelley — Reply
I also forgot to ask about increasing the bake time 😩
They clearly aren’t done in the middle at 25 min. Will do 10 more & check. 5min after that etc-
Sam Adler — Reply
I hope they came out ok!!!
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Kelley —
They did turn out. I wasn’t careful enough when lifting them out with the parchment paper & had a diagonal break towards one end. Went ahead & iced & was able to cut & salvage all but a couple.
They were not
symmetrical but more organic in shape. If I could figure out how to add a picture I would.
I did love the crunchy top & fudgy center. Loved the chocolate flavor of both brownie & frosting. Will be making again 😋 -
Sam Adler —
Glad you liked them! They need to be totally cooled before lifting them out. Next time I would even put them in the fridge to chill before lifting them out, they will hold their shape better!
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Leslie — Reply
This is a excellent frosting for just about anything, soo easy & yummy. Thank you for
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you Leslie!! So glad enjoyed it!! SO appreciate your 5 star rating and review!
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Debbie — Reply
This frosting is so Delicious and very easy. I will definitely be making it again! Thank you for sharing .
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Sam Adler — Reply
YAY Debbie!! Thank you so much, I’m so glad you love it!
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Dana Hisle — Reply
Perfect! Could not have found a simpler frosting! Needed last minute batch of brownies, with frosting! Both turned out perfect! Thank you so much for taking the time to share.
Dana
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you Dana!! This just makes my day! So glad you loved the recipes!!! Thank you for your comment and 5 star review!
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Angela G — Reply
Hey, I’m looking forward to trying this for my son and daughter in laws baby shower. I was wondering if I could pipe the icing onto the brownies instead of spreading? Just a simple design, but I was worried cause you said it hardened fast!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Hi! The consistency for this isnt the best for piping because it wont hold its shape or the design well. The hardening wont be an issue with piping its just that it wont really hold the shape. Great q though!
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Holllie — Reply
Can I frost the brownies the day before I serve them to my guest. If so, can it be left out at room temperature or does it need to go into the refrigerator?
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Sam Adler — Reply
Yes you can frost the day before, they dont need to be put in the fridge.
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Renee — Reply
As a person that considers herself a baker, this is the easiest best frosting I’ve ever made for brownies! It brings brownies to the next level!
See AlsoBrooklyn Blackout Cake Recipe-
Sam Adler — Reply
This just made my day Renee! Thank you so much for this awesome review!!
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Thomas — Reply
Can you sub salted butter for the unsalted butter
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Sam Adler — Reply
Sure! Just dont use the additional salt called for in the recipe.
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Jan — Reply
I don’t see any salt called for in the recipe
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Sam Adler —
Hi Jan, there is no salt in the recipe but you can add it in if you want. Start with 1/4 tsp kosher salt.
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Val Stewart — Reply
I’m going to try this with my WW Double Chocolate Chip Brownie recipe for one of my desserts on Fathers Day. Having 38 for dinner and need another easy recipe. Make the day before so that helps too. Wish me luck.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Good luck!! Please let me know how it turns out!! You can do it!
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Val Stewart — Reply
One of the comments was to frost immediately after making or it will harden. Does this then harden on the brownie I am going to make? Is that ok? Thanks.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Hi Val! Its a good idea to frost right away because the frosting wont stay smooth in the bowl if you let it sit. It will harden a bit once on the brownies but it’s more of like a crust that is formed rather than getting super hard. I hope that helps!
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Katie Ess — Reply
This was tremendous.
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Sam Adler — Reply
YASSSSS thank you Katie!!!!
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Amanda — Reply
Delicious!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you so much Amanda!!
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Charlotte — Reply
Love this recipe, used it loads of times! I made it again yesterday to frost some brownies but today the frosting has white marble like lines on it? Any idea what I did wrong?
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Sam Adler — Reply
Hmmm thats so weird- the only thing I can think of is that there could have been lumps from the powdered sugar that were stirred completely into the frosting. Thank you for making this a bunch tho! And for the 5 star review!!
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Jenny — Reply
Hi Sam,
I love browned butter and was wondering if you have ever tried this by browning the butter instead of using the microwave. I’m sure it would taste great but curious how it would set.-
Sam Adler — Reply
Hi Jenny- I havent tried browning the butter for this recipe so I am not sure how it would work out but if you try it please let me know!
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Barb Wolf — Reply
Uh oh! What if I only have salted butter?
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thats ok! Just don’t add extra salt 🙂
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Roger Fulk — Reply
I was looking for a quick-and-easy recipe for chocolate frosting to top the brownie I made for our friend’s birthday. I came across this one–tried it–and it was amazing!!! Some said it was the best brownie they had ever tasted–the icing was the hit!!!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Ahh what a compliment! Thank you so much Roger! I’m so glad you found this recipe and it was a hit! Thanks for letting me know!
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Patricia Luna — Reply
My Mom used to make a frosting when we were kids that when set had a crunchy texture when set but creamy. Love it. When you say this hardens is this the same type of frosting. Just asking love this simple recipe definitely making it. Thanks You!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Hi Patricia! Yes! The outside will get a little crusty but the inside will still be creamy and smooth. I hope it reminds you just like your moms, food holds on to so many memories! <3
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Jen — Reply
Delicious! I added a pinch of salt because I found it a little too sweet. But a great brownie frosting overall.
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Sam Adler — Reply
YAY thanks Jen!
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charlei warner — Reply
Can you freeze these brownies with the icing on top and it be fine?
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Sam Adler — Reply
Yes it should be! You may have a little condensation on the top while it defrosts but just wipe it off and itll be ok!
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Deb Hemauer — Reply
Would this recipe work for a 13 x 9 pan of brownies? If not, should I double it, or what?
thank you-
Sam Adler — Reply
Hi Deb, I would double this for a 9×13 recipe.
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Adelaide Miller — Reply
This is delicious and super easy to make! As if brownies weren’t dangerous enough to my diet, this frosting totally elevates them! I had baked brownies for an event in a parchment-lined pan, and the parchment paper flopped over and baked into the brownie batter. I had to peel the parchment paper out of the baked brownies, leaving the surface of the brownies looking terrible. I whipped this up super fast, spread it on, topped with rainbow sprinkles, and Voila! Will definitely make this again.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Wooohooo! Your secret is safe here haha! Im so glad this helped you out, I hate when that happens! Thank you so much for the 5 star rating and coming back to tell me all about it!!
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Abigail — Reply
had a random craving for boxed brownies but wanted a little something extra so i made this frosting and it was exactly what i wanted!
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Sam Adler — Reply
YES! Thanks Abigail! Theres nothing like having something that hits the spot.
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Nancy — Reply
It took forever to finally find the measurements.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Nancy please remember this is a food blog, not just a recipe site. Therefore there are paragraphs and tips written out to make the process of the recipe easier to make. There is also a handy jump to recipe button on the top of the page if you dont want to read through the post.
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Will — Reply
I’ve made this frosting a couple of times now and can say it works well and is pretty easy to mix up even by hand. I do have some comments though. First don’t make the mistake I made, where it says to whisk do not use a whisk or everything will just end up inside the whisk unmixed, just stir it together real well making sure to break up clumps. Second, if you’re taking too long working with this and it’s starting to set you can put it back in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften it up again. Third, for a bit of extra flavor try sour creme instead of milk. Fourth, this will make enough frosting to cover a 9×13 pan of brownie but you may have to stretch it a little. Lastly, if you’re the type who likes infused baked goods using this frosting on brownies allows you to infuse the brownies, the frosting, or both for dosing options.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thanks for making this Will! I like to use a whisk because it breaks up any lumps in the powdered sugar and when using a spatula thats not the case. Glad it works for you!
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Tia — Reply
If I could give this 10 stars I would! This truly is a five minute recipe, from gathering the supplies to making this delicious frosting. I have even used it on a yellow cake recipe and everyone loved it, I just doubled the recipe.
Thank you so much for sharing this!
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Sam Adler — Reply
YAYAYAYAYAYAY This is the best review, thank you so much Tia!! So glad you enjoyed- putting it on cake is a great idea, I might copy from you haha! Thank you so much for letting me know and for the 5 star review!
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Regina K. Benge — Reply
Awesome recipe. I made mine with creamed strong coffee and I frosted peanut butter cookies. They were soooo rich and fudgy.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Ohh that sounds amazing Regina! Thank you for sharing that and the 5 star review!
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Gail McCulloch — Reply
Not a review, but a question. I need to frost some brownies the day before serving them. If I use this frosting, will I need to refrigerate since recipe includes milk? I added a 5 star review, so I wouldn’t lower the average.
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you Gail, I truly appreciate the 5 star rating! No need to refrigerate, it will be fine at room temp. The frosting hardens quickly so its best to make and frost as soon as the brownies are cool. Enjoy!
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Vitello — Reply
Love this recipe! 😍 Delicious!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you so much!
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Angelica Banmann — Reply
5 Star Winner!! Thank you!!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you so much Angelica!
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Ivy — Reply
Great frosting recipe for brownies! I have a great brownie recipe that I love and this frosting was so easy and definitely adds to an already really good brownie recipe. Love it! Thanks so much!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Wohoo! Thank you Ivy! So appreciate you making this recipe!
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Sandy — Reply
Wow, this brownie frosting is absolutely amazing – saving it for future use! It was enough to cover my 9.5 x 9.5 pan of brownies. Thank you!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you Sandy!!! So glad you loved it! Thank you so much for the 5 star rating!
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Ashley W. — Reply
Very tasty and easy! I increased the amount by half – so 3/4 cup butter, 3 cups sugar, 4.5T milk, 1/2 cup chocolate. It was the perfect amount for 9×13 pan of brownies. The frosting crusts over nicely, which is my preferred texture on frosted brownies.
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Sam Adler — Reply
I love that texture to Ashley! Thank you so much for making (and loving!) this recipe!
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Leah — Reply
Would it be okay if I reduced the powdered sugar amount? If so, how much powdered sugar would I put in?
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Sam Adler — Reply
Hi Leah, I wouldnt decrease it too much as the powdered sugar is the base of the recipe, if you tweak it too much, it might not taste or work great as a frosting. It could become too liquidy.
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Janet — Reply
Absolutely delicious and easy! Thank you!
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Sam Adler — Reply
Thank you so much for making this Janet! So glad you loved it!
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