Are you ready to take your brownies from delicious to divine? Forget the basic chocolate frosting – we're diving headfirst into the creamy, dreamy world of cream cheese brownie frosting! This easy recipe adds a tangy, rich layer of flavor that perfectly complements the fudgy depths of your favorite brownies. It's the ultimate homemade touch for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to impressive dessert gatherings. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (This is crucial for a smooth frosting!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or cocoa powder for extra chocolatey goodness
Instructions:
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Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture. Don't rush it!
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Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed mixture, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents powdered sugar clouds from escaping the bowl.
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Stir in Vanilla and Salt: Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
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Add Optional Mix-ins (if desired): If you're feeling adventurous, now is the time to stir in your chocolate chips or cocoa powder. Fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.
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Frost Your Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over your cooled brownies. A bench scraper or offset spatula works wonders for achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish.
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Chill (Optional): For a firmer frosting, chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Brownie Frosting:
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Room Temperature is Key: Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This ensures that they blend smoothly and create a light and fluffy frosting. If they're too cold, you'll end up with lumps.
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Don't Overbeat: While you want to mix the ingredients well, avoid overbeating the frosting. Overmixing can incorporate too much air and lead to a less dense and less flavorful result.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar by 1/4 cup. Taste as you go and adjust according to your preference.
Variations:
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Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the powdered sugar for a richer chocolate flavor.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add the zest of one lemon and 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a bright and tangy twist.
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Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: Stir in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter for a delightful peanut butter and chocolate combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary greatly depending on the size of your brownies and the specific ingredients used. For a general idea, one serving of this frosting (about 1/4 cup) may contain approximately:
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 8-12g
- Sugar: 20-25g
This easy, healthy-ish treat is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Enjoy!