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Learn how to make the BEST EVER Brownie Frosting! It’s a cooked chocolate fudge frosting that coats the brownies like a rich ganache. It’s irresistible and takes an ordinary brownie to a whole new fudgy chocolate level.

A bunch of double fudge brownies on parchment paper


The BEST Brownie Frosting Ever!

These easy double chocolate fudge brownies were my undoing the first time I made them. I could not resist them at all! The actual brownie part is fantastic – rich and fudgy – but it’s the brownie icing that’s really the star. It’s has a texture like ganache and is super-rich like fudge. So, the best name for it is double fudge frosting.

This chocolate frosting for brownies is the best I’ve ever had. It’s a cooked chocolate frosting with heavy whipping cream, butter, and sugar. You pour it on the brownies and let it cool. It’s like ganache but better.

You can use it to top any brownie recipe, but I love it with my brownies made with my homemade brownie mix. But you know what? It’s a great addition if you want to make a box mix. It will take them to a whole new level.

Close up shot of a double fudge brownie with corner bite missing

What makes a good frosting for brownies?

I think the best brownie frosting recipe for brownies is the kind that looks a little shiny and coats the top of the brownies like ganache. It’s not light and fluffy like chocolate buttercream. Instead, It’s similar to old-fashioned frosted brownies: rich and fudgy.

You need to use real butter and heavy cream to get that texture and richness. Plus, the frosting is cooked, which thickens it and gives it the best texture.

Instead of beating the frosting ingredients with a mixer, you combine them in a pan and heat them on the stove. Then you just pour the icing over the brownies.

Ingredients in brownie frosting

Ingredients Needed

  • Brownies: For this recipe, you can use a store-bought brownie mix. Just follow the instructions on the box! Or, make homemade double chocolate brownies with my from-scratch brownie mix instead. Make and bake the brownies first and then let them completely cool before icing them.
  • Heavy whipping cream: There is no substitute for this!!!
  • Sour cream: Also, no substitute for this – it makes a nice creamy frosting.
  • Instant coffee granules: This is optional! Your frosting won’t taste like mocha or coffee, but the bit of coffee accentuates the chocolate flavor, making it much deeper and more intense.
  • Granulated Sugar: Weird, I know! But it’s a cooked frosting!
  • Cocoa: Use any unsweetened cocoa powder – you can use regular, dark or dutch process. Learn all about cocoa!

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

collage showing how to make brownie frosting

How to Make Brownie Frosting

  1. Whisk the cream, sour cream, instant coffee, and vanilla in a bowl or large measuring cup.
  2. Place the butter in a saucepan and melt over low heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the sugar.
  3. Then add the cocoa powder, and salt.
  4. Whisk them until they’re thick and combined.
  5. Slowly add the wet ingredients while whisking, and then cook the frosting for two to three minutes over low heat. Don’t let it boil.
  6. As it cooks, it will slightly thicken – once that happens, take the pan off the heat.
  7. Pour the frosting over the brownies and use a spatula to smooth it. Allow the frosting to cool completely. Chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator if you want the frosting to harden.
Overhead shot of double fudge brownies cut into squares on parchment paper

Expert Brownie Icing Tips

  • The instant coffee is optional, but it gives the frosting a rich chocolate flavor, so I definitely recommend using it.
  • Don’t boil the frosting when you cook it. Instead, cook it on low for the recommended time. This will ensure you get a rich, fudgy texture.
  • Wait to ice the brownies until they are completely cooled.
  • Store frosted brownies loosely covered at room temperature. They will keep for three days.
  • Or, store them in the refrigerator if you prefer hardened icing.

FAQ

Can I put frosting on brownies?

Yes! Frosted brownies are so good.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

There is no substitute. For the best frosting, top your brownies with heavy whipping cream frosting.

Can I use any brownie recipe?

Yep! Any homemade brownie recipe or brownies from a mix will work.

Does the frosting harden?

No, it won’t harden on its own at room temperature. You can refrigerate the frosted brownies if the frosting is set up more.

When should I add the icing to the brownies?

Wait until the brownies are cooled to frost them.

Can I decorate the brownies?

I think sprinkles would be fun!

What other frosting recipes could I use?

Brownies are great with vanilla buttercream, chocolate buttercream, or chocolate cream cheese frosting!

A bunch of double fudge brownies on parchment paper

Easy Double Fudge Brownie Recipe

3.74 from 49 votes
These Easy Double Fudge Brownies are as easy as a box, but SO MUCH BETTER! Super rich and fudgy, they’re topped with a cooked chocolate frosting that satisfies any chocolate craving. Cut the brownies into shapes for any holiday!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Yield 24 brownies
Serving Size 1 brownie
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Ingredients
 

Brownies:

  • 1 recipe homemade brownie mix OR
  • 1 box store bought brownie mix (disregard rest of brownie ingredients; make brownies as directed on box if using this option)
  • 1 cup (237ml) vegetable oil or (226g) melted unsalted butter
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) water

Frosting:

  • ½ cup (118ml) heavy whipping cream (do not substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional, but gives a dark rich chocolate flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch salt
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13” pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Stir all the brownie ingredients together in a large bowl using a wooden spoon or spatula. Spread in prepared pan and bake 22-28 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs stuck to it. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
  • To make frosting: Whisk heavy whipping cream, sour cream, instant coffee, and vanilla in a measuring cup. Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, the mixture will be grainy. Slowly mix in the wet ingredients. Cook for about 2-3 minutes over low heat until the mixture thickens slightly, but don’t let it boil.
  • Pour frosting over brownies and spread to coat. Let cool completely. The frosting will not harden unless you chill the brownies.
  • If you want to cut shapes, use cookie cutters and cut them once the frosting is cool. Add any sprinkles or pipe on football laces using white chocolate, frosting, or Cool Whip.
  • Store loosely covered on the counter, or chill to set the frosting. Will keep for up to 3 days on the counter.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

If you’re using a box brownie mix, make the brownies according to the recipe on the box, not my recipe.
  • The instant coffee is optional, but it gives the frosting a rich chocolate flavor, so I definitely recommend using it.
  • Don’t boil the frosting when you cook it. Instead, cook it on low for the recommended time. This will ensure you get a rich, fudgy texture.
  • Wait to ice the brownies until they are completely cooled.
  • Store frosted brownies loosely covered at room temperature. They will keep for three days.
  • Or, store them in the refrigerator if you prefer hardened icing.

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 413kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Author Dorothy Kern

Did you try this recipe? Click the stars to rate the recipe below

Favorite Brownie Recipes

The next time you make brownies, turn them into double fudge chocolate brownies with this fantastic brownie frosting recipe! It is the best way to add a chocolatey finishing touch. Enjoy!



Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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3.74 from 49 votes (46 ratings without comment)

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72 Comments

  1. WOW! These look AmAZing. I’ve printed bot recipes and can’t wait to try them out. Love simple and delicious recipes!

    Reply

  2. Craving all of the dense fudg-y deliciousness of these double choc brownies right now.. they look incredible Dorothy. I love the little heart especially, perfect for Valentines!

    Reply

  3. Do you think I could leave the sour cream out of the icing? I don’t have any (or yogurt) and wanted to make this today!

    Reply

    1. I’ve never tried it without the sour cream. Maybe add an extra tablespoon butter and and extra tablespoon cream to even it out!

      Reply

  4. I can pass up cake and other baked goods, but I can never ever pass up a brownie. They are my favorite thing ever!ย 

    Really want to try your frosting it looks delicious! Thinking I need to make brownies tonight….ย 

    Reply