Recipe

Ditch the Boxed Mix for These Frosted Brownies

By Kristen Siegel at Duke University

Every family has one of those incredible recipes that they only break out for special occasions - birthdays, holidays, graduation parties etc. For us, that was always my grandmother's recipe for butterfudge fingers, or "super brownies." Holidays like the 4th always bring back memories of helping my mother bake these amazing desserts (but mostly just trying to swipe spoonfuls of batter out of the bowl). Surprisingly simple to make, this recipe for frosted brownies is guaranteed to become your next family tradition. 

Super Brownies

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Servings: 9
Ingredients
  • 2 squares baker's chocolate
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Kristen Siegel

Step 1

Melt baker's chocolate and butter in a double boiler until there are no chunks

Step 2

Remove from heat and stir in instant coffee, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt

Step 3

Blend in the eggs once the batter is cool enough that it won't cook the yolks

Kristen Siegel

Step 4

Spread in a greased 9x9 pan and cook for 20-25 minutes at 350°

Kristen Siegel

Step 5

Allow the brownies to cool and then add the frosting and chocolate topping (see below)

Kristen Siegel

Buttercream Frosting and Chocolate Topping

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Servings: 9
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 square baker's chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Kristen Siegel

Step 1

Cream the butter and blend with the sugar

Clara Park

Step 2

Mix in the milk and vanilla until creamy and spread on the brownies
#Spoontip: for thicker, richer frosting use half-and-half or cream

Danielle Nee

Step 3

Melt 1 square of baker's chocolate and butter in the microwave

Step 4

Pour melted chocolate on brownies so that the top is completely coated and allow to cool in the fridge until it hardens

Kristen Siegel

In my family, these frosted brownies are as much of a holiday/birthday staple as Santa. Easy to make, rich and delicious, super brownies are sure to give your boxed cake mix a run for its money.