Buttercream Brownie Frosting or Ganache

Whether you’re making a batch homemade or Brownies out of Cake Mix, you may want some brownie frosting on the top too!! There are several varieties to choose from whether ganache chocolate like, buttercream and fluffy or frost with a bit of coffee punch!

Frosting for Brownies

There are a few different choices that fall into 3 basic categories; chocolate glaze, buttercream and/or cream cheese. The one you make will depend on what type of base you are working with and your flavor preferences – tastebuds. Like with our Brownie Bread I go with more of a ganache like pour over the top!

I typically won’t add anything on top of our Pressure Cooker Brownies but you totally could. To get the most oomph out of it instead of piping or pouring on to the whole thing when done, slice, serve with a dollop on each piece so it covers every inch.

Chocolate Frosting for Brownies

Now with your frosting you can tweak any of these with other touches. Like our Coffee Frosting you would add some espresso tastes as well as a little caffeine. 😉 A fun option if you are serving these for a brunch time of day that will be a welcome surprise for your guests. I have two recipes below in the card below. What you need for Brownie Ganache is below;

• 1/3 cup chocolate that has been chopped or use chips
• pinch of salt
• Vanilla
• 6 tbsp whipping cream

Now this is more of a pour over the top mixture as you see here. Best if you do it while slightly warm on top of a cooling rack so it can drain all over and excess can drip off to the bottom.

1. You can heat the cream until hot in a double boiler and add the chopped chocolate pieces or chips.
2. Stir until you have a smooth ganache with no remaining chocolate chips.
   • this could also be done by melting chocolate chips in microwave
3. Place brownies on a wire rack and top with chocolate ganache.
4. Leave for an hour and a half to harden.
5. Best stored in the refrigerator for topping to not melt

Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Want something lighter in flavor to counteract the richness of the base? I get it. You can go with a tub of ready made piped on top of course but our Cream Cheese Frosting Without Butter is better than that and can be made dairy free as well!

Serving during the holidays? Add a bit of mint into the mix to go with the whole theme right? In that case Peppermint Frosting is the way to go for Christmas time y’all.

Brownie Buttercream Frosting

Below are step by step instructions but shown here as well. If you want a fluffy mixture like what you find on top of a cake at a bakery this is the one you would want to use. Both are great on 100 Hour Brownies or any other style of chocolate treats.

• Unsalted butter that has been softened
• 1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar, sometimes also called confectioners’ sugar
• 3-4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
• Vanilla extract
• A pinch (1/8 tsp or so) of salt will intensify the rich chocolate flavor

You really do want to try and sift the cocoa powder to remove any lumps to begin with. This will help ensure a smooth mixture.

1. It is best to sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar together to remove any lumps first. This will help ensure a smooth frosting. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a stand mixer with your paddle attachment to cream the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy for about 2 minutes.
2. Add all other ingredients and beat on low speed initially for 30 seconds, then increase to high for another 60 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3. If you think it is too thick gradually add up to another 1/4 c powdered sugar to thicken or 1 tbsp of cream until it is the texture you want.
4. Use the chocolate buttercream frosting immediately to frost your desired dessert.
   • How to store leftover frosting – If you’re not using it right away, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using refrigerated frosting, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a quick mix to restore its smoothness.

Before you go I want you to sign up for my free newsletter!! You will get all my new recipes emailed to you a few times a week that will help with meal planning for the week.