This is the Best Ever Brownie Frosting, and I am not messing around. Rich and fudge-like, this frosting is insanely delicious! Get ready to lick the bowl clean.
This rich chocolate frosting is silky smooth and simple to make. Taking just 10 minutes to make, and it will add a layer of wow to your brownies that everyone will love.
My dad made this Best Ever Brownie Frosting recipe for as long as I can remember. I have never had a brownie that was better than my dad’s. When I got into college, I decided it was time to learn to make my dad’s brownies.
As I phoned my dad and asked for the frosting recipe, he was delighted that I wanted to make them. What surprised me, even more, was him telling me it could be made in a microwave – this gave me less of an opportunity to ruin it! So then, I asked about his brownie recipe – something unexpected happened. My father informed me he used a ready-made brownie mix?! Unbelievable!!! My dad used a brownie mix! WHAT???
Honestly, I was shocked; how could this be? Why, why on earth did I think they were homemade? Because they were my dad’s brownies. He said he always just used Ghiradelli brownie mixes and then made homemade frosting to give it that homemade taste. Well, it is the frosting that makes it oh, so amazing! His brownies, to me, are still the bomb and can’t be beaten.
Since then, I have used Ghiradelli brownie mixes just like my dad’s brownie frosting. I also use the same brownie mixes in my Fudge Brownie No-Bake Cheesecake; it’s one of my absolute favorite recipes.
I have continued to make my dad’s brownies throughout the year. And everyone loves this best-ever brownie frosting. So while I would top a chocolatey brownie with anything else, you could add sprinkles on top of this chocolate frosting; my girls sure love them this way.
How do I make icing for brownies?
You can make several variations of frosting for brownies; I love this recipe for Best Ever Brownie Frosting, mainly because of the ease of the recipe. You could also use a nice buttercream frosting, or another fun topping is chocolate whipped cream.
How do you make chocolate frosting?
Depending on which frosting recipe you choose, it may require a hand mixer, microwave or stove topping cooking, whisk, and proper measuring tools. See below for recommendations.
Brownie Frosting Ingredients
- Butter
- Buttermilk
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla
- Powdered sugar
I had to know where my dad got this recipe for brownie frosting, I mean, he is a fantastic cook, but he has never just made up a dessert recipe; he does make a lot of savory dishes, but sweet ones he always has a recipe.
I was not surprised when he said he got the recipe from Jean, one of our longtime family friends. Jean does have some of the best dessert recipes. I am utterly obsessed with her recipe for Pumpkin Bars.
Let me tell you this brownie frosting elevates your brownies in that it makes them irresistible. Trust me when I say you won’t have any self-restraint and end up licking the bowl clean – that’s what I do every single time! Enjoy!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for Best Ever Brownie Frosting to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Best Ever Brownie Frosting
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar also equals 1 lb.
Instructions
- In a medium glass mixing bowl add butter and cover with a plate and heat butter for 1 minute in the microwave. Remove from microwave and remove lid. Stir in vanilla and buttermilk, place back in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds, stir, then heat for another 30 seconds, stir, heat for 30 seconds and stir and then heat for another 30 seconds.
- Remove from microwave and stir in cocoa and powder sugar, until well combined. Place back in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds, stir. Heat for another 30 seconds and stir, repeat 1more time if needed, until frosting is smooth and there are no clumps. Pour over brownies, and spread evenly. Let frosting cool and harden.
Video
How much powdered sugar do you add? I looked for the amount listed but couldn’t find it.
3 3/4 cups
Look at the list of ingred.
What about the list of ingredients?
I checked on Amazon & they don’t carry the: Poudre River Cook Book.
I can send you a copy if you would like.
You forgot to mention how much powdered/icing sugar…Looks delicious…thanks 🙂
3 3/4 cups 🙂
These look great! How much powdered sugar?
How much powdered sugar?
3 3/4 cups
I have made the frosting but didn’t see the amount of powder sugar that way needed.
3 3/4 cups
how much powdered sugar, not in recipe
Your brownie frosting is just what I have been looking for….it looks wonderful!
I would like to make this but recipe doesn’t say how much powdered sugar.
That fast?! I am SO going to have to make a bowl of this tonight. Maybe I’ll even make brownies to put it on… or maybe I’ll just grab a big ol’ spoon. 🙂
How much powdered sugar? 🙂
How much powdered sugar do you use? This was left out of the ingredient list.
how much powdered sugar in the brownie frosting? Can’t find measurement in ingredients.
Love how fudgy the frosting looks! The perfect topping for brownies!
Hi, Sandra,
How much powdered sugar is needed for this deliciousness?
Thanks, Cheryl
I was in the middle of making this recipe when I realized that the ingredients list does not include how much powdered sugar. ARGH!!!!! I poured, and poured, and poured about 2.5 cups and wsa not sure how thick it should have been so i stopped adding it for fear of it being too sweet. It is in the refrigerator now to get hard quicker – I hope it tastes okay. It is needed tonight for a fund raiser!
Hi! How much powdered sugar, please?
Sounds amazing! How much powder sugar do you use? It seems to be missing from the ingredients list.
I would love to know how much powdered sugar you use for this frosting.
I don’t see powdered sugar listed in the ingredients. How much do you use?
Thank it for sharing the recipe! I didn’t have buttermilk so I used whole milk and it turned out great!
We made brownies for my son’s party happening later today. We topped a pan of brownies with your frosting and sprinkled M&M minis on top. He is so excited!!
I would be licking the bowl clean.
Great Recipe! Thank you for sharing it. I do have some concerns about the people who couldn’t see the powder sugar amount on the list of ingredients clearly stated ABOVE the direction list and BELOW the prep times. It’s amazing you didn’t pull your hair out on how many people did not pay attention & kept asking the same questions. I worry/question these same people using a microwave to make this recipe or getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and going somewhere! I thought your ingredients list and directions were very to the point. Thank you again for sharing.
Thank you Lottie – you made my day!
LOL… I imagine that when the recipe was first printed, the amt of powdered sugar was omitted?
But I really enjoyed your post LOL
I thought the same thing Lottie!
This looks amazing. I can see the amount of powered sugar needed on the list of ingredients above. Also i would love a copy or The name of the store I can buy it at. If i don’t have buttermilk is there anything i can use in its place? I seen the comment that the lady used whole Milk instead and it turned out great she said. Would u recommend whole milk? Thank you for sharing your family recipe. Kelly
Kelly – powdered sugar mostly anywhere. Where do you live and I can send you link? Also, I have never used anything but buttermilk, so I can say how it would turn out. But with that being said, sounds like some have had success with whole milk. I love buttermilk and the flavor it adds so I encourage it. Enjoy!
San
Does this recipe make enough to frost a sheet pan (18x13x1-1/2″) of brownies or should I double it?
The recipe will be enough for you pan size. It is the pan size I use as well.
San
Does the frosting sort of harden so you can stack the brownies in a tin?
Yes, it will harden. Layer with parchment paper though. Enjoy! San
Made this for the first time this evening. I did not have buttermilk, but made my own by mixing milk and lemon juice (1 cup milk & 1 T lemon juice, set for 10 min) and measured amount needed. The icing poured so easily, but I had to spread and work quickly to cover my large double batch brownie pan before it set. All in all it looked really impressive! Better yet, it tasted delicious! My four teens loved it and their friends sang it’s praises. My husband loved it too! The icing really makes a simple box brownie seem like a professional treat. Thank you.
Hi, I may have missed it but how many boxes of brownie mix do you make for that size pan? And would you put the toppings on immediately after or would you let it sit for a while? Also do you put it on hot brownies or cooled?
Follow the instructions on the box for the pan size. Smaller pans will make thicker brownies, and a 9×13 pan will make thinner ones. I would let it cool while making the frosting, otherwise it may take longer to set the frosting.
This will be perfect for my next brownies, thank you so much!
I hope you enjoy it!
OH MY looks SO yummy!
Thanks!
Frosting for a brownie is such a genius idea! Your Dad is brilliant!
It really is! Thank you!
Brownies are my favorite. This icing sounds so good I might just make a bowl of it!
Definitely a good idea! Thank you!
This brownie frosting looks so delicious! Love that it is made in the microwave. So easy and the perfect way to dress up a box brownie mix!
Thank you, I hope you enjoy!
What a great brownie recipe! Calling my name for sure!
Thank you!
I love the texture of these frosting! So perfect!
It really is, thank you!
Best Brownies ever! I have been cooking and baking for over 50 years. My friends and family say I am a very good cook. But these are the best and easiest brownies I’ve made. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Turned out just perfect. and I did’t have to use a mixer!
I am so glad you like them and that they turned out well for you! Thank you!
I sent brownies with this frosting to a school party. Big mistake. Now I have to send brownies to EVERY party! My son’s classmates and teachers beg him to bring brownies! It’s so delicious and a great way to make simple box brownie feel fancy.
I’m so glad the kids enjoyed it! It really is the best. Thank you!
I have made this several times since happening upon the most delicious & amazing brownie topping , turns out perfect every time ! Thank you so much for this recipe !
I’m so happy that you like it! It really is addictive. Thank you for reading!
This frosting is fantastic! I’ve used it on several batches of brownies and I even made a chocolate poke cake with it!
Where has this been my whole life. We loved every bite!
Looks impossible to resist! Everyone would definitely love this!
Oh wow! These brownies are insanely delicious!! My favorite treat!
Oh my goodness!! This sounds AMAAAZING!!
This is definitely the best addition to a brownie! It works with cakes too!
Delicious. Quick and easy to follow.
Can I freeze leftover frosting and then reheat it for later use?
Oh, I am really not sure, I have never tried that.
Great frosting recipe! Melting the butter really shortened the time to make frosting. Since it was already melted, I was able to frost my brownies when they were still warm. (I also added a little bit of espresso powder with the chocolate powder)
Absolutely amazing and so easy. We loved it!