Fudgy Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These brownies with cream cheese frosting are one of my favorite ways to upgrade homemade brownies. It's such an easy way to add a little extra flavor! You'll love making these for all the special occasions.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 2 boxes brownie mix
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetabale oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to what the directions state on the box of brownies you're using. Ghiradelli says to preheat to 325F.
- In a large bowl, mix together your brownie mix, eggs, milk (not water!), oil, and vanilla.
- Spray a 9x11 sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Pour batter into a prepared 9x11 sheet pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once your brownies are done, allow them to cool.
- While they are cooling make your cream cheese frosting.
- Using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat together your cream cheese and butter over medium speed.
- Slowly add in the powdered sugar.
- Lastly, add in the vanilla extract and whip until fluffy.
- Spread on your cooled brownies, slice and enjoy!
Notes
Ways to upgrade boxed brownies
Espresso Powder. Adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to your brownie mix absolutely elevates the chocolate flavor to a whole other level. Milk, not Water. Use milk, not water! It adds a richer flavor for a decadent dessert. Chocolate Chips. I love biting into a brownie and having a melty gooey chocolate chip in there! If you are a chocolate lover like me, this is a must. Use Vegetable Oil. Don't use butter! Oil is 100% fat content, so if you want those fudgy chocolate brownies, you have to use oil. Butter will make your brownies a little cakey.Substitutions and variations
Red Velvet Brownies. If you want to make these for Valentine's Day, making them into delicious red velvet brownies would be so perfect! Homemade Brownies. If you want to make homemade brownies, you can totally do that! Here's a great recipe for homemade sheet pan brownies. Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. If you want to make these extra chocolatey, you can make chocolate cream cheese frosting for these fancy brownies. Sprinkles. Grab your favorite sprinkles for a fun and easy garnish that's perfect for any time of year.Tips for making the best cream cheese frosting
If you are looking to make the best creamy cream cheese frosting, here are some tips.- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are room temperature before mixing.
- Use full-fat cream cheese
- Use an electric mixer, whether that be a stand mixer or a hand mixer for the best results.