Brownie Bars with Fudge Frosting

Brownie bars with fudge frosting are the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream. Dense, moist, and deeply chocolaty brownie layers topped with a silky-smooth, rich fudge frosting—this dessert is pure indulgence in every bite. Unlike traditional brownies, brownie bars are baked in a rectangular pan and sliced into neat squares or bars, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, and celebrations.

What makes these brownie bars truly special is the contrast between textures: a soft, chewy brownie base and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge frosting that sets just enough to hold its shape. The flavor is intensely chocolatey without being overly sweet, and the frosting adds a luxurious finish that turns a simple brownie into a show-stopping dessert.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it creates consistently rich, fudgy brownie bars with minimal effort and maximum reward. The brownies stay moist for days, the frosting spreads beautifully, and the entire dessert feels indulgent without requiring complicated techniques. It’s one of those recipes that always earns compliments and disappears quickly wherever it’s served.

Why This Is a Must-Try Recipe

• Ultra-fudgy brownie texture
• Smooth, glossy chocolate fudge frosting
• Easy to slice and serve
• Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or meal prep
• Freezes and stores exceptionally well

If you love chocolate desserts, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your baking collection.

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cooling & Frosting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 16 brownie bars

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Brownie Bars

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Fudge Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Prepare brownie batter and bake until set.
4. Cool brownies completely before frosting.
5. Prepare fudge frosting and spread evenly.
6. Slice into bars and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Brownie Bars

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven and line pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add Cocoa & Vanilla: Stir in cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time until glossy.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, salt, and baking powder separately.
6. Combine Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
7. Bake: Spread batter evenly and bake for 25–30 minutes.
8. Cool: Let brownies cool completely in the pan.

Fudge Frosting

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in milk and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
4. Spread frosting over cooled brownies.

How to Serve

• Serve at room temperature for best texture
• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles
• Cut into smaller pieces for dessert platters

Recipe Tips

• Do not overbake; brownies should be slightly soft in the center
• Always frost fully cooled brownies
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor
• For clean slices, chill briefly before cutting

Variations

1. Nutty Brownie Bars

Add ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

2. Espresso Brownie Bars

Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.

3. Peanut Butter Fudge Frosting

Swirl ¼ cup peanut butter into the frosting.

4. Double Chocolate Brownie Bars

Add 1 cup chocolate chips to the batter.

5. Vegan Brownie Bars

Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and flax eggs.

Freezing & Storage

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days

Freezing

• Freeze unfrosted or frosted bars for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Saucepan
• Offset spatula
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

Brownie Bars with Fudge Frosting are everything a chocolate dessert should be—rich, indulgent, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. With their fudgy base and silky frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to festive celebrations. This recipe is easy to follow, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that truly delivers on flavor and texture, these brownie bars are an absolute must-bake.