How to Master a Decadent Chocolate Brownie Decoration – Video Tutorial

As the scent of rich, dark chocolate fills the air, imagine pulling a pan of the most decadent chocolate brownies out of the oven – their top slightly crackled, the edges perfectly chewy, with a middle that’s pure fudge heaven. Now, elevate that image with a spoonful of glossy, smooth chocolate icing being spread over the warm surface, creating a melt-in-your-mouth layer of bliss that complements every bite.

In this recipe, we’re marrying the dense, buttery texture of classic brownies with the opulence of a chocolate icing that’s as delightful to the palate as it is easy to whip up. The brownies are a simple to make, and the icing, a creamy concoction, is a rich crown that transforms the humble brownie into a gourmet treat.

Get ready to gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary journey that will end with a pan of the most heavenly chocolate brownies, layered with a velvety chocolate icing that’s sure to satisfy your sweetest cravings. Perfect for celebrations, like a birthday party or high tea, or simply a comfort for the days when you need a chocolate fix! These chocolate brownies with silky chocolate icing are a masterpiece waiting to happen in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 200g unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 380g dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C.
   • Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cut chocolate into small pieces and place in a bowl with the butter. Melt in the microwave, or in a medium saucepan on the stove. Let it cool slightly if it’s very hot.
3. Add sugar, vanilla extract and eggs to the melted butter and chocolate, and whisk until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients – flour and salt. Blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
5. Chop 180 grams of chocolate and fold into the batter.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake.
8. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan before cutting.
9. Cut into squares and serve once they’re cool enough to handle. For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between cuts.
10. Decorate with your favourite chocolate icing and toppings. (Icing Recipe below)

Notes:

• For fudgier brownies, you can reduce the flour to 1/3 cup.
• For cake-like brownies, add an extra egg.
• You can add a tablespoon of brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavour without making the brownies taste like coffee.
• If you are not icing the brownies, and you like a shiny crust on top, beat the batter vigorously for a minute before pouring it into the pan.

Chocolate Icing Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (about 175g) high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or pieces
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1-2 cups (120-240g) powdered sugar (adjust based on desired thickness)
• A pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavour)

Instructions:

1. Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
   • In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter.
   • Melt them together by setting the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring occasionally until smooth and fully melted.
   • Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each burst to prevent overheating.
2. Add Cream and Vanilla:
   • Remove the bowl from the heat or microwave and let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar:
   • Gradually add in the powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, whisking until the icing is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
4. Adjust Flavour:
   • Taste your icing and if you feel it needs a little more depth, add a pinch of salt and mix well.
5. Spread on Brownies:
   • Once your brownies have cooled, spread the chocolate icing over the top with an offset spatula or knife.
   • If the icing has thickened too much while your brownies were cooling, gently reheat it over a double boiler or for a few seconds in the microwave until it’s spreadable again.
6. Set the Icing:
   • Allow the icing to set by chilling the iced brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
7. Serve:
   • Cut the brownies into squares and serve. For a special touch, you can add toppings like sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder before the icing sets.

Serving Suggestions

Serving decadent chocolate brownies offers so many possibilities, as these rich treats can be adapted to fit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting an elegant event or a casual get-together, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your brownies and delight your guests:

1. High Tea Elegance:
   For a sophisticated touch, serve your decorated brownies as part of an afternoon high tea. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand alongside delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. Pair the brownies with a selection of fine teas, or for a more modern twist, try serving with a glass of Prosecco. The contrast of rich, chocolatey flavours with a crisp sparkling drink will add a layer of indulgence to this classic British tradition.
2. Children’s Party Favourite:
   Make brownies the star of a fun and colourful children’s party. Cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with a rainbow of toppings like sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or colourful candies. You could even set up a DIY brownie decorating station, letting the little ones get creative with their own toppings. Brownies are the perfect treat to please even the pickiest eaters, and they’re easy to grab for an on-the-go snack during party games.
3. Dinner Party Desserts:
   For a dinner party, serve your brownies as a rich dessert with a gourmet twist. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, then drizzle with a salted caramel or raspberry coulis for a burst of flavour. You could also plate them alongside fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chocolate. The versatility of brownies makes them a comforting yet decadent end to any meal.
4. Picnic Perfection:
   Pack your brownies into a picnic basket for an outdoor gathering with friends or family. Individually wrap each brownie for an easy, mess-free treat, or serve them with fresh fruit and a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate. Brownies are sturdy enough to travel well, making them an ideal choice for a picnic or outdoor adventure.
5. Casual Coffee Morning:
   For a cosy coffee morning with friends, serve your brownies with an assortment of hot drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, or hot chocolate. The rich flavour of the brownies pairs wonderfully with a smooth, robust coffee, making for a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy a laid-back gathering. You could even offer brownies in a variety of flavours—think white chocolate, peanut butter swirl, or hazelnut—to add variety and surprise your guests.

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance, fun, or comfort to your event, brownies are an adaptable and delicious treat that can fit seamlessly into any setting.

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Short on Time?

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FAQ’s

How do you Stick Decorations to Brownies?

To stick decorations to brownies, you can use melted chocolate, icing, or a glaze as an adhesive. After baking, make sure your brownies are completely cool before you start decorating. Melted chocolate works particularly well because as it hardens, it secures your decorations in place. You can either drizzle it over the brownies or use it as a base layer, spreading it across the surface before adding things like sprinkles, nuts, or sweets. If you prefer a glaze or icing, they work in a similar way. Just apply a thin layer to the top of the brownies and gently press your chosen decorations into it before it sets.

What Can I Decorate My Brownies With?

Decorating brownies can be a fun and creative process. Here are some ideas:

1. Frostings and Icings:
   • Chocolate ganache
   • Cream cheese frosting
   • Vanilla buttercream
   • Peanut butter frosting
   • Mint chocolate icing
   • Caramel drizzle
2. Fresh Fruit:
   • Sliced strawberries
   • Raspberries
   • Blueberries
   • Banana slices
   • Pomegranate arils
3. Nuts and Seeds:
   • Chopped walnuts
   • Slivered almonds
   • Pecans
   • Toasted sesame seeds
   • Salted sunflower seeds
4. Candies and Sweets:
   • Chocolate chips or chunks
   • M&M’s
   • Crushed peppermint candies
   • Mini marshmallows
   • Toffee bits
5. Cookies and Biscuits:
   • Crushed Oreos
   • Chopped chocolate chip cookies
   • Graham cracker pieces
   • Biscoff cookie spread
6. Sprinkles and Decorative Sugars:
   • Colourful sprinkles
   • Coarse sugar crystals
   • Edible glitter or gold leaf
   • Shaped sprinkles for themes (hearts, stars, etc.)
7. Sauces and Syrups:
   • Hot fudge sauce
   • Salted caramel sauce
   • Raspberry or strawberry syrup
   • Maple syrup
8. Other Toppings:
   • Shredded coconut
   • Dried fruit
   • Zest of orange or lemon for a citrus kick
   • Crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty twist
   • Flavoured whipped cream

How long to leave brownies to cool before decorating?

When it comes to cooling brownies before decorating, it’s essential to be patient. If the brownies are still warm, your decorations could melt or slide off, ruining the look. Typically, you should leave your brownies to cool for at least 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature. However, if you’re in a rush, you can speed up the process by placing the brownies in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Just make sure they’re cool to the touch before you begin decorating to ensure the best results.

Do You Decorate Brownies Before or After Baking?

Whether you decorate brownies before or after baking depends on the type of decoration you’re using:

1. Before Baking:
   • Nuts and seeds can be sprinkled on top before baking so they become toasted and more flavourful.
   • Chocolate chips or chunks, swirls of peanut butter, or dollops of cream cheese for a marble effect should be added before baking.
   • Fruit that can withstand the baking process, like small pieces of apple or pear, can be added before baking.
2. After Baking:
   • Frostings and icings should always be applied after the brownies have cooled to prevent them from melting.
   • Fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, should be placed on top of brownies after they cool to keep the fruit fresh and firm.
   • Sauces, syrups, and caramel should be drizzled over brownies once they’ve cooled.
   • Sprinkles, edible glitter, or decorative sugars are best applied after frosting but can also be sprinkled on top of brownies right after they come out of the oven if you’re not using frosting.

For a crisp topping, like a streusel, you could sprinkle it over the brownies partway through baking to ensure it cooks without sinking in. If you’re using candy that could melt or change form, such as marshmallows or certain types of chocolate, you might add them in the last few minutes of baking or immediately after the brownies come out of the oven.

It’s important to consider the final texture and appearance you want, as well as how the heat will affect the decoration.

When decorating brownies, consider the balance of flavours and textures, as well as the visual aspect. You can go for simplicity with a dusting of powdered sugar or create intricate designs with piped frosting. Experiment to find what you enjoy the most!