Is there a difference between cream cheese icing and cream cheese frosting?

Yes, cream cheese frosting is typically thicker and fluffier, ideal for spreading or piping, while cream cheese icing is thinner and more glaze-like, often used for drizzling. Both use similar ingredients but differ in consistency.

Why add butter to cream cheese frosting?

Butter is added to cream cheese icing to create a smoother, creamier texture and to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese. It also helps the icing hold its shape better, making it ideal for spreading or piping.

Should brownies be gooey or cakey?

It depends on personal preference! Gooey brownies are dense, fudgy, and rich, with a moist center, often achieved by using more butter and less flour. Cakey brownies are lighter, more like a chocolate cake, with a fluffy texture, typically from using more flour and a leavening agent like baking powder. These brownies are cakey brownies with a slightly gooey center.

Should brownie batter be thick or runny?

Brownie batter should generally be thick , but still pourable. A thicker batter usually results in fudgier, denser brownies. If the batter is too runny, it may lead to a more cake-like texture. The ideal consistency is somewhere in between—not too stiff but not overly liquid either.

BROWNIES WITH CREAM FROSTING (VEGETARIAN)

Description

Brownies with cream cheese frosting (vegetarian) is a total game-changer. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese cuts through the richness of the cakey chocolate brownie, giving you a more balanced (yet totally decadent) dessert. Plus, the cocoa in the frosting ties everything together. So easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

FOR THE BROWNIES

250 g butter

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups white granulated sugar

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

FOR THE CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE ICING

57 g butter (1/2 stick)

4 oz cream cheese, softened (113 g)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup cocoa powder

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Instructions

HOW TO MAKE THE BROWNIES

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 11 x 7-inch (18 x 28cm) square pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat.

3. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth and fully combined.

4. Add the granulated sugar, stirring well to combine.

5. Mix in the vanilla essence and then beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

6. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

9. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

FROSTING FOR BROWNIES

1. While your brownies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the frosting that’s going to take them over the top.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well.

4. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed to avoid sugar clouds everywhere (trust me on this!).

5. Once everything is incorporated, increase the speed and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

6. Once your brownies have cooled completely, generously slather on that creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting. You can go thick or thin depending on how indulgent you’re feeling!

7. If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!

Notes

Don’t overbake: For that fudgy texture, pull the brownies out when they’re just set in the middle.

Cool completely before frosting: This is super important—adding frosting to warm brownies will make them melt into a messy (but still tasty) situation.

Customizable Toppings: Want to take it even further? Sprinkle some crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel over the frosting!

Category: Baking, Desserts, Cakes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American