Fudgy Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

I don't know about you, but one of my go-to desserts when I don't have a lot of time is a delicious pan of rich, chocolatey brownies. Not just any brownies though, I need my brownies to be fudgy and full of chocolate flavor. No longer will I make brownies that are full of cocoa powder, without any chocolate in sight. No, I need there to be lots of melted chocolate to go along with the butter and sugar and eggs. These brownies have just that. With half a pound of melted chocolate for a 9x9 inch pan of brownies, these are definitely chocolatey! They are perfect with just a dusting of powdered sugar on top, but if you're feeling adventurous, try frosting them to put them over the top. Peanut butter frosting, mocha frosting, ganache, or like I did this time, cream cheese frosting. They will all be fantastic because of the delicious brownie at the base.

Not only are these brownies delicious, they are also super easy. All you have to do is melt the butter and chocolate in a pan on the stove (or the microwave works too), let it cool for a minute or two, and add in the rest of the ingredients. Mix it all up, pour it in the pan, and bake. Super simple, but oh so yummy! 

Fudgy Brownies

Adapted from Hidden Ponies

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• 1⅓ cups (8 oz) good chocolate
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¾ cup flour
• ½ teaspooon espresso powder (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square or round pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray.

Place butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute, then in additional 30 second increments if necessary until chocolate is mostly melted. Stir to melt chocolate completely.

Whisk sugar, salt, and eggs into chocolate mixture just until combined (don’t overbeat, or the brownie will rise too high and then fall).

With a wooden spoon, stir in flour until no streaks remain.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes (until center is just barely set and toothpick comes out with a few crumbs sticking to it). Do not overbake.