I’ve always been passionate about baking but had to take a break due to my dietary restrictions. Recently, I decided to start baking again and develop a recipe catering to my taste preferences and dietary requirements. I’m thrilled to share this simple yet luxuriously rich cakey brownie recipe today, topped with delightful cocoa powder icing. What sets these brownies apart is the unique twist of a rich cocoa icing. This icing amplifies the chocolate flavor and provides a compelling contrast to the cakey texture of the brownies. It’s a perfect marriage of moist cake and creamy topping, promising a delightful surprise with every bite.
What you need to make this cakey brownie recipe
Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Nonstick Baking Pan / Nonstick Cake Pan, Square – 9 Inch, Gray
Let’s dive into the ingredients for our brownies. The best part is that they’re all simple; you probably have most of them in your pantry. This simplicity is what makes this recipe so accessible and enjoyable.
For the brownie mix, you will need:
– Flour: This is the base of our brownie mix. It provides structure to the brownies.
– Cocoa Powder: This gives our brownies a rich chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
– Margarine: This adds moisture and richness to our brownies, keeping them soft and tender.
– Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, making the brownies even more delicious.
– Eggs: The eggs bind everything together and give our brownies a nice cakey texture.
– Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch will do. Salt enhances all the other flavors and makes the chocolate taste even better.
– Baking Powder: This helps the brownies rise and achieve a nice, cakey texture.
For the cocoa icing, you’ll need:
– Cocoa Powder: This helps make the icing just as chocolatey as the brownies.
– Margarine: Melted margarine provides the icing with a smooth, creamy texture.
– Milk: This helps thin out the icing to the right consistency.
– Icing Sugar: Finally, icing sugar sweetens the icing and gives it a nice, glossy finish.
Easy cakey brownie recipe with luscious cocoa powder icing
Ingredients
Brownie batter
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
Icing
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 3-4 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 cup icing sugar
Instructions
Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder in a medium bowl.
- Cream the margarine and the sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat lightly, one egg at a time, into the cream.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before icing.
Icing
- Add 1/2 cup of margarine (for icing) in a saucepan and heat over low heat. Once melted, add the 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder and stir until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Gradually pour the 45 ml milk and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and heated.
- Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups icing sugar to the mixture, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the icing evenly
- Chill in the fridge for an hour or overnight, then cut into squares and serve.
How Do These Cakey Brownies Differ from Fudgy or Chewy Brownies?
Cakey brownies, like the ones in this recipe, have a lighter, more cake-like texture. You can achieve the texture by using more flour and baking powder, which gives the brownies a fluffier and more airy structure. Here are the main differences between cakey, fudgy, and chewy brownies:
Cakey Brownies:
- They are light, fluffy, and airy, similar to a piece of cake.
- Generally, the batter includes more flour and baking powder. It may also have less fat (such as butter or margarine) than fudgy brownies.
- They are still moist but less dense than fudgy brownies.
- The batter is still risen and less dense, thanks to the leavening agents like baking powder.
Fudgy Brownies:
- They are dense, moist, and gooey, with a rich chocolate flavor.
- Use more fat (butter, margarine, or oil) and less flour. They often include melted chocolate or a higher proportion of cocoa powder.
- They are moist and rich, almost like a thick, slightly underbaked batter.
Chewy Brownies:
- Slightly dense and chewy, with a bit of a bite.
- Balanced between the ingredients of cakey and fudgy brownies, sometimes include more eggs and a combination of brown and granulated sugar.
- Moist but not as gooey as fudgy brownies.
- Chewy with a slightly crispy top, thanks to the sugar content and baking technique.
In summary, cakey brownies provide a light, airy alternative to the denser and richer fudgy and chewy varieties. This makes them perfect for those who prefer a more cake-like dessert while still enjoying the traditional brownies’ rich, chocolatey flavor. The added cocoa icing in this recipe enhances the chocolate experience, giving a delightful contrast to the light texture of the brownies.
I’m looking forward to trying more brownie variations, and I hope you will enjoy making this cakey brownie recipe. Let me know how it turns out for you. Remember to pin and share.
Happy cooking!