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Easy Frosted Box-Mix Brownies for 20

easy frosted box-mix brownies - featured image

A quick, budget-friendly brownie recipe using a box mix, topped with a creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for serving a crowd of 20 with fudgy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box of brownie mix (Ghirardelli or Betty Crocker recommended)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the box brownie mix, 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 1/4 cup water. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Start checking at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  5. Cool the brownies completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or chill in the fridge for 20 minutes if in a hurry.
  6. Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons milk. Beat on medium speed until fluffy and spreadable, adjusting milk to achieve desired consistency.
  7. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula.
  8. Cut into 20 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy. Use room temperature eggs for better texture. Cool brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting. Adjust frosting consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar as needed. Frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownies, box mix brownies, frosted brownies, easy dessert, budget-friendly dessert, party dessert, chocolate frosting