Name: Fudgy Frosted Brownies with Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cut into 6-8 slices; 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; ¾ cup (150g) firmly packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature preferred; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (113g) finely chopped walnuts, plus more for garnish if desired; 2 ounces (57g) unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped; ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 to 4 Tablespoons (30-60mL) milk or cream; 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar; ⅛ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 1 review

If you have a craving for something deeply indulgent yet delightfully nutty, you’re going to adore this Fudgy Frosted Brownies with Walnuts Recipe. These brownies are the ultimate treat—rich, moist, and decadently coated with a silky chocolate fudge frosting that melts in your mouth. The addition of crunchy walnuts brings a fantastic contrast in texture, making every bite an irresistible blend of soft, gooey chocolate and nutty crunch. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to for chocolatey comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black saucepan with a black handle holds a base layer of dark brown chopped chocolate pieces, topped with several uneven pale yellow butter cubes scattered around. The saucepan sits on a white marbled surface, and soft natural light highlights the smooth and slightly glossy texture of the butter contrasting with the rough, broken chocolate beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Fudgy Frosted Brownies with Walnuts Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the luscious texture, deep flavor, and beautiful appearance of this dessert.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, cut into slices): This ensures creamy richness and moisture within the brownies.
Semi-sweet chocolate (8 ounces, coarsely chopped): Adds intense chocolate flavor and smooth fudginess.
Light brown sugar (¾ cup, firmly packed): Brings a subtle molasses note and soft chewiness.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Large eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure, moisture, and richness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolate notes with a warm aroma.
All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Gives the brownies their sturdy yet delicate body.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor complexity.
Walnuts (1 cup, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish): Offer a delightful crunch and earthy undertone.
Unsweetened baking chocolate (2 ounces, coarsely chopped): Essential for the rich, glossy fudge frosting.
Unsalted butter for frosting (¼ cup): Adds creaminess and body to the frosting.
Milk or cream (2 to 4 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Contributes smooth sweetness and light texture to the frosting.
Salt for frosting (⅛ teaspoon): A pinch to balance and highlight the sweetness in the frosting.

How to Make Fudgy Frosted Brownies with Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line an 8″ or 9″ square metal baking pan with foil. Don’t forget to spray it with nonstick spray so your brownies come out clean and intact. This prep step makes sure everything bakes evenly and you get those perfect edges we all love.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt your butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate together. Stir frequently so the mixture turns silky smooth without burning. After everything’s melted, set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes. This cool-down helps keep the eggs from scrambling when added next.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Eggs

Whisk the light brown sugar and granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture until they blend seamlessly. Then add your eggs one by one, whisking after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. The vanilla extract comes next, infusing this mix with fragrant warmth that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Walnuts

Gently fold in the flour and salt just until the batter mostly comes together—overmixing here could toughen the brownies, so a light hand is key. Then stir in the finely chopped walnuts, distributing that toasty crunch throughout every portion of brownie batter.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. The fudginess comes from not overbaking, so watch it closely toward the end. Allow the brownies to cool completely before moving on to the frosting.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Fudge Frosting

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsweetened baking chocolate with the ¼ cup of butter, stirring constantly to avoid burning. After removing from heat, cool the mixture for about 15 minutes. Then in a mixing bowl, combine this chocolate-butter blend with vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Slowly add powdered sugar and salt while mixing on low speed, then increase to medium until smooth and creamy. If the frosting thickens too much, add a splash more milk to reach the spreadable consistency you desire.

Step 7: Frost Your Brownies

Lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the foil edges and place them on a cutting board. Spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Finish by sprinkling extra walnuts over the frosting for a beautiful, crunchy garnish. You can slice and serve immediately or let the frosting set slightly for a firmer finish.

How to Serve Fudgy Frosted Brownies with Walnuts Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a single square brownie piece with three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and dense with a slightly cracked texture, the middle layer is a smoother medium-dark brown, and the top layer is a lighter brown with a crumbly texture. The top is sprinkled with light tan chopped nuts. The brownie sits on white parchment paper placed on a wooden board with natural grain. The background is a white marbled surface, softly blurred, emphasizing the rich, textured layers of the brownie. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top doesn’t just enhance texture but visually signals the nutty goodness inside. For an extra special touch, toss in a pinch of flaky sea salt, which contrasts beautifully with the deep chocolate flavors and makes each bite sparkle.

Side Dishes

These brownies shine on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to the next level. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also bring a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the brownies into a rustic tower for a party centerpiece, or cut them into mini squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for easy snacking at events. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper tied with twine turns them into charming homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps them moist and the frosting perfectly soft. If you prefer a firmer frosting, refrigerate but bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These brownies freeze wonderfully! Whether frosted or unfrosted, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warm brownies, gently microwave an individual piece for 15-20 seconds. Warming releases that molten chocolate goodness and slightly softens the frosting without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully and will give a slightly different but equally delightful crunch. Just make sure to chop them finely to distribute evenly in the batter.

What if I don’t have unsweetened baking chocolate for the frosting?

You can substitute with bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, but reduce the powdered sugar slightly to keep the frosting balanced. It will be a bit sweeter but still delicious.

How do I prevent the brownies from drying out?

Keep a close eye on baking times and make sure to cool the brownies completely before frosting. Proper storage in an airtight container also helps maintain moisture.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend measured 1:1. The texture might be slightly different, but the taste remains incredible.

Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?

While not mandatory, room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and help create a smoother batter. If you forget, you can warm cold eggs quickly by placing them in warm water for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sinking your teeth into a freshly baked batch of Fudgy Frosted Brownies with Walnuts Recipe. The harmonious marriage of velvety chocolate, buttery bite, and crunchy walnuts hits all the right spots. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and see how easily it becomes your family’s favorite chocolate treat. Happy baking and savor every luscious bite!