INTRODUCTION
Frosted Easter Brownies are a bright and easy treat for spring. They pair soft, chocolate brownies with sweet, colorful frosting. You can make them fast with a boxed brownie mix and a simple powdered sugar frosting. Kids love to help decorate, and adults like how pretty they look on a party table. If you like rich treats, you might also like fudgy zucchini brownies as another easy dessert idea.
This recipe uses a boxed mix for the brownies and a few pantry items for the frosting. You add food color and Easter sprinkles to make the top fun and bright. The result is a tasty tray of squares that are easy to share at any spring get-together.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these brownies because they are simple and fast. The boxed mix saves time. The frosting needs only powdered sugar, butter, and milk. You can make different colors to match any party theme. The recipe uses common ingredients, so you do not need to buy many special items.
This recipe is also very flexible. You can make the brownies thicker or thinner. You can choose pastel colors for a soft look or bright colors for fun. The easy frosting spreads smooth and holds sprinkles well. This makes it a good choice for beginner bakers and for busy hosts who need a quick, pretty dessert. This style of frosted treat is similar to other party bars like frosted sugar cookie bars that are simple to make and fun to share.
HOW TO MAKE Frosted Easter Brownies
This section explains how to make the brownies from start to finish. The steps are short and clear. You will mix and bake the brownies, then make the frosting and decorate.
Start by reading the box directions for the brownie mix. Gather the eggs, oil, and water the mix asks for. Then follow the mix directions to make the batter. Pour it into a greased pan and bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting so the frosting does not melt.
When the brownies are cool, whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk until the frosting is smooth. Divide the frosting into small bowls and add food color to each bowl. Use a spatula to spread one color thick or thin, or add stripes of color. Sprinkle Easter-themed decorations on top. If you want a filled version, you can look for ideas like peanut butter stuffed brownies to change up the center.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowl for brownies
- Whisk or spoon for batter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8 or 9×13 greased baking dish (choose size by desired thickness)
- Spatula for spreading batter and frosting
- Small bowls for dividing frosting colors
- Cooling rack
- Knife for cutting squares
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 box brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water (as required by the brownie mix), 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, softened, 2 tablespoons milk, food coloring (for decoration), Easter-themed sprinkles or candy
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix instructions.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions, adding eggs, oil, and water.
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking dish and bake for the recommended time.
- While the brownies are baking, make the frosting by combining powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Once the brownies are baked and cooled, spread the frosting over the top.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to create different colors.
- Decorate the frosted brownies with Easter-themed sprinkles or candy.
- Cut into squares and serve at your spring or Easter party.
HOW TO SERVE Frosted Easter Brownies
Serve these brownies at room temperature. Arrange squares on a simple tray or a pretty plate. You can stack them in rows or make a pattern with colors. For parties, place small paper liners under each square to make them easy to pick up. If you want a warm option, try heating a square for 8 to 10 seconds in the microwave for a soft, slightly gooey bite.
Serve with cold milk, tea, or coffee. For a light dessert table, pair the brownies with fresh fruit or simple cookies. If you set out napkins and small forks, guests can eat them neatly. For kids, you can add small paper flags or place cards to show flavor notes or who made them.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Frosted Easter Brownies
To store, put the brownies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. If your room is warm, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
To freeze, cut the brownies into squares and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer in the freezer for one hour. Then move the frozen squares into a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. If you want to freeze unfrosted brownies, wrap them tightly and freeze. Frost after they thaw for the freshest look.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Offer small plates and forks for a sit-down dessert.
- Make a dessert board with brownies, fruit, and cookies for a buffet-style table. For a themed table, add other spring treats like ultimate fudgy zucchini brownies to make a varied tray.
- For a kids’ table, make mini squares and place them in cupcake liners.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a warm-and-cold dessert.
- Serve with a simple glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for colder days.
VARIATIONS
You can change the recipe in many small ways to make new flavors or looks.
- Color mix: Use pastel colors like light pink, baby blue, pale yellow, and soft green.
- Candy mix: Add small chocolate eggs, mini marshmallows, or chopped candy on top.
- Texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts or toasted coconut on one corner of the pan for variety.
- Filled brownies: Try adding a layer of peanut butter or jam in the middle before baking for a surprise center. You can find methods for stuffed brownies at fudgy zucchini brownies for inspiration on adding mix-ins.
- Frosting flavor: Add a drop of vanilla or almond extract to the frosting for extra taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade brownies instead of a boxed mix?
A: Yes. Make your favorite homemade brownie and let them cool before frosting.
Q: How do I keep the frosting soft?
A: Store at room temperature in a sealed container. If it gets dry, add a little milk and stir before using.
Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes. Keep the frosting in the fridge in a sealed container. Let it come to room temperature and stir before spreading.
Q: Will the sprinkles melt into the frosting?
A: No. If the brownies are cool and the frosting is set, sprinkles should stay on top. Add them right after you spread the frosting.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
A: Yes. Use two pans or a larger pan and adjust the bake time as needed.
Q: Are these safe for kids with nut allergies?
A: Use nut-free sprinkles and check the brownie mix label. Many mixes are made in facilities that process nuts, so check if you need a certified nut-free product.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Frosted Easter Brownies
You can make the brownies a day ahead. Bake and cool them, then wrap the tray tightly and store in the fridge. Make the frosting the next day and decorate before serving. If you need more time, freeze the unfrosted brownies and thaw before frosting.
Make the frosting a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and beat it smooth before using. You can also pre-portion sprinkles and candies in small bowls so you can decorate quickly when guests arrive.
Frosted Easter Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix instructions.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions, adding eggs, oil, and water.
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking dish and bake for the recommended time.
- Once baked, let the brownies cool completely.
- While the brownies are baking, make the frosting by combining powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk in a bowl.
- Mix until smooth.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to create different colors.
- Spread the colored frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Decorate with Easter-themed sprinkles or candy.
- Cut into squares and serve.