Ingredients
Scale
- FOR THE BROWNIES:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for clean frosting application.
- While the brownies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increasing to medium until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
- Cut into squares and serve. For best results, chill the frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes before cutting to allow the frosting to set.
Notes
Ensure your brownies are fully cooled before adding the frosting, otherwise it will melt. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or edible glitter over the frosting before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg