Birthday brownies made with fudgy chocolate brownies, a smooth chocolate frosting, and colorful sprinkles for the perfect celebration treat.
I make these birthday brownies with my homemade chocolate ganache frosting for a clean, rich finish that slices beautifully.
They’re thick, fudgy brownies topped with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, perfect for birthdays, parties, or any chocolate lover.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Extra fudgy texture - Dense, rich brownies that stay soft even after frosting.
- Perfect for celebrations - Chocolate frosting and sprinkles turn simple brownies into real birthday brownies.
- Easy to make ahead -They slice cleanly and hold their shape, ideal for parties and sharing.
Ingredients you need
- Semi-sweet chocolate (about 55–60%): Use good quality baking chocolate, finely chopped.
- Unsalted butter: Regular block butter, not margarine.
- Large eggs: Use room temperature large eggs for best results.
- Granulated white sugar: Standard white sugar, not powdered or brown sugar.
- All-purpose flour: Regular plain flour.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Natural cocoa powder works perfectly.
- Vanilla extract and fine salt: A small amount to balance and enhance the flavor.
- Heavy cream (full-fat, around 30–35%): For the chocolate frosting layer.
- Honey (optional): A small spoonful if you want a slightly softer frosting.
- Sprinkles: Any colorful sprinkles for the birthday finish.
Tips for this recipe
- Don’t overbake - Bake just until the center is slightly set. They will continue to firm up as they cool and stay fudgy.
- Let them cool completely - Frost only fully cooled brownies so the chocolate frosting doesn’t melt.
- Use a scale - Weigh your ingredients for consistent texture and clean results every time.
- Chill before slicing - Refrigerate the frosted brownies for 30 minutes for neat, sharp slices.
- Add sprinkles right away - Sprinkle them on while the frosting is still soft so they stick properly.
How to Make Birthday Brownies
This is my go-to fudgy brownie recipe, rich, dense, and perfectly chocolatey.
Melt the chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until slightly thick and glossy.
Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix just until combined.
Fold in the sifted flour and cocoa powder with a spatula until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix. Pour into a lined pan and spread evenly.
Bake at 175°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. Let cool completely.
The frosting on top is my homemade brownie frosting made with smooth chocolate ganache.
Prepare the chocolate ganache frosting by heating the cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate. Let sit, then stir until smooth. Chill until thickened.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and smooth the top.
Decorate with sprinkles while the frosting is still soft, then chill briefly before slicing for clean birthday brownies.
Storage
Store these birthday brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Let them sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Recipe Variations
- Funfetti birthday brownies - Add rainbow sprinkles directly into the brownie batter for a colorful inside.
- Dark chocolate version - Use 60 to 70% chocolate for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Thicker frosting layer - Increase the ganache slightly for a more bakery-style finish.
- Birthday brownie bites - Cut into small squares or use a mini muffin pan for party portions.
Recipe Questions
Can I make birthday brownies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made 1 to 2 days in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve.
Can I freeze birthday brownies?
Yes, freeze unfrosted brownies tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Why are my brownies too dry?
They were likely overbaked. Remove them when the center is still slightly soft.
More Brownie Recipes
I hope you’ll love this recipe. If you try it, feel free to leave a comment. Happy baking!
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Birthday Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices
Description
These birthday brownies are rich and fudgy, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache frosting and finished with colorful sprinkles. A simple homemade recipe perfect for celebrations and clean, neat slices.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 250 g (1½ cups) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 150 g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 90 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
- 30 g (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
Chocolate Frosting
- 230 g (8 oz) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 230 g (1 cup) heavy cream 30% fat
- 8 g (2 tsp) honey or glucose syrup, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer for 1 to 2 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix just until combined.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold gently into the batter until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center remains slightly soft. Let cool completely.
- For the frosting, place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add honey or glucose syrup if using.
- Heat the heavy cream until just steaming, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir gently from the center outward until smooth and glossy.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until thickened to a spreadable consistency.
- Spread the frosting over the completely cooled brownies.
- Decorate with sprinkles while the frosting is still soft, then chill briefly before slicing for clean edges.
Notes
Storage : Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips :
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements and consistent results.
- Do not overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Chill before slicing for sharp, clean cuts.
- Blend the ganache briefly with an immersion blender if you want an extra smooth finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Brownies, cake
- Cuisine: American
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