Short Description

These rich, chewy vanilla brownies are a delightful twist on the traditional chocolate version. Buttery, soft, and full of pure vanilla flavor, they’re topped with a smooth and fluffy vanilla buttercream for an irresistible sweet treat ideal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s indulgent yet simple, these vanilla brownies are the answer. With their tender, dense crumb and rich buttery taste, they offer all the satisfaction of a brownie—without the chocolate. The creamy vanilla icing adds a luxurious finish, making them perfect for parties, bake sales, or a cozy night in. Easy to prepare and beautiful when sliced, these frosted bars are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Vanilla Brownies:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

For the Vanilla Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform batter forms.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Chill slightly for cleaner slices, then cut into squares and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: 325 kcal

Variations

Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Frosting twist: Add a dash of almond extract or citrus zest to the frosting for a subtle flavor variation.
Glaze topping: Instead of frosting, drizzle with vanilla glaze for a lighter finish.
Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Mini version: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized frosted brownie bites.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted or frosted brownies in a single layer, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Best served at room temperature. If desired, microwave individual slices for 10 seconds for a slightly warm bite.

FAQs

Are vanilla brownies the same as blondies?

They are similar but not identical. Vanilla brownies tend to be denser and richer, while blondies often have a more butterscotch-like flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger baking dish (such as a 10×15 inch pan) and increase baking time slightly.

Can I make these without frosting?

Absolutely. These brownies are delicious on their own, or you can dust with powdered sugar as a lighter alternative.

What kind of vanilla extract should I use?

Pure vanilla extract is best for flavor. Avoid imitation vanilla if possible.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes. Bake and frost a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Why do I need to chill the brownies before slicing?

Chilling firms up the frosting and the brownie base, resulting in cleaner, more precise cuts.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional pinch of salt in both the batter and frosting.

Do I need a hand mixer for the frosting?

While a hand mixer makes the process easier and results fluffier, you can whisk by hand—it will just require more effort.

How do I make the frosting smoother?

Ensure the butter is fully softened and beat until light and airy. If needed, add an extra teaspoon of cream to reach your desired texture.

Are these brownies overly sweet?

The sweetness is balanced by the rich butter and light frosting. If preferred, reduce the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup.

Conclusion

Frosted Vanilla Brownies with Creamy Butter Vanilla Icing offer a delightful break from chocolate while delivering all the comfort and indulgence of a classic dessert bar. Moist, flavorful, and simple to prepare, these bars are perfect for everything from lunchbox treats to elegant dessert trays. With a soft texture and sweet vanilla finish, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking collection.

Frosted Vanilla Brownies with Creamy Butter Vanilla Icing

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These rich and chewy vanilla brownies are soft, buttery, and packed with vanilla flavor — the perfect alternative to chocolate. Topped with a fluffy vanilla butter frosting, they’re an irresistible treat for any sweet craving.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until a smooth batter forms.
Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cream. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies. Chill slightly before slicing for clean edges.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing and better texture.
Chilling before slicing helps achieve cleaner edges.
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Can be frozen (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 325
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg