If you love chocolate desserts, you’ll want to try these buttermilk brownies. They’re rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor with a slight tang from the buttermilk. The result is a soft, tender brownie that’s perfect for any occasion—easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why We Love This Buttermilk Brownies Recipe
Buttermilk brownies are beloved by many, and it’s easy to see why. They strike the perfect balance between texture and flavor. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the slight acidity of buttermilk, resulting in a brownie that’s not overly sweet. The addition of semi-sweet chocolate morsels creates delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout, making each bite a chocolate lover’s dream.
Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or chilled in the refrigerator, these brownies are versatile enough for any occasion. They’re perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home. Plus, the simple ingredients and straightforward process make them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these delicious buttermilk brownies.
Ingredients for Buttermilk Brownies
To create these mouthwatering buttermilk brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
For the frosting, gather:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
How to Make Buttermilk Brownies
Let’s discuss how to bring these delicious brownies to life. Follow these simple directions for a guaranteed success.
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare your baking dish.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This will help keep your brownies from sticking.
Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your unsalted butter, dark chocolate cocoa powder, and vegetable oil. Stir the mixture continuously until it comes to a boil. Once boiled, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
Combine the Mixtures: Slowly incorporate the slightly cooled butter mixture into the sugar and egg mixture. Whisk until fully blended.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gently stir the mixture with a spatula until just combined – do not overmix.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add the semi-sweet chocolate morsels to the batter. Fold them in carefully.
Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool.
Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In another saucepan, combine unsalted butter, buttermilk, and cocoa powder over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove it from the heat and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Frost the Brownies: Pour the frosting over the still-warm brownies. It doesn’t need to cool completely. Sprinkle with additional chocolate morsels for added texture and flavor.
Chill: Place the brownies in the refrigerator for about two hours to set.
Serve and Enjoy: Once set, remove from the refrigerator, cut into bars, and enjoy!
How to Serve Buttermilk Brownies
Buttermilk brownies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving them. Here are some delightful suggestions:
Plain or Frosted: Enjoy your brownies plain for a classic treat or go for the full indulgence by serving them with the decadent frosting. Both are equally mouthwatering!
Pair with Ice Cream: For a dessert that’s truly special, serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast.
Top with Berries: Fresh raspberries or strawberries can add a refreshing element to your dessert. Arrange some berries on the side or sprinkle them over the top for a touch of color.
Garnish: Consider garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or chocolate shavings for visual appeal. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can also enhance the richness.
Coffee or Tea: For a cozy afternoon treat, serve your brownies with a cup of coffee or a pot of tea. The flavors meld beautifully, providing a satisfying experience.
No matter how you choose to serve these brownies, they’re sure to be a hit!
Expert Tips for Making Buttermilk Brownies
Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Quality ingredients make all the difference in baking.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. A few flour streaks are okay. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test to check if your brownies are baked perfectly. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Cooling Changes the Texture: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan. This will help them firm up and make slicing easier without crumbling.
Taste as You Go: Always taste your frosting. Adjust the sweetness or cocoa as it suits your taste. You want it to complement your brownies perfectly.
How to Store Buttermilk Brownies
Storing your buttermilk brownies properly ensures they maintain their taste and texture. Follow these tips:
Airtight Container: Once cooled and cut, store your brownies in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and moist.
Refrigeration: These brownies can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chill can even enhance the flavor as they sit.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Variations of Buttermilk Brownies
While the classic recipe is delicious, you might enjoy experimenting with different variations. Here are a few ideas to customize your buttermilk brownies:
Nutty Brownies: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into your batter for a delightful crunch. Nuts not only complement the chocolate but add an additional layer of flavor.
Mint-Chocolate: Incorporate mint extract into your brownie batter and frosting for a refreshing twist. Top with crushed peppermint candies for a holiday treat!
Peanut Butter Swirl: For peanut butter lovers, fold in some creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter swirl before baking. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
Cream Cheese: Create a cream cheese marble brownie by incorporating a plain cream cheese mixture into your brownie batter. This adds a delightful contrast to the chocolate base.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter. It creates a unique flavor profile that pairs exceptionally well with chocolate.
FAQ about Buttermilk Brownies
What makes buttermilk brownies different from regular brownies?
Buttermilk brownies differ from regular brownies due to the addition of buttermilk. This ingredient contributes to a moist texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, creating a more complex flavor profile.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can substitute regular milk, you can enhance its acidity to mimic buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using.
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with moist crumbs, they are finished. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give them a few more minutes.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-free diets. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How long do buttermilk brownies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, buttermilk brownies can last up to a week in the refrigerator. If you choose to freeze them, they can remain fresh for up to three months.
Buttermilk Brownies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Whisk
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Chocolate Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until combined. Stir in vanilla and buttermilk.
- Add the cocoa mixture to the egg mixture and stir well.
- Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting, if using.
- To make frosting, melt butter with cocoa and buttermilk in a saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies.