Buttermilk Brownies

By srumbel

I followed the easy instructions exactly, and the result was amazing. Rich, fudgy brownies that have a slight tang from the buttermilk. They really are irresistible. You can’t tell from the pictures, because the frosting covers it, but these brownies have that crackly top that I love. And the frosting? The frosting tastes like spreadable fudge. No kidding. It is so good. Combine the rich, fudgy brownie with a spreadable fudge frosting and you have brownies that require hiding because it will be hard to have any self-control!
from a-kitchen-addiction.com

Ingredients

• For the Brownies
• softened butter, for the pan
• 1/2 C (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 C unsweetened baking cocoa powder
• 1/2 C vegetable oil
• 2 C all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 C granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 C buttermilk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Frosting
• 1/2 C (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 C buttermilk
• 1/4 C unsweetened baking cocoa powder
• 1 (1-pound) box powdered sugar (4 3/4 cups)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Preparation

Step 1

For the brownies, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with softened butter; set the pan aside.
Heat the butter, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and allow to cool just until warm; set aside.
Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
Combine the granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the cooled cocoa mixture.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
For the frosting, combine the butter, buttermilk, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat.
Combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the sugar mixture, beating with an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until smooth and creamy. Allow to cool completely.
After the brownies have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Serves: 20