Contents
- 1 A Sweet Change
- 2 My First Batch
- 3 The Secret is in the Mixing
- 4 That Special Frosting
- 5 Why We Bake
- 6 Ingredients:
- 7 My Vanilla Brownies: A Sweet Little Hug
- 8 Three Tasty Twists to Try
- 9 Serving Your Sweet Masterpiece
- 10 Keeping Your Brownies Fresh and Tasty
- 11 Simple Fixes for Common Brownie Troubles
- 12 Your Quick Brownie Questions Answered
- 13 Thank You for Baking With Me
- 14 Soft Chewy Vanilla Brownies with White Chocolate
A Sweet Change
Sometimes you just need a little change. Chocolate is wonderful. But a vanilla brownie feels like a sunny day.
It is soft, chewy, and full of sweet white chocolate. I love how the kitchen smells when these are baking. It smells like a happy memory.
My First Batch
I first made these for my grandson. He said they tasted like a sugar cookie and a brownie had a baby. I still laugh at that.
He was right. They are a lovely mix of both. This matters because trying new things in the kitchen can bring such joy. What is the best new recipe you have tried lately?
The Secret is in the Mixing
Do not overmix your batter. Just stir until you see no more white flour. A few little lumps are just fine.
This keeps your brownies soft and chewy. Overmixing can make them tough. Fun fact: Clear vanilla keeps the frosting a pretty white color.
That Special Frosting
The frosting has a tiny bit of almond extract. It makes the flavor sing. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
Let the brownies cool completely before you frost them. I know it is hard to wait. But if you frost them warm, the frosting will melt right off.
Why We Bake
Baking is not just about eating something sweet. It is about the making. It is about sharing what you make with people you love.
That is why this matters. A simple pan of brownies can make an ordinary day feel special. Who will you share these with?
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Eggs | 2 large | room temperature |
Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup | |
Clear vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons | room temperature |
White chocolate baking bars | 6 ounces | chopped into small pieces |
All-purpose flour | 1 cup | |
Unsalted butter (Frosting) | 5 tablespoons | room temperature |
Powdered sugar (Frosting) | 2 cups | |
Heavy cream (Frosting) | 2 tablespoons | |
Clear vanilla extract (Frosting) | 1 teaspoon | |
Almond extract (Frosting) | 1/2 teaspoon | |
Salt (Frosting) | 1/4 teaspoon |
My Vanilla Brownies: A Sweet Little Hug
Hello, my dear. Come sit with me for a moment. I want to tell you about my vanilla brownies. They are not like the chocolate ones. These are soft, chewy, and full of sweet white chocolate. They feel like a warm hug on a cloudy day. I love how simple they are to make. We can have them ready in no time at all.
Let’s get our bowls ready. First, we need to wake up our oven. Turn it to 350°F. Now, line your baking pan with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides a bit. This is our secret for getting the brownies out later. I still laugh at the time I forgot this step. What a sticky mess that was!
Step 1
Grab a small bowl. Lightly beat your eggs with the sugar, vanilla, and salt. A good whisk does the trick. It should look a little frothy. Set this lovely yellow mixture aside for now. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 2
Now, let’s melt the good stuff. Use a saucepan on medium-low heat. Put in your butter and chopped white chocolate. Stir it often so it doesn’t burn. (My hard-learned tip: white chocolate burns easily, so watch it like a little hawk!). Take it off the heat as soon as it’s smooth.
Step 3
Stir the flour right into that warm, melted chocolate. It will get very thick. That’s perfectly fine! Now, pour in your egg mixture. Whisk it all together until it becomes one smooth, beautiful batter. It reminds me of sweet, vanilla-scented clouds.
Step 4
Pour your batter into the waiting pan. Spread it out nicely. Pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a lovely golden color. Let the pan cool completely on the counter. This takes patience, my dear!
While we wait, let’s make the frosting. It’s a special one with a hint of almond. Beat the butter until it’s fluffy. Then add the powdered sugar and cream, bit by bit. Finally, add the vanilla and almond extract. Beat it until it’s light and dreamy. What’s your favorite frosting flavor? Share below!
When your brownies are cool, spread the frosting on top. Then, cut them into squares. Each one is a little piece of happiness. I love seeing the smiles they bring.
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies
Category: Dessert, Baking
Three Tasty Twists to Try
This recipe is like a favorite story. You can tell it a little differently each time. Here are some fun ways to change it up. I think you’ll love these ideas.
Berry Blast
Fold a handful of dried cranberries or raspberries into the batter. They add a lovely, tart little surprise.
Citrus Sunshine
Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter. It makes the whole kitchen smell like a sunny garden.
Nutty Crunch
Stir in some chopped macadamia nuts. They give a wonderful buttery crunch next to the soft chocolate.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Sweet Masterpiece
Now, how shall we enjoy our creation? A brownie is wonderful all on its own. But sometimes, a little extra touch makes it a real event.
I love serving a square slightly warm. Place it in a pretty bowl with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The way the ice cream melts over the warm brownie is pure magic. You could also add a few fresh raspberries on the side for a pop of color.
What to drink? A cold glass of milk is always the best friend to a brownie. For the grown-ups, a sweet dessert wine or a creamy coffee liqueur pairs beautifully. It’s a lovely way to end an evening. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Brownies Fresh and Tasty
Let’s talk about storing these sweet treats. They will last three days in the fridge. Just cover the pan tightly with foil.
You can also freeze them for later. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them all in a freezer bag.
I once sent a whole batch to my grandson. They traveled frozen in the mail. He said they tasted like I just baked them.
To reheat, just warm a slice in the microwave. Ten seconds is all you need. This makes the frosting soft and gooey again.
Batch cooking saves you time for busy days. It also means you always have a sweet snack ready. This matters for happy, stress-free kitchens.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Brownie Troubles
Sometimes, brownies can be tricky. But do not worry. I have simple fixes for you.
First, if your brownies are too cakey, you may have over-mixed. I remember when my first batch was too puffy. Just mix the batter until it is combined.
Second, if the white chocolate burns, your heat was too high. Always melt it on medium-low. Stir it often with a wooden spoon.
Third, if your frosting is too runny, the butter was too soft. Your butter should be cool to the touch. This helps the frosting become fluffy.
Getting the texture right builds your confidence. It also makes the flavor perfect. This matters because good food brings people joy.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Brownie Questions Answered
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It works just as well.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Bake them the day before. Frost them right before you serve.
Q: What if I do not have almond extract?
A: That is fine. Use more vanilla extract instead. The flavor will still be lovely.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: You can. Use a 9×13-inch pan. You might need a few more minutes to bake.
Q: Is the frosting optional?
A: It is. The brownies are delicious plain too. It is all about what you like.
Fun fact: Clear vanilla keeps the frosting a pretty, bright white!
Which tip will you try first?
Thank You for Baking With Me
I hope you love these vanilla brownies. Baking them always fills my kitchen with happy memories. I love sharing these recipes with you.
It would make my day to see your creation. Please share a photo of your beautiful brownies. You can show all your friends too.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Soft Chewy Vanilla Brownies with White Chocolate
Description
Vanilla brownies bake up soft, chewy, and loaded with sweet white chocolate chips. They’re quick to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
=== Vanilla Brownies ===
=== Frosting ===
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Be sure that you have excess parchment to hang over the sides of the pan to easily remove the vanilla brownies from the pan once cooled.
- In a small mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs, granulated sugar, clear vanilla extract, and salt with a whisk until fully combined. Set aside.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, on medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter and chopped white chocolate baking bars. Stir often to prevent burning the chocolate. Remove from the heat as soon as the chocolate and butter are fully incorporated, and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour to the melted white chocolate and stir until all the flour has been incorporated into the melted chocolate. Your mixture will be thick.
- Add the egg mixture to the white chocolate mixture and whisk until all the ingredients come together and the vanilla brownie batter is smooth.
- Transfer the vanilla brownie batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Allow the baked brownies to cool completely on the counter before frosting.
- While your vanilla brownies are baking and cooling, you can make your frosting by adding the unsalted butter to a large mixing bowl and beating it for 1 to 2 minutes, using a handheld mixer on medium speed until the butter is light and fluffy.
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to the beaten butter and beat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the heavy cream to the powdered sugar and beat for an additional minute until smooth.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar and beat again for 1 minute.
- Finally, add the remaining heavy cream, clear vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until you have a smooth and fluffy frosting.
- Once the vanilla brownies have cooled completely, you can frost them using an offset spatula.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. For a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup.