The Best Brownies Ever

My Mom’s Famous Recipe!

Soft, chocolatey, nostalgic — and absolutely irresistible

These brownies are truly the best brownies ever — and I don’t say that lightly. Growing up, my mom made these all the time, and my friends were absolutely obsessed with them. Anytime someone came over, they asked, “Is your mom making the brownies?” They’re rich without being too heavy, soft and tender like a Texas sheet cake, and topped with the most heavenly chocolate frosting.

They’re the kind of brownies that disappear in minutes… the kind that make people ask for the recipe… and the kind that taste like childhood, comfort, and home.

After years of watching my mom bake these, then making them through college and now for my own family, I can confidently say: this recipe is magic.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

• 1 cup butter

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 1 cup water

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup buttermilk

• 1 pound powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make the Best Brownies Ever

1. Make the chocolate base

In a saucepan, melt the butter with the water and cocoa powder. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well so there are no lumps.

3. Mix the buttermilk mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten eggs, and vanilla.

4. Combine the wet ingredients

Once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the buttermilk mixture. Beat with a mixer until smooth and fully combined.

5. Bring everything together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is fully combined and silky.

6. Tap out air bubbles

Pour into a greased baking pan and tap the pan on the counter 3–4 times to release any air.

7. Bake

Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, depending on your oven. The center should be set.

Make the Frosting (the best part!)

1. Melt + mix

In a saucepan, melt the butter with the cocoa powder and buttermilk.

2. Add the sugar + vanilla

Remove from heat. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.

3. Pour over warm brownies

Allow the brownies to cool then, spread the frosting over the brownies!

Why These Brownies Are Truly the Best

• They’re a cross between brownies and Texas sheet cake

• The frosting melts into the warm brownies… unreal

• No fancy ingredients — just pantry staples

• They stay soft and moist for days

• They make every gathering feel special

• They carry all the nostalgia of childhood baking days

These brownies are the kind of dessert you bring to a potluck and immediately become everyone’s favorite person.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip tapping the pan — it gives you the perfect even texture.

• Frost while warm for that magical melt-in layer.

• Double the frosting if you’re a chocolate lover (no judgment!).

• They freeze beautifully — just slice and wrap individually.

I Hope You Love These as Much as I Do!

This recipe has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember, and it’s one of the most special things I make. If you try these brownies, tag me on Instagram @weeknight_homemaker — I love seeing your bakes and sharing nostalgic recipes with you!

With Love,

Lauren Morgan