Name: Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light-brown sugar; ¼ tsp salt; 10 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 large eggs; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; For Frosting:; 3 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp light-brown sugar; 2 tbsp milk; ⅓ cup dulce de leche; ¼ tsp vanilla extract; 1¼ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup peanuts

Delight your taste buds with these decadent Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies. These brownies are rich, chewy, and topped with a layer of creamy dulce de leche frosting and crunchy peanuts. It's a wonderful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering a blend of textures and flavors that are sure to impress.

Photos of Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies Recipe

The ingredient list includes Dulce de Leche and Peanuts. Dulce de Leche is a South American caramel-like sauce made from condensed milk that can often be found in the international food section of your local supermarket. If you cannot locate it, you could substitute it with a good quality caramel sauce. Peanuts add crunch and a pleasant nutty flavor to the brownies. If you don't typically have these in your pantry, they can be found in the snack or baking aisle of your grocery store.

Ingredients for Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

All-purpose flour: This is the base of the brownies, providing structure and texture.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their rich, chocolatey flavor.

Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: These sweeten the brownies and the frosting, and the brown sugar also adds a touch of molasses flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Used in both the brownies and the frosting to give richness and moisture.

Eggs and egg yolk: The eggs bind the ingredients together and the extra yolk makes the brownies extra fudgy.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors in both the brownies and the frosting.

Dulce de Leche: A sweet, caramel-like sauce used in the frosting.

Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and bulk to the frosting.

Peanuts: Gives the frosting a delicious nutty crunch.

One reader, Collen Brandt says:

These nutty dulce de leche frosted brownies are a game-changer! The rich, fudgy brownie base perfectly complements the creamy, nutty frosting. The combination of chocolate and caramel is simply divine. It's a must-try for all dessert lovers!

Collen Brandt

Essential Techniques for Making Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

How to prepare the brownie batter: Mix together the dry ingredients, then add the melted butter and eggs, and stir until evenly moistened. Pour the batter into a baking dish and spread it into an even layer before baking.

How to make the dulce de leche frosting: In a saucepan, bring the butter, milk, and light brown sugar to a boil, then stir in the dulce de leche and vanilla. Add the powdered sugar and whisk until well blended, then stir in the peanuts before spreading the frosting over the cooled brownies.

How To Make Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

Whip up some fudy chocolate brownies with this easy brownies recipe! It’s frosted with a rich dulce de leche, and packed with peanuts for a crunchy treat!

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupall-purpose flour
½cupunsweetened cocoa powder
¾cupgranulated sugar
½cuplight-brown sugar,packed
¼tspsalt
10tbspunsalted butter,melted
2large eggs
1large egg yolk
1tspvanilla extract

For Frosting:

3tbspbutter
3tbsplight-brown sugar,packed
2tbspmilk
⅓cupdulce de leche
¼tspvanilla extract
1¼cupspowdered sugar,sifted
½cuppeanuts,lightly salted, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then whisk in the flour, cocoa powder and salt.
Add in the melted butter, then using a wooden spoon, stir until evenly moistened. Mix in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla.
Pour the mixture into a buttered 8×8-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Bake in the oven for 28 to 32 minutes until a toothpick comes out free of batter. Allow to cool completely.

Frosting:

In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the butter, milk and light brown sugar to a boil, stirring frequently.
Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Stir in the dulce de leche and vanilla. Add in the powdered sugar and whisk until well blended.
Stir in the peanuts, then pour mixture over the cooled brownies, and spread into an even layer.
Transfer to the refrigerator or allow the frosting to set at room temperature, then cut into squares. Serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 355.83kcal
Fat: 17.91g
Saturated Fat: 9.41g
Trans Fat: 0.54g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.56g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.72g
Carbohydrates: 47.10g
Fiber: 2.05g
Sugar: 37.56g
Protein: 5.15g
Cholesterol: 82.14mg
Sodium: 79.37mg
Calcium: 52.79mg
Potassium: 167.65mg
Iron: 1.41mg
Vitamin A: 131.35µg
Vitamin C: 0.22mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Making Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

When making the frosting, it's important to let the butter, milk, and light brown sugar mixture boil for a full minute. This process helps to dissolve the sugar completely, resulting in a smoother and creamier frosting. Also, when adding the powdered sugar, whisk it in gradually to avoid lumps. Lastly, for an extra touch of indulgence, you can lightly toast the peanuts before adding them into the frosting. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to your brownies.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

Plan ahead: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed to avoid last-minute searches.

Pre-measure: Measure and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use shortcuts: Opt for pre-made ingredients like store-bought dulce de leche or pre-chopped nuts to save time.

One-bowl method: Look for recipes that use a one-bowl method to minimize cleanup and save time.

Set up stations: Organize your workspace by setting up different stations for mixing, baking, and frosting to work efficiently.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe instructions to avoid mistakes that can lead to time-consuming corrections.

Multi-task: While the brownies are baking, use that time to prepare the frosting or clean up the kitchen.

Invest in tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a stand mixer or food processor to speed up the mixing process.

Make ahead: Prepare the brownies and frosting a day ahead, allowing the flavors to develop and saving time on the day of serving.

Substitute Ingredients For Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the brownies.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder and has a naturally sweet flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index compared to granulated sugar.
light-brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the brownies and can be used as a liquid sweetener.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to eggs and adds moisture to the brownies.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle nutty flavor to the frosting.
dulce de leche - Substitute with caramel sauce: Caramel sauce provides a similar rich and sweet flavor to the frosting.
peanuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can be used as a nutty alternative to peanuts for a different flavor profile.

How to Beautifully Present Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

Elevate the brownie: Place the brownie on a pristine white plate, ensuring it is centered and not touching the edges. This will draw attention to the rich, fudgy texture and decadent frosting.
Garnish with gold leaf: Add a touch of luxury by delicately placing edible gold leaf on top of the frosted brownie. The shimmering gold will create a stunning visual contrast against the deep chocolate and caramel tones.
Incorporate a drizzle of caramel sauce: Using a fine-tipped squeeze bottle, create an elegant drizzle of caramel sauce on the plate. The artistic presentation will enhance the indulgent nature of the dessert.
Sprinkle with crushed peanuts: Generously sprinkle crushed peanuts around the brownie, creating a visually appealing texture and adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Add a dusting of cocoa powder: Using a fine mesh sieve, lightly dust the plate with cocoa powder to create a sophisticated and professional finish.
Serve with a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Accompany the brownie with a quenelle of creamy vanilla bean ice cream placed alongside. This will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dessert.

Essential Tools for Making Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the brownie batter.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is used for stirring the brownie batter and frosting mixture.
8x8-inch baking dish: This baking dish is used to bake the brownies in the oven.
Small saucepan: A small saucepan is used to heat and mix the ingredients for the dulce de leche frosting.
Whisk: A whisk is used to blend the powdered sugar into the dulce de leche frosting.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is used to chill the frosted brownies and set the frosting.

Storing and Freezing Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

Allow the frosted brownies to cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store, place the brownies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies:
- Cut the brownies into individual squares and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen brownies, remove them from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature for about an hour, or in the refrigerator overnight.
Once thawed, the brownies can be enjoyed as is or warmed slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance their gooey texture and bring out the flavors of the dulce de leche and peanuts.

How To Reheat Leftover Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

To reheat leftover nutty dulce de leche frosted brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through and the frosting is gooey and melted. This method will restore the brownies' original texture and flavor, making them taste freshly baked.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual brownie squares in the microwave. Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the brownie isn't warm enough, continue heating it in 5-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the brownie, as this can cause the frosting to become too melted and the brownie to become tough.
If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior on your reheated brownies, you can use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the brownie on a small baking sheet or directly on the rack. Heat the brownie for 3-4 minutes, or until it's warmed through and the edges are slightly crisp. Keep a close eye on the brownie to prevent burning.
For a more indulgent treat, you can reheat a brownie in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the brownie in the skillet and heat it for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's warmed through and the frosting is melted and bubbly. This method will give the brownie a slightly caramelized exterior and a warm, gooey center.
If you have multiple brownies to reheat, you can use a covered dish in the oven. Place the brownies in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat the brownies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they're warmed through. This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the brownies from drying out during reheating.

Interesting Fact About Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

The dulce de leche used in this recipe is a sweet, caramel-like sauce popular in Latin American cuisine. It is made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it thickens and develops a rich, creamy flavor.

Is Making Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this nutty dulce de leche frosted brownies recipe depends on the availability and prices of ingredients. The use of unsalted butter, eggs, and dulce de leche may increase the cost. However, the versatility and satisfaction of this indulgent dessert can justify the expense. Considering the quality and quantity, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 8/10, as the rich flavors and delightful texture make it a worthwhile treat for special occasions.

Are Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This nutty dulce de leche frosted brownies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe is high in sugar, with both granulated and brown sugar in the brownie batter and frosting.
Butter is used in significant quantities, contributing to the high saturated fat content.
The recipe lacks any nutritious ingredients like fruits, vegetables, or whole grains.
Dulce de leche and peanuts add extra calories, sugar, and fat to the already indulgent treat.

However, there are ways to make this recipe a bit healthier without compromising on taste:

Reduce the amount of sugar in the brownie batter by 25% and use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in the frosting.
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Swap out half of the butter for Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce saturated fat and add protein or healthy fats.
Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the batter for a boost of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Top the brownies with fresh berries or a drizzle of dark chocolate for added antioxidants and flavor.
Cut the brownies into smaller portions to encourage mindful indulgence.

Editor's Opinion on Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

The nutty dulce de leche frosted brownies recipe is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and caramel flavors, elevated by the addition of crunchy peanuts. The brownie base is moist and fudgy, while the dulce de leche frosting adds a luscious sweetness. The use of both granulated and brown sugars creates a perfect balance of sweetness, and the addition of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it a great choice for both experienced bakers and novices. Overall, this recipe promises a decadent and indulgent treat that is sure to impress any dessert lover.

Enhance Your Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a creamy and flavorful roasted garlic mashed potatoes to complement the rich and indulgent nutty dulce de leche frosted brownies.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Serve up some vibrant and zesty grilled asparagus with lemon zest to add a refreshing and light element to the decadent brownies.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Prepare some caramelized and tangy balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts to balance out the sweetness of the nutty dulce de leche frosted brownies.

Delicious Alternatives to Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The rich alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: This refreshing fruit salad is the perfect way to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits. The honey-lime dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fruits.

Spicy Black Bean Soup: Warm up with a bowl of this flavorful and hearty black bean soup. The combination of spices and black beans creates a satisfying and comforting soup that's perfect for chilly days.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with This Decadent Dessert

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a delicious and elegant appetizer, try creating Stuffed Mushrooms. These bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining and can be filled with a variety of savory fillings, such as cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. They can be baked until golden and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that is sure to impress your guests.

Caprese Skewers: Caprese Skewers are a fresh and colorful appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. These simple yet elegant skewers feature cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delightful appetizer that is both visually appealing and delicious.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish by combining tender chicken with a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. Serve it over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and flavorful stir fry by sautéing thinly sliced beef with an assortment of colorful vegetables. Toss everything in a savory sauce and serve over a bed of steamed rice for a delicious and nutritious dinner option.

Why trust this Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a decadent treat with its rich and indulgent dulce de leche frosting and the satisfying crunch of peanuts. The brownie base is carefully crafted to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor, using high-quality cocoa powder and vanilla extract. The meticulous attention to detail in both the brownie and frosting components ensures a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a truly irresistible dessert experience.

Want to chat more about this Nutty Dulce de Leche Frosted Brownies recipe? Head over to the Baking and Desserts section of our forum and join the discussion!

FAQ:

How long do I need to bake the brownies for?

You'll need to bake the brownies for 28 to 32 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. To check if they're done, insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out free of batter, they're ready.

Can I use a different type of nuts for the frosting?

Absolutely! You can use any type of nuts you prefer for the frosting. Feel free to experiment with almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture.

Can I make the brownies ahead of time and frost them later?

Yes, you can make the brownies ahead of time and frost them later. Just ensure that the brownies are completely cooled before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.

How should I store the frosted brownies?

Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder. The dark cocoa powder will give the brownies a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.