Chocolate Buttermilk Brownies Recipe

Decadent and delicious, these chocolate buttermilk brownies taste precisely how you want a homemade dessert to taste. Rich chocolate buttermilk icing adds the perfect finish.

This classic recipe is not as dense as a traditional brownie but is denser than cake. The result is a lovely crumb with a tender spring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Buttermilk Brownies

• Nostalgic and comforting. Buttermilk brownies first appeared in the Southern United States, and various recipes for this variety of brownies have been around for a very long time. You will love how perfectly the buttermilk’s tanginess balances out the chocolate batter’s sweetness. This classic recipe is part of childhood memories.
• Quick and Easy to make. Who needs a box mix when this homemade buttermilk brownie recipe comes together in minutes and tastes so much better?
• Feeds a crowd. This recipe for buttermilk brownies makes a full 9×13 pan. I cut the pan into 24 brownies. 

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

Please note, that the printable recipe card has the full list of ingredients, quantities, complete instructions, and nutritional information. The following is a quick overview of the recipe.

All-Purpose Flour – You can use bleached or unbleached flour. One doesn’t act or taste any differently from the other. Unbleached flour is less processed since it doesn’t go through the bleaching step

Granulated Sugar. Just plain white sugar. You could use turbinado sugar if that is what you have.

Baking soda is a leavening agent that gives baked goods the right texture and rise. We recommend that it be replaced every 6 months or tested for potency. We show you how in our Basic Baking Techniques document.

Salt – You can use any salt. Our preferences are Kosher salt or Fine sea salt which we feel dissolves better with a less likely chance of salt pockets in our baked goods.

Salted Butter – We use real butter but you can substitute it with a butter substitute. That may affect the flavor, however.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. A high-quality cocoa powder is worth the extra expense. We enjoy a dark cocoa flavor so use dark cocoa powder. You can use what you have.

Eggs – Using fresh grade A large eggs creates structure and stability within the batter and adds moisture to baked goods. We recommend fresh eggs.

Buttermilk – We use full-fat buttermilk. It adds richness to the recipe and the additional fat makes baked goods soft and tender. The acid works with our baking soda to help our brownies rise soft and light.

Vanilla Extract – We prefer pure vanilla extract. However, you can use imitation vanilla extract if that’s what you have.

How To Make Buttermilk Brownies

Get everything ready for the Buttermilk Brownies Recipe.

Preheat the oven. Spray your baking dish with cooking spray. You can also grease it with butter or shortening.

Mix the dry ingredients.

Combine and stir the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar using a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Cook the cocoa powder.

Mix the cocoa powder, water, and butter in a small saucepan, and bring to a low boil over medium heat.

Combine the chocolate mixture with dry ingredients.

Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture, add the melted butter/ cocoa mixture, and combine.

Add the remaining ingredients.

Add the eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk and continue beating for another 2 minutes.

Bake your Buttermilk Brownies.

Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes clean.

Make the Buttermilk Icing.

While the brownies are baking, make your icing. In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil the butter, buttermilk, and cocoa. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat on high until smooth.

Frost your Buttermilk Brownies.

Spread the icing out while it is still warm, and the cake is warm. Cool and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does buttermilk do to brownies?

This ingredient helps the brownies to rise while keeping them moist. It also improves the chocolate flavor and adds a slight tanginess.

What is the best way to prepare a baking pan for buttermilk brownies?

The easiest way is to use a non-stick cooking spray. A great alternative is to use a stick of butter to smear the pan with butter or use a paper towel to spread shortening on the pan in a light layer.

Can I make buttermilk brownies in a muffin pan?

Yes. Fill the muffin tin 1/3 full to make individual brownies. Baking time will vary significantly from what is listed in the recipe. The brownies are ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Check out our Baking Pan Conversion article to learn more about substituting baking pans when baking your favorite dessert and getting your free printable chart. 

How To Store Buttermilk Brownies

Best way to store brownies with buttermilk.

Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container on the counter for up to five days. No need to refrigerate.

Can I freeze buttermilk brownies?

Yes. You can freeze baked and iced brownies in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect Buttermilk Brownie

• The icing will eventually harden enough to cut cleanly. Wait until it sets before cutting the brownies.
• Don’t have buttermilk? Make your own by combining one tablespoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice with one cup of milk. Use whole-fat milk for the best results. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
• Brownies can be mixed by hand versus an electric mixer. Don’t over-mix. A wooden spoon works well to stir the ingredients together.
• Spruce up your brownies with chocolate chips or chocolate chunks added to the batter.
• Chocolate sprinkles or chocolate mini chips can be sprinkled on top of the brownies before the buttermilk frosting sets.
• Add two teaspoons of espresso powder to the brownie batter and the frosting. Espresso powder intensifies the richness of the chocolate.

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More Brownies Please!

Fudgy Brownies from Scratch is what started our quest to make the BEST brownie recipe. After so many attempts, we finally got the perfect chocolate fudgy brownie that sticks to the roof of your mouth and makes your eyes roll to the back of your head.

We still make that brownie recipe the most but it’s morphed into Cream Cheese Brownies, Oreo Brownies, Turtle Brownies, and these amazing Chocolate Buttermilk Brownies.

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.

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