Texas Brownies

If you’ve never tried Texas brownies before, you’re in for a treat! They’re a cross between Texas sheet cake and brownies, all topped with the tastiest homemade frosting. Plus, they’re made in a sheet pan to feed a crowd!

Also known as buttermilk brownies, these Texas brownies are moist, soft, and almost cake-like. The homemade frosting, which is poured over the warm brownies, creates a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s hard to resist.

If you enjoy these brownies, you might also like my red velvet brownies, which offer a dense, fudgy texture. And for a twist on traditional brownies, try my recipe for blonde brownies, which are made with brown sugar for a rich, caramel flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavors: The combination of chocolate and buttermilk in the brownies, topped with a rich, cocoa-based frosting, creates a classic flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Family Favorite: This recipe has been a hit with my family for years. It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy after dinner or to bring to a potluck.
• Best of Both Worlds: Anyone who loves Texas sheet cake and brownies will love this combo!
• Time-Tested: This recipe has stood the test of time. It’s a classic dessert that’s always a hit, no matter the occasion. 
• Crowd-Pleaser: The sheet pan size of these brownies makes them perfect for serving a crowd. 

Key Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: This is the base of the brownie, providing structure and texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps to give them a dense, fudgy texture.
• Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the brownies and helps to keep them moist. They’ll also be used in our homemade frosting.
• Strong brewed coffee or water: This is the liquid component of the brownie, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
• Dark unsweetened cocoa: Gives the brownies a deep, rich chocolate flavor and a dark color. We’ll also use it to make the homemade frosting.
• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor to the brownies and helps to activate the baking soda for a light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help to give the brownies structure.
• Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the brownies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the brownies, complimenting the chocolate.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps to give it a smooth, creamy texture.
• Milk: Thins out the frosting, making it easier to spread.

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl – You’ll need this to combine the flour and sugar for the brownie mixture.
• Saucepan – This is used to melt the butter, coffee, and cocoa for the brownie mixture, as well as to heat the ingredients for the frosting.
• 17.5×11 inch Jelly Roll Sheet Pan – This is the specific pan size needed to bake the brownies. It makes sure that they bake evenly and to the right thickness.

How to Make Texas Brownies

Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F and butter a 17.5×11 inch jelly roll sheet pan. This will make sure that your brownies don’t stick to the pan and are easy to remove after baking.

Step 1 – Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. This forms the base of your brownie mixture.

Step 2 – Mix and Combine Wet Ingredients

In a saucepan, combine the butter, coffee (or water), and cocoa. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it’s boiled, pour this hot mixture over the flour and sugar. Add the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix all these ingredients together at high speed using a hand-held or electric mixer.

Step 3 – Pour and Bake

Pour your brownie batter into the prepared jelly roll sheet pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4 – Make the Frosting

While your brownies are baking, you can prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa, and milk. Heat this mixture to boiling, stirring constantly. Once it’s boiled, mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the frosting is smooth.

Step 5 – Frost the Brownies

As soon as you remove the brownies from the oven, pour the warm frosting over them. The heat from the brownies will help the frosting spread evenly.

Step 6 – Cool and Slice

Let the frosted brownies cool in the pan. Once they’re completely cooled, you can slice them into 48 brownie squares. 

Expert Tip

For the best Texas brownies, make sure to frost them while they are still warm. This allows the frosting to melt slightly and seep into the brownies, giving them a rich and fudgy texture.

Recipe Variations

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1/2 cup of milk. This will provide the same tangy flavor and creamy texture to your Texas brownies.
• Coffee or Water: The recipe calls for strong brewed coffee, but if you’re not a coffee lover, you can substitute water. However, I highly recommend using coffee as it adds a depth of flavor to the brownies. If you’re concerned about the caffeine, you can use decaf instead.
• Extra Additions: Feel free to garnish your Texas brownies with nuts, Reese’s peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, M&Ms, or any other goodies you like. This extra touch will add a fun and delicious twist.

What to Serve With

• For a decadently sweet treat, serve these Texas Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly complements the rich, fudgy brownies.
• If you’re a coffee lover, pair these brownies with a hot cup of your favorite brew. The hint of coffee in the brownies will enhance the flavor of your coffee, making for a truly satisfying afternoon treat.
• Hosting a brunch? Cut these Texas Brownies into smaller squares and serve them alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. The sweetness of the brownies will balance out the tartness of the fruit, giving your guests the perfect start to their day.
• These brownies are made in a sheet pan which makes them perfect for feeding a crowd. Take them along with you to a picnic, potluck, baby shower, and any family gathering.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Store: After letting the Texas brownies cool in the pan, cut them into 48 brownie squares. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, do not store these brownies in the fridge as they can dry out.
• Freeze: You can also freeze them. Once cooled, store in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
• Thaw: I’d recommend allowing the brownies to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warming them up a little before serving again.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This Texas brownies recipe yields 48 brownie squares, each packed with a rich, fudgy flavor.
• How to Scale: If you want to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. You may need to use a larger mixing bowl to combine the ingredients and a bigger sheet pan for baking. Keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary with a larger quantity.