Brownies are a classic dessert that can be enjoyed on their own, but adding a delicious topping can elevate them to a whole new level. From creamy frostings to crunchy nuts, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore the best toppings for brownies, including sweet and salty options, fresh fruits, and creative combinations.
The Classics: Timeless Brownie Toppings
Some brownie toppings are timeless and never go out of style. These classic combinations are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Chocolate Frosting
A rich, chocolatey frosting is the perfect complement to a dense, fudgy brownie. You can make your own frosting using melted chocolate, butter, and powdered sugar, or use store-bought frosting for a quick and easy solution.
Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to balance out the richness of a brownie. You can also add some chocolate sauce or hot fudge for an extra-decadent treat.
Chopped Nuts
Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to brownies. You can sprinkle them on top of the brownies before baking for an added texture or use them as a topping after the brownies have cooled.
Fresh Fruits: A Sweet and Tangy Twist
Adding fresh fruits to your brownies can provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the richness of the chocolate. Here are some popular fruit options that pair well with brownies.
Raspberries
Raspberries and chocolate are a match made in heaven. You can top your brownies with fresh raspberries, raspberry jam, or even raspberry sauce for a sweet and tangy treat.
Strawberries
Sliced strawberries are a classic topping for brownies, and for good reason. They add natural sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a great option for brownies, especially if you’re looking for a slightly healthier topping option. They’re packed with antioxidants and add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
Salty and Savory: A Delicious Contrast
If you’re looking for a topping that will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the brownies, consider a salty or savory option. Here are some popular choices.
Sea Salt
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a nice depth of flavor to your brownies. It’s especially good when paired with caramel or chocolate sauce.
Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter cups are a classic topping for brownies, and for good reason. They add a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the chocolate.
Caramel Sauce
Caramel sauce is a great option for brownies, especially if you’re looking for a sweet and salty contrast. You can make your own caramel sauce using heavy cream, butter, and sugar, or use store-bought sauce for a quick and easy solution.
Creative Combinations: Think Outside the Box
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying a creative combination of toppings on your brownies. Here are some unique options to get you started.
Peanut Butter and Banana
A classic combination that’s perfect for brownies. Simply top your brownies with sliced bananas and a drizzle of peanut butter for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Mint Chocolate Chip
Mint and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Simply top your brownies with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a drizzle of peppermint sauce for a refreshing twist.
Candy Pieces
Consider topping your brownies with crushed candy pieces like M&M’s, chopped peanut butter cups, or even candy canes. It’s a fun and playful way to add some color and texture to the dish.
Get Creative with Your Brownie Toppings
The best part about brownie toppings is that there’s no right or wrong answer. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Balance flavors: Make sure to balance sweet and salty flavors to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Texture matters: Mix different textures like crunchy nuts, creamy frostings, and smooth ice cream to add depth to the dish.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try new and unique combinations to find your perfect match.
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Frosting | A rich, chocolatey frosting that’s perfect for brownies. |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that’s perfect for balancing out the richness of brownies. |
| Chopped Nuts | Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts that add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to brownies. |
| Raspberries | Fresh raspberries that add a sweet and tangy contrast to brownies. |
| Sea Salt | A sprinkle of flaky sea salt that adds a nice depth of flavor to brownies. |
In conclusion, the possibilities for brownie toppings are endless, and the right combination can elevate this classic dessert to a whole new level. Whether you’re a fan of classic combinations or creative twists, there’s a topping out there for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and find your perfect match.
What are some classic toppings for brownies?
When it comes to classic toppings for brownies, there are several options that are sure to please. One of the most popular toppings is vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture and sweetness of the ice cream provide a nice contrast to the rich, fudgy texture of the brownies. Another classic topping is chocolate chips or chocolate shavings. Adding extra chocolate to your brownies may seem like overkill, but it can actually enhance the overall chocolate flavor and add a nice textural element.
Other classic toppings for brownies include whipped cream, chopped nuts, and caramel sauce. Whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, while chopped nuts provide a nice crunch. Caramel sauce, on the other hand, adds a sweet and sticky element that pairs perfectly with the richness of the brownies. These toppings are all easy to find in most grocery stores and can be used to create a variety of different brownie combinations.
What are some unique toppings for brownies?
If you’re looking to mix things up and try something new, there are many unique toppings you can use on brownies. One option is to use fresh or dried fruit, such as raspberries, strawberries, or cranberries. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the richness of the chocolate, and the textures provide a nice contrast. Another option is to use candy pieces, such as M&M’s or chopped peanut butter cups. These add a fun and playful element to the brownies and can be a great way to mix things up.
Other unique toppings for brownies include cookie dough, marshmallows, and even bacon. Cookie dough adds a gooey and sweet element, while marshmallows provide a light and fluffy texture. Bacon, on the other hand, adds a smoky and savory element that may seem strange at first, but can actually pair perfectly with the richness of the chocolate. These toppings are all a bit unconventional, but can be a great way to add some excitement to your brownies.
How do I choose the right toppings for my brownies?
Choosing the right toppings for your brownies can depend on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences and the type of brownies you’re making. If you’re making a rich and fudgy brownie, you may want to choose toppings that provide a nice contrast in texture, such as whipped cream or chopped nuts. If you’re making a lighter and more cake-like brownie, you may want to choose toppings that add a bit more richness, such as chocolate chips or caramel sauce.
It’s also a good idea to consider the flavor profile of your brownies when choosing toppings. If you’re making a brownie with a strong flavor, such as mint or orange, you may want to choose toppings that complement those flavors. For example, you could use chocolate chips with a mint brownie or orange zest with an orange brownie. By considering the type of brownie and the flavor profile, you can choose toppings that enhance the overall flavor and texture of the brownies.
Can I use toppings to make my brownies more festive?
Absolutely, toppings can be a great way to make your brownies more festive and perfect for special occasions. For example, you could use red and green M&M’s to make Christmas-themed brownies or pastel-colored sprinkles to make Easter-themed brownies. You could also use toppings to make brownies that match a specific holiday or theme, such as using orange and black toppings for Halloween or pink and red toppings for Valentine’s Day.
In addition to using festive toppings, you can also use creative presentation to make your brownies more festive. For example, you could cut your brownies into shapes using a cookie cutter or create a design on top of the brownies using frosting or chocolate sauce. By using a combination of festive toppings and creative presentation, you can make brownies that are perfect for any special occasion.
How do I store brownies with toppings?
Storing brownies with toppings can be a bit tricky, as some toppings can be messy or perishable. If you’re using toppings like whipped cream or ice cream, it’s best to store the brownies in the refrigerator to keep the toppings from melting or spoiling. If you’re using toppings like chocolate chips or chopped nuts, you can store the brownies at room temperature, but it’s still a good idea to keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
It’s also a good idea to consider the type of topping when storing brownies. For example, if you’re using a topping that’s prone to melting, such as chocolate sauce, you may want to store the brownies in the refrigerator to keep the topping from getting messy. On the other hand, if you’re using a topping that’s dry and non-perishable, such as sprinkles or chopped nuts, you can store the brownies at room temperature without worrying about the topping spoiling.
Can I make my own toppings for brownies?
Absolutely, making your own toppings for brownies can be a fun and rewarding experience. One of the easiest toppings to make is caramel sauce, which can be made by melting sugar and heavy cream over low heat. You can also make your own whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract. Another option is to make your own chocolate chips or chocolate shavings by melting chocolate and letting it set before chopping it into pieces.
Making your own toppings can also be a great way to customize the flavor and texture of your brownies. For example, you could make a spicy caramel sauce by adding a bit of cayenne pepper or a smoky caramel sauce by adding a bit of smoked paprika. By making your own toppings, you can create unique and delicious flavor combinations that will take your brownies to the next level.
Are there any toppings that don’t go well with brownies?
While brownies are a versatile dessert that can be paired with a wide range of toppings, there are some toppings that don’t go well with brownies. One topping that may not pair well with brownies is citrus, such as lemon or orange zest. The bright, citrusy flavor can clash with the rich, chocolatey flavor of the brownies. Another topping that may not pair well with brownies is strong spices, such as cumin or coriander. These spices can overpower the flavor of the brownies and create an unbalanced taste experience.
It’s also worth noting that some toppings can be too overpowering or overwhelming for brownies. For example, using too much of a strong-flavored topping like peanut butter or mint can overwhelm the flavor of the brownies. It’s generally best to use toppings in moderation and balance them with the flavor of the brownies. By choosing toppings that complement the flavor of the brownies, you can create a delicious and well-balanced dessert.