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Take a simple boxed brownie mix and turn it into something unforgettable! These semi-homemade brownies are topped with a luscious, buttery penuche frosting made with brown sugar, cream, and toasted pecans. The soft, fudgy brownies pair perfectly with the rich, caramel-like topping, creating a dessert that tastes completely from scratch. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you need an easy but indulgent treat.

Penuche (pronounced peh-NOO-chee) is a classic New England–style confection made primarily with brown sugar, butter, and milk or cream, giving it a distinct caramel-like flavor and fudge-like texture.

In candy form, penuche fudge is soft, creamy, and lightly caramelized from the brown sugar.
In frosting form, penuche frosting is a smooth, pourable brown sugar icing that sets into a slightly firm, fudgy layer—perfect for cakes, brownies, and bars.

It’s similar to caramel, but less intense and lighter in flavor, as it doesn’t involve cooking the sugar to a deep amber stage. Instead, it has a more gentle brown sugar sweetness with a buttery finish.

? Why You’ll Love These Brownies

Quick & Easy. Start with a mix for minimal effort.
Tastes Homemade. The rich brown sugar frosting makes it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or bake sales.
Customizable. Add or omit nuts, drizzle with caramel, or use your favorite brownie recipe.

Recipe Variations

Use Homemade Brownies. Swap the mix for your favorite from-scratch brownie recipe.
Make It Nut-Free. Omit the pecans for a smooth, creamy penuche frosting.
Add Chocolate Chips. Stir a handful of chocolate or white chocolate chips into the brownie batter for an extra decadent treat.
Go Extra Caramel. Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the frosting before it sets.
Turn It Into Blondies. Make a blondie base instead of brownies for a lighter, butterscotch-flavored version.

?‍Tips

Cool the brownies completely before frosting so the penuche doesn’t melt and slide off.
Toast the pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor—just a few minutes in a dry skillet makes a big difference.
Work quickly with the frosting. It sets as it cools, so spread it right after mixing.
Cut with a warm knife for clean edges once the frosting has set.

How to Store, Freeze, and Make Ahead

Store: Keep the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.

Freeze: Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Make Ahead: You can bake the brownies a day in advance and frost them before serving. The penuche frosting is best fresh and smooth.