Semi Homemade Brownies With Penuche Frosting
A packaged mix makes these brownies a snap to fix, and the wonderful penuche frosting takes them to another level.
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.
Semi Homemade Brownies With Penuche Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 21.5 oz package brownie mix plus eggs, water, and oil as package directs (for homemade brownies, see recipe suggestions below)
Penuche Frosting
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk or light cream
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted*
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Mix: Follow the package directions to prepare the brownies. Spread the batter in a greased and floured 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan and bake as directed. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Toast the Pecans: Put the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring and turning, until the pecans are lightly brown and aromatic.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk or cream, butter, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling, stirring constantly, for 1 full minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the pecans, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, stirring about once every minute.
- Finish the Brownies: Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Let stand for about 45 minutes, or until the frosting is set. Cut the brownies into squares or bars.
