Get ready to have your taste buds swept away by the most extraordinary dessert experience: these incredible Mexican Brownies. Far from your average chocolate treat, this from-scratch brownie recipe elevates a classic into a truly gourmet delight, featuring the warm embrace of cinnamon within the fudgy brownie base, crowned with a luscious Mexican chocolate frosting, and finished with a decadent swirl of cinnamon whipped cream. It’s a symphony of flavors that promises to transform a simple brownie into a show-stopping dessert, perfect for any celebration or a special everyday indulgence.
The Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Dessert (and Beyond!)
As Cinco de Mayo approaches, what better way to celebrate than with a dessert that perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine? Imagine the comforting familiarity of rich, fudgy brownies infused with the distinctive warmth of cinnamon, reminiscent of authentic Mexican hot chocolate. This recipe delivers just that – a truly decadent and sinful treat that will be the highlight of your festivities. But don’t limit these beauties to one holiday; their unique flavor profile makes them a fantastic choice for any occasion that calls for something special, from family gatherings to a cozy night in.
While my collection of brownie recipes is extensive (because, like me, you can never have too many!), these Mexican brownies stand in a league of their own. Each brownie recipe offers a slightly different texture and flavor, but none possess the secret ingredient that makes these truly unforgettable: a generous hint of cinnamon. This aromatic spice isn’t just an afterthought; it’s meticulously woven into the brownie batter itself, the rich chocolate frosting, and the airy whipped cream topping, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying experience with every single bite.
The next time you’re craving brownies but desire something uniquely different and bursting with character, look no further. This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic, but if you’re keen to explore other sensational brownie creations, be sure to check out our Sweet and Salty Brownies, decadent Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies, or the comforting charm of these Old Fashioned Brownies. Each offers its own irresistible appeal, but for a truly exotic and flavor-rich experience, these Mexican brownies are simply unparalleled.
The Allure of Mexican Chocolate: Why Cinnamon is Key
What exactly gives “Mexican chocolate” its distinctive charm? It’s primarily the inclusion of cinnamon, often combined with a touch of sugar and sometimes even a hint of chili. This warm, woody spice provides an earthy counterpoint to the sweetness and bitterness of chocolate, deepening its complexity and leaving a lingering, comforting aftertaste. This recipe captures that essence by infusing cinnamon at every stage, from the moist brownie base to the creamy frosting and the light-as-air whipped topping. It’s this thoughtful layering of flavors that truly sets these Mexican brownies apart from any other brownie you’ve ever tasted.
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Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Mexican Brownies
Crafting these delectable Mexican Brownies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their signature flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
For the Fudgy Brownie Base:
- Granulated Sugar: This provides essential sweetness and helps achieve that desirable moist, chewy texture in the brownies. While white granulated sugar is standard, you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like note.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter contributes to the richness and tender crumb of the brownies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the recipe.
- Water: A small amount of water helps bind the ingredients and contributes to the fudginess.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, provide structure, and add to the richness, ensuring the brownies are perfectly moist and stable. Any type of large eggs will work.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Use only real vanilla extract. Its deep, aromatic flavor significantly enhances the chocolate notes, far superior to imitation vanilla.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component, all-purpose flour provides the necessary body for these Mexican chocolate brownies. Measure it correctly to avoid dry or crumbly results.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the intense chocolate flavor comes from. Opt for a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best depth of flavor.
- Baking Powder: Just a touch of baking powder gives the brownies a slight lift, preventing them from being too dense, while maintaining their fudgy core.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial. It balances the sweetness and remarkably enhances all the other flavors, particularly the chocolate.
- Ground Cinnamon: This is the star ingredient that defines the ‘Mexican’ flavor profile of this brownie recipe. Its warmth perfectly complements the chocolate, creating a unique and inviting aroma.
For the Decadent Mexican Chocolate Frosting:
- Softened Butter: Ensures a smooth, creamy frosting that’s easy to spread. It should be at room temperature for optimal whipping.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar): Gives the frosting its characteristic silky texture and sweetness. Sift it to prevent lumps.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a rich chocolate flavor that harmonizes with the brownie base.
- Milk: A splash of milk helps to achieve the perfect consistency, making the frosting smooth and spreadable. Adjust as needed.
- Ground Cinnamon: Reinforces the Mexican chocolate theme, adding another layer of warm spice to the frosting.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Using pure vanilla extract, especially if you can find quality Mexican vanilla, will make a noticeable difference.
For the Light Cinnamon Whipped Cream Topping:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for creating a stable, fluffy whipped cream. Ensure it’s very cold before whipping.
- Softened Butter: Adds a creamy, rich depth to the whipped topping, giving it more body than plain whipped cream.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar): Sweetens the cream and helps stabilize it.
- Ground Cinnamon & Pure Vanilla Extract: These provide the final aromatic flourish, tying all the layers of cinnamon-chocolate goodness together.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Mexican Brownies
Creating these sensational Mexican brownies is a straightforward process, broken down into three main stages: preparing the brownies, mixing the frosting, and crafting the signature cinnamon whipped cream. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.
Preparing the Fudgy Brownies:
- Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan thoroughly, or for easier removal and cleaner slices, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter, and water. Beat until well incorporated and creamy. Next, stir in the eggs and pure vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet sugar mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so stop as soon as it’s incorporated.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the rich brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out your fudgy brownies.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before attempting to frost them. This is crucial; warm brownies will cause the frosting to melt and slide off, compromising the final texture and appearance.
Crafting the Mexican Chocolate Frosting:
- Whip the Butter: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This aeration is key to a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, pure vanilla extract, milk, and ground cinnamon to the whipped butter.
- Beat Until Smooth: Continue beating until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the frosting is wonderfully smooth and spreadable. Adjust milk quantity slightly if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, evenly spread the Mexican chocolate frosting over the entire surface.
At this point, your frosted Mexican brownies are absolutely delicious and ready to be enjoyed! However, if you’re aiming for an truly epic, bakery-worthy presentation and an extra layer of flavor, proceed to the next step for the cinnamon whipped cream.
Creating the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
- Whip the Cream: In a very cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form and it becomes delightfully fluffy. Carefully remove it from the bowl and set it aside in the refrigerator.
- Beat the Butter: Using the same mixer bowl (no need to clean it thoroughly if it had whipped cream), beat the softened butter for about 5 minutes until it is very light and airy. This adds a wonderful creaminess to the final topping.
- Combine and Flavor: Gently fold the reserved whipped cream back into the butter. Slowly add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is smoothly combined and the whipped cream is a cohesive, fluffy topping. Taste and add a bit more powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter topping.
- Garnish and Serve: For a beautiful presentation, pipe the cinnamon whipped cream on top of the frosted brownies using a piping bag with your favorite decorative tip. Finish with a light dusting of extra ground cinnamon for an inviting aroma and visual appeal.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Brownies Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality Mexican brownies at home is easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks:
- Room Temperature Butter is Key: Always take your butter out of the fridge several hours before you plan to start baking. Softened butter creamed properly will ensure a smooth batter and light, fluffy frosting and whipped cream, making your job much easier.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients for the brownies, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, cake-like brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
- Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here! Ensure your brownies are completely cool before applying the frosting. If frosted while even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and create a messy, runny layer.
- Clean Slices: For perfectly neat squares, chill your frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before cutting. Use a sharp, hot knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry between each cut) to achieve clean edges.
- Storage Savvy: Store any leftover Mexican brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Butter Stick vs. Block: When possible, opt for sticks of butter rather than a block. Sticks are pre-portioned, making it much easier to measure the precise amounts needed for both the brownie and frosting components of this recipe.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Brownies
Curious to learn more about these delightful treats? Here are some common questions and their answers to help you master your Mexican brownie baking:
- What makes brownies “Mexican”? Mexican brownies distinguish themselves through the prominent use of cinnamon, which is a staple spice in traditional Mexican chocolate and various desserts. Some variations may also include a hint of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a subtle spicy kick.
- What are the main types of brownies? Brownies are generally categorized by their texture:
- Fudgy Brownies: Dense, moist, and intensely chocolatey, often with a gooey center. This recipe aims for a fudgy texture.
- Cakey Brownies: Lighter and airier, more similar to a moist chocolate cake, achieved with a higher ratio of flour and leavening agents.
- Chewy Brownies: A balance between fudgy and cakey, offering a satisfying chewiness.
- Should I let brownies cool before frosting? Absolutely! It is essential to let brownies cool completely before applying frosting. If frosted while still warm, the heat will melt the butter in the frosting, causing it to become a runny mess that won’t set properly or adhere to the brownies.
- Do you eat brownies with ice cream? While completely a matter of personal preference, eating warm brownies with a scoop of ice cream is a popular and delightful combination. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich, warm brownie. A scoop of classic vanilla or even homemade cinnamon vanilla ice cream would be truly dreamy with these Mexican brownies.
- What is the difference between Mexican chocolate and regular chocolate? Mexican chocolate typically includes cocoa, sugar, and most notably, cinnamon. It often has a slightly gritty texture from the sugar and sometimes contains other spices or nuts. Regular chocolate, in its purest form, is made from cocoa solids and cocoa butter, often with sugar and emulsifiers, but without the distinctive cinnamon inclusion that defines Mexican chocolate.
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations
While this recipe for Mexican brownies is perfect as written, feel free to get creative and customize them to your taste with these exciting substitutions and variations:
Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, make your brownies spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a little chili powder to the brownie batter or frosting. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase to your preference.
Explore Other Spices: Beyond cinnamon, consider mixing in other complementary warm spices. A pinch of cardamom, allspice, or nutmeg can add another layer of aromatic complexity to your brownies, aligning with various global flavor profiles.
Enhance Chocolate Flavor: To intensify the rich chocolate notes, stir in a pinch of espresso powder (instant coffee powder) into the dry ingredients. It won’t make the brownies taste like coffee, but it will deepen and highlight the chocolate beautifully.
Double the Chocolate Indulgence: For the ultimate chocolate lover, get a double dose of chocolate by folding in chocolate chips into the brownie batter. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or bittersweet chocolate chips will all work wonderfully, adding pockets of molten chocolate goodness.
Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.
Citrus Zest: A touch of orange or lime zest can brighten the flavors and add a fresh, vibrant note that pairs surprisingly well with chocolate and cinnamon.
These fudgy Mexican brownies are truly a versatile and delightful treat. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a loved one, hosting a vibrant Cinco de Mayo party, or simply craving an exceptional dessert, these brownies are guaranteed to impress. They offer a refreshing change of pace from traditional brownies and are poised to become your new go-to favorite brownie recipe. Enjoy the rich chocolate, warm cinnamon, and incredible layers of flavor!
More Delicious Brownie Recipes to Love
If you’re a true brownie enthusiast, the possibilities are endless! After indulging in these Mexican brownies, you might be inspired to explore other delightful variations. Here are some fantastic brownie recipes to try next, each offering its own unique charm and flavor profile:
- Frosted Zucchini Brownies (pictured above)
- Bright and Tangy Lemon Brownies
- Rich Chocolate Cherry Brownies
- Chewy Brownie Cookies
- Seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
- Indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies
- Elegant Chocolate Ganache Brownies
- Decadent S’Mores Brownies
If you consider yourself a true aficionado of brownies, then you’re in for a treat! I’ve curated an extensive collection of my absolute favorite brownie recipes, each promising a unique and satisfying experience. Be sure to check out this collection of epic brownie recipes to find your next baking adventure. There’s a perfect brownie waiting for every mood and occasion!
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Print Recipe
Frosted Mexican Brownies
Equipment
- Glass Batter Bowl
- Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
- Rubber Spatulas
- Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer
- Oggi Mixing Bowl, 4 Quart
Ingredients
- For the BROWNIES:
- 1 2/3 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup butter softened
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 1/3 cups flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- For the FROSTING:
- 1 stick butter softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- splash of vanilla
- For the CINNAMON WHIPPED CREAM:
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 stick butter softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease a 13×9 inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Brownies: In a large bowl, combine sugar, softened butter, and water. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the sugar mixture until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Add in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, milk, and cinnamon. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Whip heavy whipping cream until fluffy and stiff peaks form; remove from the bowl and set aside (refrigerate if not using immediately). In the same mixer bowl, beat the softened butter for 5 minutes until light and airy. Gently fold the whipped cream back into the butter mixture. Slowly add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, beating until well combined and fluffy. Add additional powdered sugar if a sweeter topping is desired.
- Pipe or spread the cinnamon whipped cream on top of the frosted brownies and sprinkle with a touch of ground cinnamon for garnish.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on February 24, 2012. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on April 30, 2023.
Recipe adapted from Hugs and Cookies XOXO and Your Cup of Cake