Easy Homemade Vanilla Brownies With Vanilla Frosting

These easy homemade vanilla brownies are everything you love about a classic brownie, only without the chocolate! Made from scratch with simple pantry ingredients, these soft and chewy vanilla brownies have rich, buttery vanilla flavor, perfectly golden edges, and a deliciously crackly top. Finish them with a generous layer of creamy homemade vanilla frosting for an irresistible old-fashioned dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

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My family absolutely loves my homemade brownies, and over the years, they’ve become one of those dependable recipes I can whip up whenever we’re craving something sweet. But there’s one little problem in my household. My oldest son isn’t much of a chocolate lover. I know, I know! How on earth did I raise a child who doesn’t love chocolate as much as I do? Haha!

So, this weekend, I decided to do a little experimenting in my kitchen. I took my family’s favorite chewy brownie recipe, removed the cocoa powder, replaced it with additional flour, and created a delicious vanilla version just for him.

And let me tell you, these homemade vanilla brownies turned out to be such a fun twist on our usual chocolate brownies!

They’re buttery, sweet, wonderfully chewy, and packed with vanilla flavor. I decided to take them one step further by adding a generous layer of creamy homemade vanilla frosting because, well, why not?

The best part? This vanilla brownies recipe uses simple ingredients I already keep stocked in my pantry, and one batch makes two 8×8-inch pans. That’s 32 delicious little squares of homemade goodness!

If you love baking from scratch but want something a little different from traditional chocolate brownies, you’re going to want to save this recipe!

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Why You’ll Love These Homemade Vanilla Brownies

I love recipes that don’t require a special trip to the grocery store, especially when I’m in the mood to bake something sweet on a cozy weekend afternoon.

These easy vanilla brownies are made with everyday pantry staples, and they come together without any complicated techniques.

Here’s what makes this recipe so wonderful:

• Simple pantry ingredients: Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla are all you need for the brownie batter.
• Soft and chewy texture: These chewy vanilla brownies have that wonderful brownie-like bite without the chocolate.
• Rich vanilla flavor: Pure vanilla extract gives these brownies their delicious old-fashioned flavor.
• Creamy homemade frosting: These vanilla brownies with frosting are topped with a buttery vanilla buttercream.
• Perfect for sharing: One batch makes 32 brownies, making them wonderful for family gatherings, potlucks, and bake sales.
• Easy to customize: Add sprinkles, different extracts, or seasonal decorations for a fun variation.

And if you happen to have someone in your family who isn’t a chocolate lover, like my son, these brownies are a wonderful way to make sure nobody misses out on dessert!

What Are Vanilla Brownies?

If you’ve never tried homemade vanilla brownies, you might be wondering how they’re different from traditional brownies.

Think of them as the vanilla-loving cousin of a classic chocolate brownie.

Instead of using cocoa powder or melted chocolate, these brownies rely on butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and plenty of vanilla extract to create their rich flavor.

They’re similar to blondies, which are sometimes called blonde brownies. However, many traditional blondie recipes use brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor.

My vanilla brownies recipe uses granulated sugar instead, giving the brownies a sweeter, more pronounced vanilla flavor.

The result is a golden, buttery dessert with a chewy texture that reminds me of the brownies my family already loves.

Are Vanilla Brownies the Same as Blondies?

Again, while easy vanilla brownies and blondies are very similar, there are a few differences depending on the recipe.

Traditional blondies often contain brown sugar, which gives them a slightly caramelized flavor.

These chewy vanilla brownies use white granulated sugar and a generous amount of vanilla extract, creating a lighter vanilla flavor.

And because we’re topping them with homemade vanilla buttercream, these vanilla brownies with frosting are especially delicious for anyone who loves vanilla desserts.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Vanilla Brownies

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require anything fancy.

You probably already have everything you need sitting in your kitchen!

Ingredients for the Chewy Vanilla Brownies

To make these homemade vanilla brownies, you’ll need:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies structure while helping create their chewy texture.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the brownies’ texture.
• 4 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide richness.
• 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: The star ingredient that gives these brownies their wonderful vanilla flavor.
• 1 cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness, moisture, and delicious buttery flavor.

I used salted butter because that’s what I typically keep in my kitchen, and I love the way a little salt balances the sweetness.

Ingredients for the Homemade Vanilla Frosting

The frosting takes this vanilla brownies recipe to another level!

You’ll need:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a smooth and creamy frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and structure.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Gives the frosting its rich vanilla flavor.
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream: Helps achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.

This frosting is simple, buttery, and delicious without requiring any complicated ingredients.

If you prefer your vanilla brownies with frosting to have an extra-thick layer, you can increase the frosting ingredients by half.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Brownies From Scratch

Making these easy vanilla brownies is just as simple as making my original chocolate brownie recipe.

You don’t need any special baking skills, and the batter comes together quickly.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line two 8×8-inch baking pans with parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging over the sides.

This makes removing your homemade vanilla brownies much easier once they’ve cooled.

I especially love using parchment paper because it helps keep the brownies from sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt one cup of salted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.

Allow the butter to cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients.

You want it melted but not so hot that it begins cooking your eggs!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Because we’re making chewy vanilla brownies, I like to keep the mixing simple rather than whipping too much air into the batter.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Gradually fold the flour into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula.

Mix just until the flour disappears into the batter.

Avoid overmixing, which can make your easy vanilla brownies tougher than you want them to be.

The batter will be thick, and that’s perfectly normal!

Step 5: Divide the Batter Between Two Pans

Evenly divide the batter between your two prepared 8×8-inch baking pans.

Use a spatula to spread it into the corners and smooth the tops.

This vanilla brownies recipe makes enough batter for two pans, which is wonderful when you’re baking for a family or want extras to share.

Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Place both pans in your preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, beginning to check around 25 minutes.

The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should appear set.

Insert a toothpick into the center. You’re looking for a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.

Remember, the secret to delicious chewy vanilla brownies is avoiding overbaking.

If you’re baking both pans at the same time, rotate them halfway through for more even baking.

Step 7: Allow the Brownies to Cool

Remove the pans from the oven and place them on a cooling rack.

Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the frosting.

I know it’s tempting to dig right in, especially when the kitchen smells like warm butter and vanilla!

But allowing your homemade vanilla brownies to cool helps them firm up and makes frosting much easier. It also makes them easier to slice.

The first batch I did, I tried slicing them, and the batter was so gooey even though it was done; the knife inserted was clean, but slicing was tearing up the pieces and sticking to the knife. Once it was cooled, that did not happen, and I was able to get cleaner slices.

How to Make Vanilla Frosting for Brownies

Now comes the really delicious part!

These vanilla brownies with frosting are finished with a creamy homemade vanilla buttercream that’s easy to spread and adds another layer of sweet vanilla flavor.

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Place the softened unsalted butter into a medium mixing bowl.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter for approximately two minutes until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.

The mixture will become thick as the sugar combines with the butter.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Milk

Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Slowly mix in the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

For these easy vanilla brownies, I prefer a frosting that’s thick enough to hold pretty swirls but soft enough to spread easily.

Step 4: Frost the Cooled Brownies

Once your brownies are completely cool, divide the frosting evenly between the two pans.

Use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the frosting across the tops.

You can smooth it out or create little swirls for a pretty homemade finish.

These vanilla brownies with frosting look especially beautiful when sliced into neat little squares.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

Cut each 8×8-inch pan into 16 squares.

You’ll have 32 delicious homemade vanilla brownies ready to enjoy!

They’re wonderful served with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or tucked into a lunchbox for a special homemade treat.

My Best Tips for Soft and Chewy Vanilla Brownies

If there’s one thing my family loves about my brownie recipes, it’s that wonderful chewy texture.

Nobody in my house wants dry, crumbly brownies!

Here are a few tips to help your chewy vanilla brownies turn out delicious.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once you add the flour, mix only until everything is combined.

Overmixing develops more gluten, which can make your easy vanilla brownies tougher.

A gentle hand is all you need.

Use Pure Vanilla Extract

Since vanilla is the main flavor in this recipe, I highly recommend using pure vanilla extract.

It makes a noticeable difference in these homemade vanilla brownies, especially because there isn’t any chocolate to compete with the flavor.

You can also experiment with vanilla bean paste for an extra-rich vanilla taste.

Watch the Baking Time Carefully

Because this recipe makes two pans, the batter is spread into thinner layers than it would be in one pan.

Start checking your vanilla brownies recipe around the 25-minute mark.

Every oven is a little different, so pay attention to the appearance of the brownies rather than relying entirely on the timer.

Cool Completely Before Frosting

Warm brownies and buttercream frosting don’t mix very well!

If you spread the frosting onto warm brownies, it will begin to melt.

For beautiful vanilla brownies with frosting, allow both pans to cool completely before decorating.

Fun Variations for Homemade Vanilla Brownies

One thing I love about baking from scratch is how easy it is to take a basic recipe and make it your own.

These easy vanilla brownies are perfect for experimenting with different flavors and decorations.

Birthday Cake Vanilla Brownies

Add colorful sprinkles to the batter or scatter them over the frosting.

These festive vanilla brownies with frosting would make a wonderful alternative to birthday cake.

Almond Vanilla Brownies

Replace ½ teaspoon of the vanilla extract in the batter with almond extract.

This gives your homemade vanilla brownies a delicate almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery base.

Lemon Vanilla Brownies

Add a little fresh lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus twist.

You can even add a small amount of lemon zest to the frosting.

The combination of lemon and vanilla makes these chewy vanilla brownies especially lovely for spring and summer gatherings.

Holiday Vanilla Brownies

Decorate your vanilla brownies with frosting using seasonal sprinkles.

Try red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.

Because the frosting is light in color, it’s easy to decorate for just about any occasion.

How to Store Homemade Vanilla Brownies

One of the nice things about making two pans is having enough brownies to enjoy now and save some for later.

These homemade vanilla brownies store well when kept properly covered.

Storing Frosted Vanilla Brownies

Place your vanilla brownies with frosting in an airtight container.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

For the best texture, allow the brownies to sit at room temperature for a little while before serving.

This helps the buttercream soften and brings back that delicious chewy texture.

Can You Freeze Vanilla Brownies?

Absolutely!

For the best results, I recommend freezing your chewy vanilla brownies without the frosting.

Allow them to cool completely, slice them into squares, and wrap them tightly.

Place the wrapped brownies into a freezer-safe container or bag.

Freeze for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the brownies and prepare a fresh batch of vanilla frosting.

It’s a wonderful way to keep homemade desserts on hand for unexpected company or busy family evenings.

More Homemade Brownie Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy baking brownies from scratch as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other family favorites!

While these homemade vanilla brownies are perfect for vanilla lovers, I still have plenty of delicious chocolate brownie recipes for those of us who can’t imagine life without chocolate!

The Best Old-Fashioned Homemade Brownies

If you love rich chocolate brownies with that classic homemade texture, you’ll want to try my Best Old-Fashioned Homemade Brownies: A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe.

Baking brownies in a cast iron skillet is such a wonderful old-fashioned way to make a comforting homemade dessert.

Peanut Butter Brownie Mini Loaves

For a fun twist on traditional brownies, try my Peanut Butter Brownie Mini Loaves.

These little brownie loaves are a delicious treat for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

They’re also a fun way to serve individual brownie portions.

The Best S’mores Brownies

And if you’re craving something extra indulgent, my Best S’mores Brownies are another wonderful homemade dessert.

They’re perfect for bringing those delicious campfire-inspired flavors into your kitchen.

Whether you prefer chocolate brownies or easy vanilla brownies, there’s always room for another homemade brownie recipe in the family recipe collection!

Conclusion: A Sweet Homemade Treat for Vanilla Lovers

Sometimes the best recipes come from making a few simple changes to something your family already loves.

That’s exactly how these homemade vanilla brownies came to be.

I wanted to make a special treat for my oldest son, who doesn’t share my enthusiasm for chocolate, and ended up creating a delicious new addition to our family recipe collection.

These chewy vanilla brownies are buttery, sweet, and full of rich vanilla flavor. And when you add that creamy homemade frosting, they become an extra-special dessert that’s perfect for sharing.

I especially love that this vanilla brownies recipe makes two full pans using ingredients I already have in my pantry.

That’s my kind of from-scratch baking!

Whether you’re making these vanilla brownies with frosting for your family, a holiday gathering, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, I hope they bring a little homemade happiness into your kitchen.

And who knows? You might even discover that you don’t need chocolate to make a really delicious brownie!

Happy baking, my barefoot friends!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Vanilla Brownies

1. What is the difference between vanilla brownies and blondies?

Homemade vanilla brownies are very similar to blondies, but the ingredients can vary. Traditional blondies often use brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor, while this recipe uses granulated sugar and plenty of vanilla extract for a sweeter, buttery vanilla flavor.

2. How do you keep vanilla brownies soft and chewy?

The secret to chewy vanilla brownies is avoiding overmixing and overbaking. Mix the flour into the batter just until combined, and remove the brownies from the oven when the centers are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

3. Can I make vanilla brownies without frosting?

Absolutely! This vanilla brownies recipe is delicious with or without frosting. You can enjoy the brownies plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or add the homemade vanilla buttercream for an extra-special treat.

4. Can I make homemade vanilla brownies ahead of time?

Yes! These easy vanilla brownies are wonderful for making ahead. Bake them a day before serving, allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. Add the frosting before serving, or refrigerate the finished vanilla brownies with frosting for up to five days.

Summary

I hope I have inspired you to make these recipes to enjoy and share with your friends and family.

If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.

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Here are some more of my cast-iron cooking inspiration posts to check out!

How to Make Chicken Cobbler with Vegetarian Option

Buttermilk Pancakes: How to Make Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: How to Make Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Chocolate Pancakes: How to Make Chocolate Sourdough Pancakes

The Best Cherry Galette Recipe

How to Cook Scrambled Eggs In a Cast Iron Skillet without Sticking!

How to Season Cast Iron for Cooking

The Best Old-Fashioned Homemade Brownies: A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe!

How to Make Dutch Oven Lasagna

How to Make Black Bean Burgers from the Garden!

Blessings,

The Off Grid Barefoot Girl