Becky’s Microwave Brownies with Ooey-Gooey Icing

Becky was my best friend in high school, from ninth through twelfth grade; I spent hundreds of nights at her house for sleepovers. We visited, tried on clothes and make-up and cooked. The absolute best, and my most favorite thing we made was her family’s recipe of brownies. They were microwave brownies, which wasn’t common then.

What made them stand-out was the ooey-gooey icing that was just-right, simple and perfect. Unexpectedly, this recipe become part of our treasured story and friendship. I asked for the recipe, which was handwritten years ago, and it made me smile, it was tattered and written over, just as many treasured recipes are.

Becky and I shared many wonderful childhood memories together, and this marvelous brownie recipe became one of those sweet traditions that always brought comfort. Even today, every bite reminds me of back then, my friend, and the joy of sneaking the last brownie off to Becky’s room to outsmart her three brothers!

What makes this recipe especially meaningful was that Becky and her mother developed it many years ago when microwave desserts were still considered something of a novelty. While many recipes have come and gone through the years, this one has remained a favorite because it is delicious and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s done in fifteen minutes, then we iced and tore in. It proves that some of the very best recipes do not require complicated techniques or fancy ingredients, just a bit of creativity.

The aroma of warm chocolate and toasted pecans transports me back to those cherished growing-up years. Once Becky’s mother made them, we could smell that deliciously chocolate-butter-sugar smell wafting right under the door to Becky’s room where we charged out to claim ours. These gooey brownies were often shared after school, weekend visits, and whenever we needed a quick chocolate treat, which was always. The rich cocoa flavor, soft texture, and buttery icing was special, every single time.

Today, Becky’s Microwave Brownies remain one of my most treasured recipes because they represent much more than dessert. They represent our enduring friendship, laughter, memories, and the eternal bond as we shared some of life’s sweetest moments together. It’s a recipe that deserves to be passed down and enjoyed for generations. Hope your family enjoys it as much as ours has!

Becky’s Microwave Brownies with Ooey-Gooey Icing

Description: These absolutely decadent brownies are so easy to make and always a favorite after school treat, sharing with a friend, family reunion or a sneak treat for yourself. It’s not just the brownie; it’s the icing that takes it over the top. The rich chocolate and fudgy icing will knock your socks off. These quick to make brownies will become your favorite go-to, but be on the look-out, even friends will lift one off your plate when you’re not watching!

Brownie Ingredients:

• Cooking spray for an 8 x 8-inch microwave-safe baking dish

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsifted all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder (such as Hershey’s)

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 1 cup chopped, toasted pecans

Sinful Chocolate Butter Icing

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

• ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, softened

• Pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk, if needed for spreading

Directions:

Prepare the Brownies:

1. Spray an 8 x 8-inch microwave-safe baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, salt, flour, cocoa powder, and melted butter.

3. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

4. Fold in the chopped pecans.

5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish.

Microwave Baking Instructions:

1. Microwave on HIGH for 2½ minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

2. Carefully rotate the dish one-quarter turn.

3. Microwave for another 1 minute and rotate again, checking for doneness with a toothpick. They may be done-see step number 6, below for doneness.

4. Microwave for a third interval of 30 seconds, if needed, rotating once more.

5. *Cook’s Note-Check for doneness beginning at 2½ minutes total cooking time. Depending on the wattage of your microwave, total cooking time may range from 2½ to 4 minutes, approximately.

6. The brownies are done when:

   • The center appears mostly set.

   • The surface no longer looks wet.

   • A toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.

7. Avoid overcooking, as microwave brownies continue to set while cooling.

8. Allow brownies to cool for about 15 minutes before icing.

Prepare the Sinful Ooey-Gooey Icing:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, salt, and vanilla.

2. Add 1 tablespoon milk if needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

3. Spread evenly over the slightly warm brownies.

4. Let the icing set before cutting into squares.

Serving Suggestions:

These brownies are wonderful served slightly warm with a glass of milk, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are perfect for after-school treats, church gatherings, potlucks, family reunions, or simply sharing with a good friend.

For an extra-special dessert, top each brownie square with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted, chopped pecans. They are super good with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Pairings

• Milk

• Coffee

• Hot chocolate

• Vanilla ice cream

• Whipped cream

• Fresh berries

• Toasted pecans

• Caramel sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 3-4 minutes Cool Time: 15 minutes Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Servings: 9-12