Introduction

Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of a classic root beer float in a rich, gooey brownie form. These Root Beer Float Brownies combine fudgy chocolate with a bubbly twist and a creamy root beer frosting that will delight your taste buds.

A close-up view of six square chocolate cakes in a white rectangular dish on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth nearby. Each cake piece has a thick, soft layer of white creamy frosting spread unevenly on top with swirls and peaks. One piece is slightly raised above the others, showing its dark brown, moist and dense texture beneath the creamy frosting layer. The edges of the cakes are cleanly cut, highlighting their square shape. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp kosher salt
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
6 oz white chocolate chips
8 tbsp butter, cubed
6 eggs, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 tsp pure vanilla extract
16 oz root beer
1/4 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup root beer (to reduce for frosting)
1/2 tsp root beer extract
Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside 1/4 cup of root beer in a small saucepan and reduce it over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it becomes a concentrated syrup. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and kosher salt until well combined and smooth. In another bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and cubed butter. Melt the mixture using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and slightly fluffy.
Step 4: Stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture gently to preserve the air bubbles. Fold in the dry ingredients carefully using about 20 gentle motions. Pour in the 16 oz of root beer and fold just until combined; small flour streaks are fine.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top looks set but a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy and pale. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low after each addition. Mix in the cooled root beer reduction and root beer extract. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving to enhance flavor and achieve clean slices.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth batter and lighter texture.
Reduce the root beer for frosting carefully to concentrate its flavor without burning.
For extra fun, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each brownie serving to mimic a classic float experience.
You can substitute the root beer extract with a few drops of vanilla extract if unavailable, though flavor will be less distinctive.

Storage

Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture. They can also be frozen, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with six thick, square pieces of chocolate cake topped with a generous layer of whipped cream. Each piece has a rich, dark brown, moist texture with a smooth, fluffy white layer of whipped cream evenly spread on top that contrasts with the deep color of the cake. One piece is lifted above the rest, showing its crumbly but moist chocolate texture clearly. The dish sits on a surface with a light green kitchen cloth beneath, all set on a white marbled texture. The whipped cream on each square has soft peaks and texture variations, making the dessert look fresh and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular soda instead of root beer?

Root beer is essential for the distinctive flavor, but you could experiment with cola or cream soda for a different twist. Keep in mind the taste and sweetness will vary.

Why do the brownies need to cool completely before frosting?

If the brownies are warm, the frosting can melt and become runny, making it difficult to spread evenly and resulting in a less neat presentation. Cooling also helps the brownies set for that perfect gooey texture.