Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or yogurt/non-dairy milk with vinegar)
- 3 large eggs (or flaxseed meal/applesauce for an egg-free version)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or plant-based butter)
- 1-2 teaspoons gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: cream cheese frosting for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl; whisk to remove lumps.
- Cream the softened butter and sugars together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, then swirl in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; add food coloring if desired.
- Bake in the prepared pan for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before icing with cream cheese frosting and decorating with toppings.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Experiment with festive toppings like crushed peppermint or edible glitter for added holiday flair!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian