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Root Beer Float Brownies: A Fun, Fizzy Dessert

A close-up of a rich, dark chocolate root beer float brownies square topped with white frosting.

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Make these unique Root Beer Float Brownies that capture the classic soda shop flavor in a rich, chewy bar. This recipe features a root beer-infused batter and a creamy vanilla swirl topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup root beer concentrate or extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup root beer (flat, room temperature)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup softened cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup root beer concentrate or extract (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 cup root beer concentrate.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of flat root beer. The batter will be thin.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar, cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, and the remaining 1/4 cup root beer concentrate until smooth and creamy.
  8. Beat in the milk or cream until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. If it is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time.
  9. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
  10. For the float effect, you can lightly drizzle a small amount of extra root beer concentrate over the top just before serving, or serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the full experience.

Notes

  • Using flat, room-temperature root beer prevents the batter from becoming too airy.
  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in the batter.
  • These brownies are best stored covered at room temperature for up to three days.
  • If you cannot find root beer concentrate, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of root beer extract plus 1 tablespoon of extra sugar in the frosting.

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