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    Home » Desserts

    Death by Vanilla Bars

    Published: Sep 11, 2020 · Modified: Feb 4, 2024 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    There are death by chocolate brownies, and then death by vanilla brownies. These death by vanilla bars are perfect all year round! With a nice rich brownie flavor and a delicious vanilla frosting, these vanilla bars will definetely get added to your brownie rotation!

    A close-up photo of a square slice of vanilla brownie on a white plate. The brownie is a rich, vanilla color and has a moist, fudgy texture. It is topped with a swirl of white vanilla frosting and decorated with colored sprinkles
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions for making vanilla bars
    • Substitutions
    • Tips
    • Equipment
    • Storing
    • FAQ
    • Death by Vanilla Bars

    You caught me! This recipe is not our typical 5 ingredient or less recipe. But I do have some delicious vanilla based desserts like our Haagen Daz vanilla ice cream and these delicious sugar cookie bars.

    Delicious death by vanilla bars have sprinkles on top and are filled with a fudgy brownie texture and white chocolate chips throughout

    Ingredients

    You need just a few simple ingredients to make these delicious vanilla bars! For this recipe you will need:

    • butter
    • white chocolate chips
    • flour
    • sugar
    • vanilla
    • cinnamon
    • salt
    • eggs

    For the frosting you will need:

    • powdered sugar
    • butter
    • vanilla
    • milk or water

    Instructions for making vanilla bars

    For the bars:

    Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan and dust it with flour. Set the prepared pan aside, reserving ½ cup of white chocolate chips.

    In a bowl, melt the butter along with the remaining white chocolate chips, stirring until a smooth consistency is achieved. Incorporate the remaining flour, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and eggs into the mixture. Stir just until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and then transfer the entire mixture into the prepared pan.

    Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the brownies from the pan and allow them to cool completely before applying frosting.

    For the frosting:

    In a mixing bowl, combine all the frosting ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and the frosting attains a fluffy texture. If necessary, add an additional tablespoon of water or milk to achieve your desired consistency.

    Frost the cooled brownies and sprinkle them as desired. Proceed to cut them into squares for serving.

    Substitutions

    Everyone should enjoy these delicious vanilla bars! Here are some common substitutions you can make to accommodate food allergies and intolerances:

    • Gluten free: Use gluten free flour in place of the all purpose flour
    • Vegan: Substitute an egg replacer in place of the eggs. Use plant based butter, and dairy free white chocolate chips. For the eggs you can also try using applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers as substitutes. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture.
    • Dairy free: Use dairy free white chocolate chips and dairy free butter.

    Tips

    • Use REAL vanilla! We use Ghiradelli or Guittard white chocolate chips because those brands use real vanilla. I believe they now also carry a dairy free white chocolate chip.
    • Use real vanilla in your recipe. Avoid using imitation vanilla.
    • For more flavor, use 1-2 vanilla beans scraped in place of the vanilla.

    Equipment

    You will need a 9x13 inch pan to make these bars.

    Storing

    You can store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating or freezing them. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

    an inside close up view of death by vanilla brownies vanilla bars. The inside of the bars is studded with white chocolate chips and a fudgy interior. The top of the brownies are frosted with a white vanilla frosting and white chocolate chips

    FAQ

    What makes death by vanilla brownies different from regular brownies?

    Death by vanilla bars are characterized by an intense vanilla flavor, often achieved through the use of high-quality vanilla ingredients. The combination of white chocolate and additional vanilla components also adds to the rich vanilla taste.

    Can I use any type of vanilla for this recipe, or is there a specific recommendation?

    While you can use regular vanilla extract, opting for pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste can elevate the flavor profile of death by vanilla brownies. The use of quality vanilla enhances the overall richness.

    What can I use as mix-ins?

    Feel free to get creative with mix-ins such as chopped nuts, dark chocolate chunks, or even swirls of caramel. These additions can complement the vanilla flavor.

    Can I substitute any ingredients for a gluten-free version?

    Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free version of these brownies. Ensure that other ingredients, such as baking powder and mix-ins, are also gluten-free.

    How do I know when the vanilla bars are done baking?

    A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees, keeping a close eye on them toward the end to avoid over-baking.

    Why is it necessary to let the brownies cool completely before frosting?

    Allowing the brownies to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting or becoming too runny. It also ensures that the frosting sets properly, creating a smooth and appealing finish.

    Can I make these bars ahead of time for an event?

    Yes, you can prepare these brownies in advance. Bake and store them without frosting, then frost them closer to the event to ensure the freshest taste and appearance.

    A close-up photo of a square slice of vanilla brownie on a white plate. The brownie is a rich, vanilla color and has a moist, fudgy texture. It is topped with a swirl of white vanilla frosting and decorated with colored sprinkles

    Death by Vanilla Bars

    Traci Wennerholm
    Be amazed by the delicious vanilla bar recipe! Get ready for a delectable combination of a rich brownie flavor, vanilla frosting, and only the best ingredients.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    10 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 324 kcal

    Equipment

    • mixer optional
    • 9x13 inch pan

    Ingredients
      

    • To make the bars:
    • ½ cup butter
    • 1 (12 ounce) bag white chocolate chips
    • 1 ¼ cup flour
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 2 teaspoons real vanilla
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 3 eggs
    • For the frosting:
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 3 tablespoons butter softened
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1-3 tablespoons milk or water

    Instructions
     

    • To make the bars:
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan and then flour. Set pan aside. Set aside ½ cup white chocolate chips. In a bowl, melt butter and remaining white chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Stir in the remaining flour, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and eggs. Stir just until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips, then pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Brownies are done when toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Remove brownies from pan and allow brownies to cool completely before frosting.
    • To make the frosting:
    • In a mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients on medium speed until smooth and frosting is fluffy. Add additional tablespoon of water or milk if needed to achieve the consistency you want. Frost and sprinkle the brownies. Cut into squares to serve.

    Notes

    Brownies can be stored in an airtight container for several days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the bars for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 324kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 149mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 383IUVitamin C: 0.002mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword death by vanilla brownies, vanilla bars, vanilla brownies
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