French Silk Brownies Recipe
Introduction
French Silk Brownies are a decadent twist on traditional brownies, featuring a rich, silky chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth. This dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a smooth, indulgent treat with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 7: While the brownies bake, prepare the chocolate frosting. Heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 8: Allow the brownies to cool completely before spreading the silky chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, use dark chocolate chips for the frosting.
- Chill the frosting briefly in the refrigerator if it becomes too soft to spread.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Serve the brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for a fresh contrast.
Storage
Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Before serving, bring them back to room temperature or warm slightly to enjoy the frosting’s silky texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder?
Yes, unsweetened cocoa powder is commonly used in brownie recipes and works well here. Make sure it’s pure cocoa powder for the best flavor.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. The brownies should feel set on top but still soft inside.
PrintFrench Silk Brownies Recipe
French Silk Brownies are a rich, chocolatey dessert combining the fudgy texture of classic brownies with the smooth, creamy silkiness of a chocolate mousse-like frosting. This recipe balances deep cocoa flavor with a luscious chocolate cream topping, resulting in an indulgent treat perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a sophisticated brownie experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to ensure a uniform chocolate flavor and proper rise.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a warm aromatic note.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, stirring just until combined to maintain a light, fudgy texture without overmixing.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Prepare Chocolate Frosting: While the brownies bake, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy to create a silky chocolate ganache.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top with a spatula for a rich, creamy finish.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve. These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting set and fresh.
Notes
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips for the frosting.
- Do not overbake the brownies to maintain their moist, fudgy texture.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the ganache from melting.
- If preferred, refrigerate the frosted brownies to keep the ganache firm.
- To make cutting easier, chill the brownies for 30 minutes after frosting.
Keywords: French Silk Brownies, Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Ganache, Fudgy Brownies, Dessert, Chocolate Dessert
