Why You’ll Love French Silk Brownies Recipe
These brownies are easy to make and deliver big flavor with a smooth, silky chocolate topping that turns ordinary brownies into an elegant dessert. With a simple brownie mix as the base and a luscious French silk layer made with cream cheese and chocolate, this treat satisfies chocolate lovers of all ages. Plus, it’s versatile and can be garnished with chocolate shavings or chips for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brownies
1 box brownie mix (not prepared)
1 egg
unsalted butter (melted)
milk
French Silk Layer
cream cheese (at room temperature)
vanilla extract
powdered sugar
semi‑sweet chocolate
unsalted butter (cubed)
Cool Whip
Topping
Cool Whip
chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 11×7‑inch (2‑quart) glass baking dish with non‑stick cooking spray.
-
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, egg, melted butter, and milk, stirring until smooth.
-
Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Cool the brownies completely to room temperature before adding the topping.
-
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
-
In a microwave‑safe bowl, melt the semi‑sweet chocolate and cubed butter in 30‑second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.
-
Add the melted chocolate mixture to the cream cheese mixture and stir until combined. Gently fold in the Cool Whip.
-
Spread the French silk layer over the cooled brownies, then spread the remaining Cool Whip on top.
-
If desired, sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the top. Slice into squares and serve.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
-
Homemade Brownie Base: Substitute your favorite homemade brownie recipe for the boxed mix for an extra rich layer.
-
Chocolate Chips: Swap chocolate shavings for mini chocolate chips on top for added texture.
-
Whipped Cream: Use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a lighter, fresher topping.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. These brownies can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw before serving.
FAQs
What kind of brownie mix should I use?
Regular sized boxed brownie mix works well, but you can use a family size mix to create a thicker brownie layer.
Can I make the brownies from scratch instead of using a mix?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade brownie recipe as the base.
Do I have to use Cool Whip?
No, you can substitute homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of a chocolate bar?
Yes, semi‑sweet chocolate chips will work as a substitute.
How should I store these brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can these brownies be frozen?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to three months.
Do I have to wait for the brownies to cool before adding the topping?
Yes, cooling completely prevents the topping from melting.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, make them ahead and store them refrigerated until ready to serve.
What size pan is best for this recipe?
An 11×7‑inch (2‑quart) baking dish is recommended.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, feel free to add chocolate shavings, chips, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Conclusion
These French Silk Brownies offer a rich, creamy twist on traditional brownies with a silky chocolate layer and fluffy topping that’s sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or a simple dessert treat, this crowd‑pleasing recipe is easy to make and irresistible to eat.
French Silk Brownies
Decadent and rich, these French Silk Brownies combine fudgy brownies with a light and creamy chocolate silk topping, finished off with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for the ultimate dessert treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (topping), Baked (brownies)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (pasteurized)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate curls or shavings (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare brownie mix according to the package instructions. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the melted chocolate and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating for 2-3 minutes after each addition to ensure a silky texture. Mixture should be light and fluffy.
- Spread the chocolate silk mixture over the cooled brownies evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chocolate silk layer.
- Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings if desired.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to set layers.
Notes
- Use pasteurized eggs to safely consume raw eggs in the silk layer.
- Chilling is essential to firm up the layers for clean slicing.
- Can be made a day ahead for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
