French Silk Brownies offer a divine twist on the classic brownie, combining the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies with the smooth, luxurious silkiness of French silk pie. This indulgent dessert layers dense chocolate brownies with a creamy, whipped chocolate filling, topped with a light layer of whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a sophisticated yet comforting treat, these brownies are sure to impress at dinner parties, special occasions, or as a lavish treat to enjoy any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love French Silk Brownies:
- Double Chocolate Delight: A chocolate lover’s dream with its combination of rich brownie and silky chocolate mousse.
- Elegant Presentation: Looks as exquisite as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions.
- Indulgent Texture: The contrast between the dense brownie and the light, airy French silk layer is simply irresistible.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance for a stress-free dessert that’s ready to impress.
Ingredients Notes For French Silk Brownies:
- For the Brownie Base:
- Dark Chocolate and Butter: Melted together to form the rich, chocolaty foundation of the brownies.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the crusty top of the brownies.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness, ensuring a fudgy texture.
- Flour: Just enough to bind the batter without making the brownies cakey.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- For the French Silk Layer:
- Softened Butter: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the chocolate filling.
- Sugar: Fine or powdered sugar works best for a smooth texture.
- Melted Chocolate: Cools before being added to the mixture to prevent melting the butter.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the chocolate flavor.
- Eggs: Whipped into the mixture for lightness and silkiness.
- Toppings:
- Whipped Cream: Adds a light, creamy texture contrast.
- Chocolate Shavings or Cocoa Powder: For a beautiful and tasty finish.
Recipe Steps:
- Bake the Brownies: Mix the melted chocolate and butter with sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour. Pour into a prepared baking pan and bake until just set. Allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the French Silk Layer: Whip softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add melted chocolate and vanilla, then slowly incorporate raw eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and silky.
- Assemble: Spread the French silk layer over the cooled brownies evenly. Refrigerate until the chocolate layer is set.
- Top and Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for decoration.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Due to the creamy French silk layer, these brownies should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and enjoyed within 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze without the whipped cream topping. Thaw in the refrigerator before topping and serving.
How to Make French Silk Brownies A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the French Silk Layer:
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 ounces (55g) unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for a deeper chocolate flavor)
- 2 pasteurized eggs (Note: Pasteurized eggs are recommended for safety in recipes that use raw eggs.)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish
Instructions
Making the Brownies:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Beat in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until brownies start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Do not overbake. Let cool in the pan.
Preparing the French Silk Layer:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Chocolate: Gradually beat in the melted and cooled chocolate, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder (if using).
- Add Eggs: Beat in the pasteurized eggs, one at a time, for 5 minutes after each addition, using a high speed of your mixer. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Spread Over Brownies: Once the brownie base has cooled, spread the French silk layer evenly over the top. Refrigerate while you prepare the topping.
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Top the French Silk Layer: Spread the whipped cream over the French silk layer.
- Garnish: Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Chilling:
- Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours before serving to set the French silk layer.
