Description
French Silk Brownies are a decadent dessert layered with fudgy chocolate brownie, a silky mousse-like chocolate cream cheese layer, and fluffy whipped topping. This easy dessert combines the comfort of brownies with the elegance of French silk pie—perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you’re craving chocolate.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Layer
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1 large egg
- 5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
French Silk Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (or whipped topping)
Topping
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- Optional: chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Set your oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart (11×7-inch) glass baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, egg, melted butter, and milk. Stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Make the French silk filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until fully incorporated.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and cubed butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
- Combine the filling: Stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully blended. Gently fold in the Cool Whip to create a light, mousse-like texture.
- Assemble the dessert: Spread the French silk filling over the cooled brownies. Then spread the second tub of Cool Whip evenly on top.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the whipped topping if desired. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- To speed up cooling, place the brownies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before adding the topping. If using homemade whipped cream, be sure to stabilize it with sugar or cream cheese to keep it from deflating. Want a coffee twist? Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate for depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 503
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg