french silk brownies;
Originally posted April 17, 2017. Updated April 11, 2024 for content and clarity.
How do you make your favorite fudgy brownies even more decadent? Make them french silk brownies! Load up boxed or from-scratch brownies with the easiest chocolate mousse you’ve ever made, some whipped topping, and then make it look fancy with some shaved chocolate! These french silk brownies are the ultimate chocolate fix.
What better way to get a chocolate fix than load up chocolate on top of chocolate? I love chocolate. Could you tell? It’s in the name of this blog! We always joked you weren’t a part of our family unless you liked chocolate. Luckily I’ve diversified my pallet since then; I love me a good salted caramel, and a classic vanilla bean ice cream can’t be beat. But chocolate is, and will forever, be in my heart. *Cue Phil Colins song from Tarzan*
What I love about this recipe for french silk brownies is that it can be as labor-intensive as you want it, baking-wise.
secret to success
What I love about this recipe for french silk brownies is that it can be as labor-intensive as you want it, baking-wise. My favorite crinkle top brownies are made from scratch with the most fudgy texture and the perfect crinkle top! The crinkle top comes from the fat of actual chocolate in the batter.
If you’re rushed, reach for boxed brownie mix. But homemade crinkle top brownies are my favorite.
secret to success
If you’re rushed though, reach for that boxed brownie mix. We always made boxed brownies growing up, and they taste delicious and take mere seconds to whip up.
It won’t be french silk brownies without the french silk! Even here, you have some options. My go-to is cool whip. It’s easy, convenient, and I often keep some in my fridge to make cake puff crinkle cookies. Not a fan of store-bought whipped topping? Make yourself fresh whipped cream by combining fresh cream and sugar. Add 2 cups cream to a bowl, and add in 2 Tbsp sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form.
You even have options when it comes to the “french silk”. Frozen whipped topping is quick and easy, but fresh whipped cream is light and airy.
secret to success
Then substitute in the french silk brownies recipe below for the cool whip whipped topping. It will be extra critical to make sure your chocolate is cooled before folding the whipped cream and melted chocolate chips together. Whipped cream is much more temperamental, and more likely to melt if subject to heat.
I personally prefer cool whip because it’s more shelf stable and keeps for longer in the fridge. But I totally understand that the texture or flavor isn’t for you, and fresh whipped cream is a lovely, light alternative.
You can thank Dorothy Kern over at Crazy for Crust for this recipe! It’s definitely a make-again recipe, one of those that looks great and gourmet, without stressing yourself out about the details! I’ve been on a whipped-topping kick lately…and of course I had to find a reason to add chocolate!
If you’re feeling a little bit “tipsy” in honor of the original name of this blog (tipsychocochip), then try adding a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream or Kahlua to the french silk icing. It adds an extra layer of flavor and fun to these french silk brownies! Of course, if you’re not in an alcoholic mood, these brownies are great without it.
secrets to success;
Want all the best tips and tricks to make this recipe a success? Check out the blog post above to find out more!
more recipes;
Looking for other simple dessert recipes? Check out these fan favorites!
- No bake apple butter truffles only take three ingredients and are one of my favorite fall flavors. But don’t worry, I have a whole host of truffle recipes.
- Quick and easy–and healthful! Easy fruit cobbler can be made with any of your favorite fruits and also pairs lovely with some whipped topping on top.
- Flaky puff pastry, fresh whipped cream (or sub whipped topping) and bright fresh strawberries make this strawberries and cream pastry recipe a hit!
french silk brownies;
Ingredients
brownies;
- 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2½ teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
french silk topping;
- 8 oz tub of whipped topping thawed
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla
- chocolate shavings (optional) for decoration
Instructions
brownies;
- Note: this brownie recipe makes a 9"x13" pan but the topping only covers roughly a square. Enjoy the rest as regular brownies!
- Line a 9"x13" pan with parchment paper. Spray with oil and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter. Microwave in 30 second increments until the butter is melted and the chocolate chips begin to melt. Stir together until melted and smooth.
- Add 1½ cups sugar, 1 Tbsp vanilla, 1 tsp salt, and 2½ tsp coffee granules to the melted chocolate. Mix together to combine.
- In a small bowl, add 4 eggs and whisk together until frothy and bubbly. Fold the scrambled eggs to the chocolate mixture.
- Add ½ cup flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, and 1 tsp baking powder. Stir to combine. Do not overmix.
- Evenly spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until the brownies are just set. Test the center with a toothpick, it should come out clean when they're ready.
french silk topping;
- Allow brownies to cool completely before proceeding with topping, otherwise it will melt!
- Ensure the whipped topping is thawed and remove half (4 oz) to a medium bowl.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until melted. Let cool for 1-2 minutes before proceeding.
- Use a spatula to scrape the melted chocolate into the whipped topping in the bowl and add 1 tsp vanilla. Gently mix to combine until chocolate is evenly spread and you have an easy chocolate mousse.
- Spread the chocolate mousse over the cooled brownies in an even layer.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping over top the mousse layer. Top with shaved chocolate if desired.
099 - FrenchSilkBrownies [Print this Recipe]
