Introduction
Oh friends, French Silk Brownies feel like pure comfort. That fudgy brownie base topped with a smooth, chocolate silk layer is just irresistible. They look fancy, but thanks to boxed brownie mix they are easy and quick too. In only 40 minutes, this dessert is ready for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night at home. You will love how easy and impressive they feel.
Table of Contents
French Silk Brownies Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need to gather before starting:
- Boxed brownie mix
- 1 egg
- 5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 16 ounces Cool Whip, divided
- Optional: chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for garnish
These ingredients are simple, easy to keep on hand, and perfect when you want a quick chocolate treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 11×7-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a medium bowl, combine brownie mix, egg, melted butter, and milk. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Next, spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely at room temperature. This step helps the silk layer sit perfectly on top.
Make the French Silk Layer
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
Meanwhile, melt semi-sweet chocolate and cubed butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth and silky.
Add melted chocolate mixture to the cream cheese mixture and stir until blended. Then gently fold in 8 ounces of Cool Whip until light and airy.
Assemble and Top
Spread the French silk layer over cooled brownies. Smooth the top gently for a neat finish.
Spread the remaining 8 ounces of Cool Whip over the French silk layer.
If you like, sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the top for extra chocolate goodness.
Finally, slice into 12 squares to serve.
Substitution Ideas for French Silk Brownies
You can easily make a few swaps if needed. Use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix for a personal touch. You can also swap in homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. Feel free to sprinkle mini chocolate chips instead of shavings. It’s all about what works best for you.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Related Recipes to Try
If you love these brownies, you will also enjoy my strawberry lemon blondies recipe. Or try my rich cheesecake brownies recipe. Looking for fall flavors? My pumpkin cheesecake bars and pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are perfect.
French Silk Brownies Recipe Card
Print
French Silk Brownies: A Simple, Creamy Dessert to Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
Description
Creamy French Silk Brownies with rich chocolate layers and an easy boxed mix base.
Ingredients
Boxed brownie mix
1 egg
5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 cup milk
8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
4 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1/4 cup unsalted butter (cubed)
8 ounce Cool Whip (for French silk layer)
8 ounce Cool Whip (for topping)
Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish.
2. Combine brownie mix, egg, melted butter, and milk until smooth.
3. Spread batter in dish and bake 25-28 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
4. Cool completely to room temperature.
5. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.
6. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
7. Melt chocolate and cubed butter in microwave, stirring between intervals.
8. Add melted chocolate mixture to cream cheese mixture; stir until blended.
9. Fold in 8 ounces Cool Whip gently.
10. Spread French silk layer over cooled brownies.
11. Spread remaining 8 ounces Cool Whip over top.
12. Optional: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chips on top.
13. Slice into 12 squares to serve.
Notes
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days.
Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- 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
FAQ
What are French silk brownies?
French silk brownies are layered treats with a fudgy brownie base and a creamy chocolate mousse-like topping.
Why is it called French silk?
The name comes from the silky smooth texture of the chocolate layer, inspired by French silk pie.
What is a French brownie called?
There is no distinct French name for these brownies, but they are named for their silk-like texture.
What kind of pie is French silk?
French silk pie is a rich chocolate pie with a creamy, mousse-like filling and a whipped cream topping.
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired to whip up a pan of these French Silk Brownies soon. They are simple, rich, and full of chocolate joy. If you do, I would love to hear how they turn out. Share your thoughts and maybe even a photo. Happy baking, friends!
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