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.

There is no distinct French name for these brownies, but they are named for their silk-like texture.

French silk pie is a rich chocolate pie with a creamy, mousse-like filling and a whipped cream topping.

Creamy French Silk Brownies with rich chocolate layers and an easy boxed mix base.

Scale

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)

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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.

Store in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days.

Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.