French Silk Brownies

5 from 1 vote

Chewy French Silk Brownies start with a boxed brownie base and are topped with a silky chocolate cream layer and whipped topping for a cool, creamy finish—just like French silk pie without the flaky crust.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Chill time2

Total Time2 45

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: (3x3 inch) servings

Calories: 542kcal

Author: Jennifer Fishkind

Ingredients

18.3 ounce box chewy fudge brownies (plus ingredients called for on the box - usually 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons of water, ⅔ cup of vegetable oil), Duncan Hines Family Size
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking bar finely chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 ounce tub of frozen whipped topping thawed

Optional Garnish

8 ounce tub of whipped topping thawed
Semi-sweet chocolate bar shavings
Chocolate sauce

Instructions

Spray the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with baker's spray.
Make the brownies according to the instructions on the box. (Typically, combine the brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.)
18.3 ounce box chewy fudge brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the instructions on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before adding the French silk layer.
To make the French silk layer, add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate baking bar and unsalted butter to a medium, microwave-safe bowl, and melt the chocolate at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and heat at 50% for an additional 30 seconds and stir again. Repeat in 30-second intervals at 50% power until your chocolate is melted. Stir the melted semi-sweet chocolate until completely smooth. Set aside.
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking bar, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese, using a handheld mixer on medium speed, for 1-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.
8 ounces cream cheese
Add the powdered sugar to the bowl of cream cheese, one cup at a time, and beat on low speed until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
2 cups powdered sugar
Add the vanilla extract and the melted semi-sweet chocolate to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until the chocolate is fully incorporated and the mixture begins to get light and fluffy.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Fold the thawed whipped topping into the French silk mixture using a large rubber spatula until no white streaks remain.
8 ounce tub of frozen whipped topping
Using an offset spatula, spread the French silk mixture evenly over the surface of the cooled brownies.
Chill the French silk brownies for 1-2 hours to allow the French silk mixture to firm up before slicing and serving.
You can add the optional garnishes to single servings if desired. A dollop of whipped topping, followed by a sprinkle of chocolate shavings and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
8 ounce tub of whipped topping, Semi-sweet chocolate bar shavings, Chocolate sauce

Notes

Storage:

Store: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Make ahead: Bake brownies up to one day in advance, then add topping and chill before serving. The flavor actually improves overnight.
Freeze: Freeze bars in a single layer until firm, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheat: These are best chilled, but you can let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for a softer texture.

Tips:

Soften cream cheese, butter, and whipped topping first.
Follow the brownie box directions for fudge like texture, not cake like.
Oven temperatures vary; start checking brownies a few minutes before the time on your box.
If using a glass pan, add a couple of minutes to baking time.
Melt chocolate carefully in short bursts so it doesn’t burn
Chill before slicing and wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Pipe whipped topping with a large star tip for a neat swirl.
Use Ghirardelli squeeze bottle chocolate sauce for easy drizzling.

Nutrition