French Silk Brownies

Name: French Silk Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: 18.3 ounces chewy fudge brownies; 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 ounces frozen whipped topping, (thawed); 8 ounces whipped topping, (thawed); Semi-sweet chocolate bar shavings; Chocolate sauce

French silk brownies are a combination of fudgy brownies and creamy French silk pie filling for a delicious and indulgent dessert experience.

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Table of Contents

French Silk Brownies Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This French Silk Brownies Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE

Treat yourself to an unforgettable dessert experience with our French silk brownies. With the irresistible charm of fudgy brownies and the luxurious touch of French silk chocolate, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and elegance.

French Silk Brownies Ingredients

French Silk Brownies raw ingredients that are labeled

The fudge brownies form the luscious base of this dessert with their chewy and rich texture.

To make the French silk layer, the semi-sweet chocolate baking bar brings an authentic chocolate flavor, ensuring a velvety and decadent experience. The cream cheese provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.

You’ll need:

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

For The Optional Garnish:

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

Substitutions and Additions

WHIPPED TOPPING: For a homemade twist, substitute the thawed whipped topping with stabilized whipped cream. Simply whip heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla until stiff peaks form.

CHOCOLATE SAUCE: While the Ghirardelli brand premium chocolate sauce is our top choice, feel free to use any high-quality chocolate sauce available at your local grocery store.

SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE BAKING BAR: If you’re a fan of milk chocolate, try using a milk chocolate baking bar instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter twist.

How To Make This French Silk Brownies Recipe

Let’s dive into the delightful process of making our French silk pie brownies recipe.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Ensure the cream cheese, butter, and whipped topping are at room temperature for easy mixing.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with baker’s spray.

STEP TWO: Combine the brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine according to package directions.

PRO TIP:

Be sure to follow the directions on the back of the box of brownie mix for the brand you purchased. You may note that the proportions of oil, water & eggs may differ from the brand used in this recipe.

If you use a glass dish, you may need to add an additional couple of minutes to your baking time from what your box suggests. Be sure to follow the directions for fudge-like, not cake-like, brownies for this recipe.

brownie mix, eggs, water, and oil whisked together

STEP THREE: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the fudge brownie layer to cool completely at room temperature before adding the French silk layer.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your brownies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

brownie batter poured into a baking dish

STEP FOUR: 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.

PRO TIP:

When melting your chocolate and butter in the microwave, you will need to note that the microwave used for this recipe is 1000 watts. Your microwave may take longer or less time to melt your chocolate. You just want to keep an eye on it so that you do not burn the chocolate.

chocolate baking bar and butter added to a bowl

STEP FIVE: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese, using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, for 1-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.

STEP SIX: 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.

STEP SEVEN: Add the vanilla extract and the melted 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.

vanilla and chocolate added to the cream cheese mixture

STEP EIGHT: Fold the thawed whipped topping into the French silk mixture using a large rubber spatula until no white streaks remain.

whipped topping folded into the french silk mixture using a spatula

STEP NINE: Using an offset spatula, spread the French silk mixture evenly over the surface of the cooled brownies.

french silk mixture spread over the surface of the brownies

STEP TEN: Chill the French silk brownies for 1-2 hours to allow the French silk mixture to firm up before slicing and serving.

STEP ELEVEN: 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.

PRO TIP:

To garnish my single servings of these French silk brownies, I like to place the additional thawed whipped topping into a large piping bag fitted with a large decorative piping tip and pipe on a decorative dollop of the whipped topping on top of the brownies.

How To Serve

Serve our delectable French silk chocolate brownies as an indulgent dessert after a family dinner or special occasion.

Alternatively, impress your guests by including them in dessert platters during gatherings and celebrations.

Transform the French silk brownies into a decadent dessert by topping each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Pair these indulgent treats with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of milk for a truly satisfying experience.

Our French silk pie is a favorite chocolate dessert of ours, and you can never go wrong with a classic brownie recipe.

MORE BROWNIE RECIPES

Dessert Bars

Baileys Brownies

Dessert Bars

Triple Chocolate Brownies

Storage

MAKE AHEAD: To prepare ahead, you can bake the brownie layer in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Prepare the French silk layer and assemble the brownies just before serving for optimal freshness.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store leftover French silk brownies, cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to refrigerate them promptly to maintain their texture and flavor.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, you can freeze this decadent treat in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before enjoying them.

Why We Love This Recipe

Indulge your taste buds with the rich, fudgy goodness of our French silk brownies. Here’s why we adore this delightful treat:

FUSION OF DESSERTS: The seamless blend of fudgy brownies and velvety French silk chocolate creates a divine dessert fusion that’s simply irresistible.

MAKE-AHEAD: The ability to prepare the brownie layer beforehand makes it a practical choice for busy hosts or those looking to plan their dessert in advance.

a close up shot of a French Silk Brownie on a plate with a bite taken out of it

Our French silk brownies are an absolute delight, uniting the best of both fudgy brownies and luxurious French silk chocolate. The combination of flavors and textures creates a heavenly dessert that can elevate any occasion, from family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different boxed brownie mix brand for this recipe?

You can use any chewy fudge brownie mix brand you prefer for this easy recipe, but make sure to follow the package instructions for the best results.

Can I add nuts to the brownie layer?

Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to the brownie layer. Simply mix them into the batter before baking.

How do I ensure my French silk layer is perfectly smooth?

Be sure to melt the chocolate and butter at 50% power in the microwave to avoid burning. Stir frequently during the melting process to achieve a smooth consistency.

Can I make these brownies without the cream cheese?

The cream cheese is a vital component of the French silk layer, providing its signature silky texture. While you can omit it, the dessert won’t be a traditional French silk brownie.

Can I freeze the brownies with the garnish?

It’s best to add the garnish just before serving to maintain its freshness and appearance. Freeze the plain brownies, and garnish individual servings as needed.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?

You can substitute stabilized homemade whipped cream for the frozen whipped topping. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla until stiff peaks form.

How do I ensure my brownies have the perfect fudgy texture?

Follow the baking time mentioned in the recipe and perform the toothpick test. If the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, the brownies are perfectly fudgy.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

You can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to make a larger batch of French silk brownies. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

More Recipes You’ll Love

French Silk Brownies

5 from 1 vote

French silk brownies are a combination of fudgy brownies and creamy French silk pie filling for a delicious and indulgent dessert experience.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2 45

Servings

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Ingredients

18.3 ounces chewy fudge brownies (plus ingredients called for on the box; 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 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed

Optional Garnish

8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
Semi-sweet chocolate bar shavings
Chocolate sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with baker’s spray.
Combine the brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine according to package directions.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes 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.
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.
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.
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.
Fold the thawed whipped topping into the French silk mixture using a large rubber spatula until no white streaks remain.
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.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese, butter, and whipped topping are at room temperature for easy mixing.
Be sure to follow the directions on the back of the box of brownie mix for the brand you purchased. You may note that the proportions of oil, water & eggs may differ from the brand used in this recipe. If you use a glass dish, you may need to add an additional couple of minutes to your baking time from what your box suggests. Be sure to follow the directions for fudge-like, not cake-like, brownies for this recipe.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your brownies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
When melting your chocolate and butter in the microwave, you will need to note that the microwave used for this recipe is 1000 watts. Your microwave may take longer or less time to melt your chocolate. You just want to keep an eye on it so that you do not burn the chocolate.
To garnish my single servings of these French silk brownies, I like to place the additional thawed whipped topping into a large piping bag fitted with a large decorative piping tip and pipe on a decorative dollop of the whipped topping on top of the brownies.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!