French Silk Brownies starts with a mix, but it’s topped with a luscious silk layer. These gourmet brownies are easy but so decadent.
One bite of French Silk Brownies and you will be hooked. I love trying easy brownie recipes and this has all the flavor of Chocolate Mousse Pie. The brownies are so rich with a decadent French Silk Layer.
Not only does this dessert look gorgeous but they taste delicious. We used a box mix but you can easily substitute Easy One Bowl Brownies.
You might also want to try Nutella Brownies. For a healthy twist, make Cottage Cheese Brownies.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- It uses a box mix. The recipe is so quick using a box brownie mix.
- Luscious Layers. The French Silk Layer is out of this world!
- Inexpensive. The recipe is budget friendly!
Ingredients
Brownies
- Brownie Mix. You only need the mix and not the ingredients listed to prepare the brownies based on the box instructions.
- Butter. Melted and slightly cooled.
- Milk. Whole milk will make the brownies rich.
French Silk Layer
- Cream Cheese. Softened at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract. Pure Vanilla extract is best.
- Confectioners Sugar. Sift the sugar to remove any lumps.
- Unsalted Butter. Diced into small pieces.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate. Semi-Sweet is best as it provides the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Whipped Topping. You can use Cool Whip or make Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe.
Topping
- Whipped Topping. Thawed and without lumps.
- Chocolate Shavings. This is optional for topping but adds such a nice touch.
Find the complete ingredients for the recipe at the bottom of the page.
Substitutions and Additions
- Topping. Instead of chocolate shavings, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
- Nuts. Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the whipped cream.
- Caramel Sauce. Drizzle Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe on top of the brownies before serving.
- White Chocolate. Substitute white chocolate for the chocolate in this recipe for a new flavor.
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1. Go ahead and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9X13 baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2. Next, combine the boxed brownie mix and ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3. Spread the batter into the baking dish. Bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.
Step 4. Next, remove the brownies from the oven. Let the fudgy brownie base cool completely at room temperature.
Step 5. Make the French Silk layer while the brownies cool. Beat the cream cheese and the vanilla extract with a stand mixer or handheld mixer until smooth and creamy. You will need a large bowl.
Step 6. Gradually add in the confectioner’s sugar and mix after each addition.
Step 7. Place the semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a small microwave safe dish. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and combined with the butter. Then beat the melted chocolate mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Then gently fold in the whipped cream.
Step 8. Carefully, spread the French silk layer mixture on top of the cooled brownies.
Step 9. Finally, spread the remaining whipped topping on top of the French silk layer. Top with the chocolate curls. Refrigerate and then serve.
Storage
Refrigerate any leftover brownies in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Pro Tips
- Cool brownies before frosting. It is so important to make sure they are completely cool before frosting.
- Good quality chocolate. Use the best chocolate you can in this recipe. The results will taste better.
- Softened cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese has been softened before using. This will make the texture smooth and creamy.
- Wipe your knife when slicing. You can easily get clean slices if you wipe the knife in between each cut. Run under warm water and dry with a paper towel.
More Easy Brownie Recipes
Easy Brownie
Mini Brownie Cupcakes
Easy Brownie
Pecan Pie Brownies
Easy Brownie
Salted Caramel Brownies
Easy Brownie
Oreo Brownies Recipe
Make these decadent brownies today. Then come back and leave a comment and star rating.
French Silk Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
For the French Silk Layer:
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Confectioners Sugar
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter diced
- 4 ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- 8 ounces Whipped Topping Cool Whip
- For the Topping:
- 8 ounces Whipped Topping Cool Whip
- Chocolate Shavings optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Stir together all the brownie ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Pour into the baking dish and bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature.
- While the brownies are cooling, prepare the French silk layer of the brownies.
- Beat the cream cheese and the vanilla extract with a stand up mixer or hand held mixer until combined and creamy.
- Gradually add in the confectioner’s sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing after each addition until combined and smooth.
- Place the semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a small microwave safe dish. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and combined with the butter.
- Beat the chocolate mixture into the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
- Then gently fold in 8 ounces of the whipped topping until just combined.
- Spread the French silk layer mixture on top of the cooled brownies in an even layer.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping on top of the French silk layer. Top with the chocolate shaving (if using).
- Refrigerate the brownies until ready to serve.
- Then the brownies are ready to slice, serve and enjoy!
So decadent and easy to make too!