These Star Spangled Brownies are a fun and festive treat, perfect for any celebration! They’re rich, fudgy, and topped with colorful frosting and stars, making them eye-catching and tasty!
Every bite feels like a party, and they’re super easy to make! I love serving these at gatherings because everyone loves a brownie, especially a patriotic one. Let’s raise the stars and stripes on dessert! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness in your brownies. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a dairy-free option!
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is common in brownies, but you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor and moisture. For healthier options, consider coconut sugar or a sugar substitute appropriate for baking.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolatey flavor. If you’re out, unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa works too. Just avoid sweetened cocoa as it will alter the recipe’s balance.
Candy Melts: The blue and red melts give a fun festive touch. If you can’t find them, melted white chocolate tinted with food coloring works. White chocolate gives a different taste, but it’s still delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Fudgy?
To achieve the perfect fudgy brownies, focus on the mixing and baking times. Overmixing can introduce too much air, making them cake-like instead of dense. Here’s how to ensure fudginess:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay!
- Check your brownies early; every oven is different. They should be firm on the edges but soft in the center when you pull them out.
- Let them cool completely; this helps them set properly.
With these tips, you’ll have rich and chewy brownies that everyone will love!
Star Spangled Brownies Patriotic Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Blue and red colored chocolate melts or candy melts (about 1/4 cup each)
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (assortment including stars and small rounds)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 25 minutes for baking. You’ll want to cool the brownies completely afterward, which takes about 30 minutes. So, set aside about an hour for the whole process before they’re ready to decorate and serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even baking! Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or, for easy removal, line it with parchment paper. It makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well with a whisk or a spoon until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins!
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps to remove any clumps and ensures a smoother brownie texture.
4. Mixing it All Together:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are totally fine.
5. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
6. Cooling Time:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This usually takes about 30 minutes, but you can speed it up by placing them in the fridge!
7. Cutting Out Star Shapes:
After they’ve cooled, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut the brownies into fun shapes! This makes them perfect for a festive celebration.
8. Decorating with Candy Melts:
Melt the blue and red candy melts separately according to the package instructions. Drizzle the melted candy over the star-shaped brownies for a festive touch!
9. Adding Sprinkles:
While the candy drizzle is still wet, sprinkle your red, white, and blue sprinkles on top. This will make them look extra special and help the sprinkles stick!
10. Setting and Serving:
Let the drizzle set at room temperature or pop the brownies in the fridge for a little while if you want them to set quickly. Once set, they’re ready to be served! Enjoy these delicious, patriotic treats!
These Star Spangled Brownies are perfect for your Fourth of July party, Memorial Day, or any festive occasion where you want to show your American spirit! 🎆🍪
FAQ for Star Spangled Brownies
Can I Use Different Types of Cocoa Powder?
Yes! You can substitute the unsweetened cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa for a slightly different flavor. Just ensure it’s unsweetened; sweetened cocoa would alter the recipe.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. The brownies will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving!
Can I Use Other Colors for Decoration?
Of course! Feel free to use any candy melts or chocolate colors that fit your theme—think orange and black for Halloween or green and red for Christmas. The sprinkles can match any occasion, too!
