Homemade French Silk Brownies

Imagine biting into a rich, chewy brownie topped with a silky-smooth layer of chocolate mousse and a billowy cloud of whipped cream. That’s exactly what you get with these Homemade French Silk Brownies – the perfect marriage between classic brownies and the luscious French silk pie. They’re indulgent, decadent, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these brownies will become your new favorite dessert.


💖 Why You’ll Love These Brownies

  • Triple Chocolate Delight – A fudgy brownie base, smooth chocolate silk topping, and creamy whipped layer.
  • Perfect for Parties – Elegant enough for celebrations, simple enough for a weekend treat.
  • Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves a brownie, but this twist makes it next-level.

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 16 brownies)

🧁 For the Brownie Base:

  • 150g unsalted butter, melted
  • 200g granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (100g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 65g all-purpose flour
  • 30g cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 100g dark chocolate (chopped or chips)

🍫 For the French Silk Layer:

  • 170g dark or semi-sweet chocolate (melted and cooled)
  • 170g unsalted butter (room temp)
  • 150g powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs (very fresh – pasteurized if preferred)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)

🍥 For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 250ml heavy whipping cream
  • 30g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
  • Chocolate curls or cocoa powder (optional for garnish)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brownie Layer

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until glossy.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until light and slightly thickened.
  4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in chopped chocolate or chips.
  6. Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Let cool completely before adding the silk layer.

Step 2: Prepare the French Silk Layer

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Slowly add melted chocolate and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
  3. Add one egg at a time, beating well for 2–3 minutes per egg. This step is key for the mousse texture.
  4. Spread the French silk over the cooled brownie layer. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Whip and Top

  1. In a cold bowl, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  2. Spread whipped cream over the chocolate silk layer.
  3. Garnish with chocolate curls or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
  4. Chill again for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Brownie – based on 16)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 100mg

👩‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

  • Room Temp Eggs & Butter: Essential for a smooth silk layer. Cold ingredients can cause curdling.
  • Pasteurized Eggs: If you’re concerned about raw eggs, use pasteurized eggs for safety.
  • Chill Before Slicing: Let the layers firm up before slicing to get those perfect bakery-style cuts.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: These brownies are even better the next day once the flavors marry together.

🧡 A Sweet Note from the Kitchen

These brownies are a little bit nostalgic and a whole lot of indulgent. Inspired by the rich chocolate pies of the Midwest and paired with a brownie base, this recipe is all about layers of texture and flavor. It’s the kind of dessert you bring to impress – and end up being begged for the recipe every time. You might even want to make a double batch. Trust me, they go fast.