Easter Egg Brownies
Easter is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats. One of the delightful confections that you can create for this festive occasion is the Easter Egg Brownie. These brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant cheer of colorful candy-coated chocolate eggs. The result is a dessert that not only tastes fantastic but also adds a special touch to your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or just looking to treat yourself and your loved ones, these brownies are sure to bring smiles to faces and satisfy sweet cravings.
Why make this recipe
The Easter Egg Brownies are a perfect addition to any Easter gathering. They are simple to make, require readily available ingredients, and best of all, they are incredibly fun to decorate. You can involve your kids in the process, letting them help sprinkle the mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans onto the brownies. This makes for a fun and engaging family activity that fosters creativity and collaboration in the kitchen. Additionally, these brownies are not only pleasing to the eye, with their colorful toppings, but they also pack a rich chocolate flavor that brownies are renowned for. This recipe is an excellent way to blend a classic treat with festive spirit, making it a standout dessert for the holiday.
How to make Easter Egg Brownies
Making Easter Egg Brownies is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. The combination of melting butter, mixing in sugar and eggs, and then adding the dry ingredients creates a smooth brownie batter. The real fun begins when you fold in the chocolate chips and, after baking, top the warm brownies with mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans. These additions provide a delightful crunch and a colorful appearance that is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike. Whether you choose to slice them up for a gathering or enjoy them at home, these brownies are an excellent way to celebrate the season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until fully blended.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
While warm, top with mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Time Breakdown
To make these delightful Easter Egg Brownies, the total time can generally be divided into several segments. Preparing your ingredients and setting up the workspace takes about 10 minutes. Mixing the batter and transferring it to the baking pan typically requires another 15 minutes. The baking time is around 20-25 minutes, followed by a cooling period. In total, expect the entire process to take approximately an hour, making these brownies a quick and easy dessert option that’s perfect for last-minute holiday planning.
How to serve Easter Egg Brownies
Serving Easter Egg Brownies is just as delightful as making them. Cut the brownies into generous squares and place them on a colorful platter. You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a snowy finish or drizzle with a chocolate ganache for added richness. Consider pairing the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the experience, creating a delicious contrast between warm and cold. Serve them at your Easter gathering, and watch as your family and friends delight in this festive treat.
How to store Easter Egg Brownies
If you happen to have any Easter Egg Brownies left over, storing them is quite simple. Place the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. For added freshness, you can freeze the brownies, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months; simply thaw them in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.
Tips to make Easter Egg Brownies
To ensure your Easter Egg Brownies turn out perfectly, here are a few tips. First, be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour; this can lead to dense brownies. Keep a close eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. Use the toothpick test to check for doneness, ensuring that a few moist crumbs cling to the pick. For a unique twist, consider adding nuts or different types of candy on top to customize your brownies. And lastly, letting the brownies cool completely before cutting them will provide neater squares and enhance the eating experience.
Variation
While the classic Easter Egg Brownies are delightful on their own, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes. Consider substituting chocolate eggs with pastel-colored candies or sprinkles for a different look and flavor. You can also experiment with flavored chocolate chips, such as peanut butter or white chocolate, to introduce a new taste dimension. If you’re seeking a healthier alternative, you could replace part of the sugar with applesauce or yogurt, creating a brownie that is slightly lighter but still indulgent.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
When enjoying a rich treat like Easter Egg Brownies, it’s helpful to keep track of nutritional information. Generally, each brownie square contains about 250 calories, depending on its size. You’ll find around 12 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 2-3 grams of protein. Including mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans will increase the sugar count, so be mindful if you’re watching your sugar intake. Always enjoy in moderation to maintain a balanced diet, especially during the festive season.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour such as almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. Be sure to adjust the measurements as needed, as these alternative flours can behave differently in baking.
2. How can I make these brownies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugar in the batter or leaving off the candy toppings. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor while balancing the sweetness.
3. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them properly to retain their freshness until you’re ready to serve.
Easter Egg Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter Melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 cup mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans For decorating
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until fully blended.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While warm, top with mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
