Heart Shaped Brownies

Name: Heart Shaped Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ⅔ cups white granulated sugar; 4 large eggs (cold); 2 egg yolks (cold); 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); ⅔ cup canola or vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; ¼ cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup white granulated sugar; ¾ cup heavy cream (room temperature); 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¼ cup heavy cream (hot and steaming)

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

February 21, 2025

Updated:

February 21, 2025

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Creating the perfect heart-shaped brownies is a fun and sweet adventure that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. When you take a bite of these delicious treats, you’ll discover a rich, fudgy texture combined with layers of chocolatey goodness. It’s not just about baking; it’s about crafting something special for those you love. Whether you’re surprising your partner on Valentine’s Day, celebrating an anniversary, or simply wanting to brighten someone’s day, these Heart Shaped Brownies will do just the trick. They look amazing, taste heavenly, and are sure to impress anyone who tries them. So, let’s get ready to spread some joy and some chocolate!

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Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect heart-shaped brownies requires a balance of fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor. This recipe utilizes a blend of cocoa powder and chocolate chips to achieve that delightful gooeyness, while the careful measuring of ingredients ensures each brownie is both decadent and structurally sound. By combining techniques from traditional brownie baking with an added touch of love in the form of heart shapes, these brownies promise to impress anyone lucky enough to indulge in them.

Why You’ll Love This Heart Shaped Brownies

These heart-shaped brownies are more than just a treat; they’re a heartfelt expression suitable for any occasion. Be it Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply a sweet surprise for loved ones, these brownies are visually stunning and taste incredible. With layers of salted caramel and rich chocolate ganache, this dessert evokes warm feelings and delight, making each bite a blissful experience.

Ingredients for Heart Shaped Brownies

Brownies:
2 ⅔ cups white granulated sugar
4 large eggs (cold)
2 egg yolks (cold)
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
⅔ cup canola or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Salted Caramel:
1 cup white granulated sugar
¾ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature and cubed)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup heavy cream (hot and steaming)

Preparing the Heart Shaped Brownies

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First, you’ll want to preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick baking spray, then line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Don’t forget to spray the parchment again to ensure easy removal after baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This step is essential as it helps to break up any lumps and ensures an even mix. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

Whip the Eggs and Sugar

In a mixer bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and egg yolks. Beat on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You’re looking for a beautiful pale color that will add volume to your brownies.

Add Wet Ingredients

Next, melt the butter in the microwave and let it cool slightly. Add this melted butter, the oil, and the vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to fold in the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet. Be gentle; you want to preserve the airiness from the eggs. Just mix until everything is combined, then fold in all of the chocolate chips.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set while the center remains slightly underbaked. Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a rack.

Prepare the Salted Caramel

Melt the Sugar

While the brownies are cooling, you can make the salted caramel. Pour the sugar into a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it melts and turns a lovely amber color. Be careful; you don’t want it to burn.

Incorporate Butter and Cream

Once the sugar has melted, add the butter in two portions, mixing until fully incorporated. Then, repeat this process with the heavy cream, adding in halves and stirring well each time. Finally, stir in the vanilla and salt before pouring the caramel into a glass container to cool.

Create the Chocolate Ganache

Heat Cream and Combine

For the chocolate ganache, place the chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it’s hot and steaming. Then, pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for about 1 minute and 30 seconds before stirring until smooth.

Cool to Frosting Consistency

Place the ganache in the fridge and stir every 10-15 minutes until it reaches a thick, frosting-like consistency. This should take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Assemble the Heart Shaped Brownies

Cut and Frost

Once the brownies have cooled completely, transfer them to a cutting board. Use a cookie cutter to cut them into heart shapes. Here’s where it gets fun: take a spoon and generously frost each heart-shaped brownie with the ganache. To finish, drizzle some salted caramel on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Serving Suggestions

To make your heart-shaped brownies even more special, serve them topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also make your dessert pop visually.

Tips for Success

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This makes mixing easier and ensures a better texture.
Keep an eye on the caramel’s color. Once it turns amber, it can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
Use a sharp cookie cutter for neat heart shapes. A clean cut means they’ll look fantastic when served.

Variations

Feel free to experiment! You can substitute other flavored chips, like white chocolate or peanut butter, for a unique twist. Chopped nuts or dried fruit can also add great texture and enhance the flavor.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though they might not last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, freeze the brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, feel free to substitute with other neutral oils like vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.

2. How long should I bake the brownies?
You should aim for 45-55 minutes. Look for set edges and a slight jiggle in the center before you cool them.

3. Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel a day prior and store it in the refrigerator.

4. How do I know when the brownies are fully cooled?
They should feel firm to the touch and not warm when you check with your fingers.

5. What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
Not to worry! You can use a knife to cut the brownies into squares or other fun shapes you like.

Heart-shaped brownies not only delight the eyes but also satisfy the sweet tooth, making them a perfect indulgence for special moments or everyday treats. Bring joy into your kitchen with this easy, delicious recipe that combines classic brownie goodness with romantic flair. Each bite is sure to create cherished memories with loved ones.

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