These French Silk Pie Brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownies and a creamy, airy French silk topping. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls, they make an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Each bite is a chocolate lover’s dream!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadent Layers: Fudgy brownies topped with silky chocolate cream and fluffy whipped topping make for a dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting.
Easy to Make: Thanks to store-bought brownie mix and whipped topping, this recipe is surprisingly simple while still delivering a wow factor.
Perfect for Entertaining: These brownies look and taste impressive, making them a great choice for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: The layers of chocolate—from the brownie base to the rich French silk topping—make this dessert a chocoholic’s paradise.
Key Ingredients
Brownie Mix: The foundation of this dessert, brownie mix ensures a reliably fudgy and rich base with minimal effort. Feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe if you prefer!
German Chocolate Bar: Adds depth and complexity to the French silk layer. If unavailable, semi-sweet or dark chocolate can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
Cream Cheese: The key to the silk layer’s creamy texture, cream cheese adds richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the chocolate.
Whipped Topping: Provides the light, airy texture for the French silk and topping layers. Use thawed store-bought whipped topping for convenience, or make your own whipped cream for a homemade touch.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the French silk layer while keeping it smooth and creamy.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownies
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix and Bake:
Prepare the brownies according to the package instructions (typically mixing brownie mix with eggs, oil, and water).
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake:
Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes, or as instructed on the box.
Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center (a few moist crumbs are fine; wet batter is not).
Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Prepare the French Silk Topping
Melt Chocolate and Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
4 oz. German chocolate, finely chopped
6 tbsp butter, cubed
Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, stir, then continue in 15-second intervals until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
Combine Ingredients:
Add 4 oz. softened cream cheese to the chocolate mixture.
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat until fully incorporated.
Gradually add 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Fold in Whipped Topping:
Gently fold in 8 oz. thawed whipped topping (half of a 16-oz tub) until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the airy texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
Spread French Silk Layer:
Once the brownies have cooled, evenly spread the French silk mixture over the brownie layer using a spatula.
Add Final Topping:
Spread the remaining 8 oz. whipped topping over the French silk layer.
Optional: Garnish with chocolate curls or mini chocolate chips for decoration.
Chill:
Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or until fully set. Chilling helps the layers firm up and ensures clean slices.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slice:
Once set, cut the dessert into squares using a sharp knife.
Serve:
Serve cold and enjoy the rich, creamy layers of chocolate goodness with the fudgy brownie base.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Presentation: Serve cold, garnished with chocolate curls or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a bakery-worthy finish.
Indulgent Add-Ons: Top with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a plated dessert experience.
Pairings: Enjoy alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to complement the rich chocolate flavors.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration
Store French Silk Pie Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The layers hold up beautifully and stay fresh when chilled.
Freezing
These brownies freeze well! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations
Dark Chocolate Silk: Swap the German chocolate for dark chocolate to intensify the cocoa flavor.
Peanut Butter Twist: Add a thin layer of peanut butter between the brownie and silk layers for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
Minty Fresh: Stir a few drops of peppermint extract into the French silk layer for a refreshing mint-chocolate variation.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the whipped topping for added texture and flavor.
Homemade Brownies: Skip the mix and make your favorite brownie recipe from scratch for an extra-special touch.
Conclusion
French Silk Pie Brownies are the ultimate hybrid dessert, combining two classic treats into one irresistible masterpiece. From the dense, fudgy brownie base to the luscious chocolate cream and airy whipped topping, every layer offers something special. Best of all, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make, so you don’t have to save it for special occasions (though it’s certainly worthy of them).
So, grab your ingredients, clear some fridge space, and get ready to indulge in a dessert that will leave everyone swooning. Trust me—this one’s a keeper!
French Silk Pie Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box fudge brownie mix 18.3 oz.
- 4 oz German chocolate bar finely chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter cubed
- 1 package cream cheese 8 oz., softened
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 tub frozen whipped topping 16 oz., thawed
- chocolate curls or mini chocolate chips optional, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped German chocolate and cubed butter. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, stir, then continue in 15-second intervals until melted and smooth. Add softened cream cheese and beat until smooth. Gradually mix in confectioners' sugar until creamy. Gently fold in 8 oz. of whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Spread the French silk mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Top with the remaining 8 oz. of whipped topping, spreading it evenly. Garnish with chocolate curls or mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Once set, cut the dessert into squares using a sharp knife. Serve cold and enjoy the layers of fudgy brownie and creamy French silk topping.