Description
Brighten up your holiday celebration with these festive brownies that feature a rich chocolate base topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting. Decorated with fresh berries in a patriotic flag design, this simple yet impressive dessert is perfect for summer gatherings and outdoor cookouts.
Ingredients
- 1 batch brownie batter (prepared from box or scratch)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipped topping
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325ºF (165ºC). Grease a 15×11 inch jelly roll pan and spread prepared brownie batter evenly to the edges.
- Bake for 33-37 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, then remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies, reserving a small amount for piping a border if desired.
- Arrange strawberry slices to form five star shapes and use blueberries to create decorative tails and borders across the pan.
- Pipe small frosting swirls around the edge of the brownies and top each with a blueberry for a final finish.
Notes
To ensure the best results, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the brownies into clean squares after decorating. If you are baking in high humidity, chill the brownie base in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before adding the frosting to help the layers stay distinct and stable.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American