These Easy Star Spangled Brownies are perfect for your next patriotic celebration! They’re rich, chocolatey, and topped with festive strawberries and blueberries to give a fun starry look.
Honestly, who can resist chocolate that’s dressed up for a holiday? I love making these with the kiddos; we have a blast arranging the berries just right. Plus, they disappear fast! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brownie Mix: A box mix saves time and energy, but I love making brownies from scratch with rich chocolate for a deeper flavor. If you want to make it vegan, substitute eggs with applesauce or a flax egg.
Sprinkles: You can get creative! If you can’t find red, white, and blue sprinkles, use any color you like. Just make sure they are festive enough for the occasion. Also, consider using nuts or mini chocolate chips for different textures.
Candy Melts: Blue candy melts give a great look, but white chocolate tinted with food coloring works well too. It’s a fun way to switch things up if you’re out of melts!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cut Star-Shaped Brownies?
Cutting brownies into fun shapes can be tricky, especially when they are still warm. Here’s how to do it without hassle:
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan; this makes cutting easier.
- Use a sharp star-shaped cookie cutter, and wipe it clean between cuts to get clean edges.
- For a fun twist, try pressing the cutter down into the brownies with a light twist to release.
Easy Star Spangled Brownies for Patriotic Celebrations
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Brownie Base:
- 1 box of brownie mix (or homemade brownie batter equivalent)
- Ingredients required for brownie mix (typically eggs, oil, and water as per package instructions)
- Decorative Toppings:
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, and star shapes)
- Blue candy melts or blue-colored chocolate for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake, plus some time to cool. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour total before they’re ready to enjoy! Just give them a bit of time to set with the toppings and you’ll be good to go.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix package. This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions or use your favorite homemade recipe. Mix in the eggs, oil, and water until everything is well combined.
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for the time suggested on the package, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool Completely:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is super important for cutting them into shapes later without making a mess!
5. Cut Into Stars:
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut the brownies into star shapes. If the brownies are too soft to cut, you can place them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to firm up a bit.
6. Melt the Candy:
Next, melt the blue candy melts according to the package instructions. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
7. Drizzle Away:
Once the candy melts are nice and melted, grab a spoon or a piping bag and drizzle the blue chocolate over your star-shaped brownies. Be creative with the drizzle; a little swirly action adds a fun touch!
8. Add Your Sprinkles:
Immediately sprinkle your red, white, and blue sprinkles over the drizzled brownies. This allows them to stick nicely to the melted chocolate.
9. Let Them Set:
Set the decorated brownies aside and allow the candy melts to cool and set before serving. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the fridge for a quick chill.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once set, cut any remaining edges into bite-sized pieces, and serve these delightful star-spangled brownies at your celebration. Enjoy the festive vibes!
FAQ for Easy Star Spangled Brownies
Can I Use a Different Type of Brownie Mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any brownie mix you love, whether it’s fudge, cake-like, or low-fat. You can also use a homemade brownie recipe if you prefer a more personalized touch!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly to enjoy later!
Can I Use Fresh Berries Instead of Sprinkles?
Yes, fresh strawberries and blueberries would make a delicious and festive topping! Just be sure to place them on top of the brownies right after drizzling the chocolate, so they stick well.
What If I Don’t Have Star-Shaped Cookie Cutters?
No worries! You can cut the brownies into squares or rectangles instead. If you still want the star shape, try using a sharp knife to cut out a star design freehand or create a stencil using paper.
