Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Star-Spangled Brownies are rich, fudgy, and festively topped with red, white, and blue decorations that make them perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July. These easy-to-make brownies combine classic chocolate flavor with eye-catching flair, making them a hit at parties, picnics, or any celebration where you want to show your American spirit in dessert form.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as required) or homemade brownie batter
white chocolate or vanilla candy melts
red, white, and blue sprinkles
star-shaped sprinkles or decorations
parchment paper
directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the brownie batter according to package or recipe instructions.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake as directed, usually 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Melt white chocolate or candy melts in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Drizzle or spread the melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies.
Immediately add red, white, and blue sprinkles and star-shaped decorations on top.
Let the topping set completely, then cut into squares or use a star-shaped cookie cutter for themed shapes.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 16 squares or 10–12 star cutouts.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1.5 hours
Variations
Add patriotic M&M’s to the batter for an extra pop of color.
Swirl cream cheese into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.
Top with a layer of marshmallows and broil briefly for a s’mores-style finish.
Use blondie batter for a vanilla version of this festive treat.
storage/reheating
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage, up to 1 week.
To reheat, microwave a brownie for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey bite.
FAQs
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut—just follow the package instructions.
Do I have to use white chocolate?
No, but it gives a nice contrast and helps sprinkles stick.
Can I cut them into stars?
Yes, use a metal cookie cutter and wipe clean between cuts for sharp edges.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, prepare a day in advance and store tightly covered.
Are they too sweet with the toppings?
They’re rich but balanced, especially if using dark chocolate brownies.
Can I use frosting instead of melted chocolate?
Yes, a white buttercream or cream cheese frosting works great too.
What kind of sprinkles work best?
Jimmies, nonpareils, and star-shaped sprinkles all show up beautifully.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free brownie mix or recipe.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just bake in a larger pan and adjust baking time.
Conclusion
Star-Spangled Brownies are the perfect blend of decadent chocolate flavor and festive patriotic spirit. With their rich texture and colorful toppings, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth of July or just looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, these brownies will shine bright on any dessert table.
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