Mounds Brownies
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If you love the rich combination of chocolate and coconut, these Mounds Brownies are your dream dessert! Inspired by the classic Mounds candy bar, these brownies feature a fudgy, decadent chocolate base with a luscious, sweet coconut layer and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings!
Did You Know?
Mounds bars were first introduced in the 1920s and are famous for their sweet coconut center coated in dark chocolate. These brownies capture all that deliciousness in a homemade, gooey, baked treat!
Yield
Makes 16 brownies.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Coconut Layer:
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Layer
- In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Ganache Topping
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In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer (small bubbles will form around the edges). Be careful not to let it boil.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the chocolate chips to the hot cream. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.
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Stir the mixture gently with a spatula or whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
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Pour the ganache over the coconut layer and spread it evenly with an offset spatula.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the ganache and coconut layer.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, chocolaty, and coconutty goodness!
How the Brownies Will Look
These Mounds Brownies feature three gorgeous layers: a dense, fudgy brownie base, a bright white coconut layer, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. Each bite is a perfect blend of chocolate and coconut flavors, with a chewy and creamy texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Brownie)
Calories: 350, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 4g, Sugars: 32g
Kitchen Tips
- For extra richness, use dark chocolate cocoa powder in the brownie base.
- Toast the shredded coconut lightly for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Let the brownies chill completely before slicing to get clean, even squares.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache for a salty-sweet twist.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze the brownies for longer storage; just thaw before serving.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the brownies out of the pan for slicing.
- For a nuttier variation, add chopped almonds to the brownie batter.
- Double the ganache for an extra thick and indulgent topping.
- Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Let’s Learn About Ganache
Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream that creates a smooth, glossy finish. Depending on the ratio of cream to chocolate, ganache can be used as a glaze, filling, or frosting. It adds a luxurious touch to these Mounds Brownies, perfectly complementing the sweet coconut layer.