Mounds Brownies

If you love the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and the irresistible flavors of coconut and chocolate, then these Mounds Brownies are your new go-to dessert. Inspired by the classic Mounds candy bar, these brownies are decadent and indulgent, featuring a creamy coconut filling topped with a layer of rich chocolate ganache. With their gooey texture, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that combines two beloved treats into one perfect bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet treat after dinner, Mounds Brownies will quickly become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love Mounds Brownies

These brownies are not your average dessert! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

Fudgy & Decadent

The base is a classic fudgy brownie—rich, gooey, and chocolatey. Topped with a creamy coconut filling and then finished with a luscious chocolate ganache, these brownies are pure dessert heaven.

Mounds-Inspired

If you’re a fan of the Mounds candy bar, you’ll love these brownies! They bring together the sweet coconut flavor with the perfect balance of chocolate, just like the famous candy.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a birthday party, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these brownies are a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love.

Easy to Make

Despite their impressive look, these brownies are surprisingly simple to make. They come together in three easy steps: bake, fill, and top! You’ll be enjoying these in no time.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the Coconut Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups (150g) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, and mix until just combined. The batter should be thick.
4. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool for about 10-15 minutes before adding the coconut layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Filling

1. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the coconut filling by combining the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Once the brownies have cooled slightly, spread the coconut mixture evenly on top of the cooled brownie base. Press it down gently with a spatula to ensure it sticks.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor. Pour the ganache over the coconut layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Let the brownies sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or until the ganache has set. You can speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the ganache is set, cut the brownies into squares and serve! Enjoy the combination of fudgy chocolate, sweet coconut, and smooth ganache in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutrition breakdown for one serving (1 brownie, assuming 16 brownies in total):

• Calories per serving: 250
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 45mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 23g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 6% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 0% of daily value
• Calcium: 2% of daily value
• Iron: 8% of daily value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling and setting time)

How to Serve Mounds Brownies

These Mounds Brownies are fantastic on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few serving ideas:

• With Ice Cream: Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can balance out the richness of the ganache and coconut filling.
• With a Drizzle of Caramel: For an extra sweet touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Change the Toppings: You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for the ganache, or try adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened shredded coconut?
A1: You can use unsweetened coconut, but you’ll need to add more sugar to the coconut filling to achieve the right sweetness. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to balance it out.

Q2: Can I substitute the heavy cream in the ganache with something else?
A2: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the ganache will be less rich. Alternatively, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Q3: Can I make these brownies without the ganache?
A3: Absolutely! The brownies will still be delicious with just the brownie base and coconut filling. You can skip the ganache if you prefer a lighter version.

Q4: How can I store leftover brownies?
A4: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I make these brownies in a different-sized pan?
A5: Yes! If you use a larger or smaller pan, you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will require a longer bake time, while a larger pan will reduce the bake time.

Q6: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
A6: Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate to make the ganache. Each type will give the brownies a slightly different flavor profile.

Q7: Can I add more coconut to the filling?
A7: Yes! If you love coconut, feel free to increase the amount of shredded coconut in the filling. Just be sure the mixture remains spreadable.

Q8: Can I use pre-made brownies for this recipe?
A8: While homemade brownies are the best for this recipe, you can use store-bought brownies if you’re short on time. Just add the coconut filling and ganache on top.

Q9: Can I add chocolate chips to the brownie batter?
A9: Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

Q10: Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
A10: Yes, you can make these dairy-free by using dairy-free butter, coconut milk (for the ganache), and dairy-free chocolate chips. The coconut filling is already dairy-free!

Conclusion

These Mounds Brownies are a delicious twist on a classic candy bar. They bring together fudgy chocolate brownies, a sweet coconut filling, and a smooth ganache topping, making them a treat everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of ice cream, this dessert is sure to impress. Easy to make, indulgent, and totally irresistible—what’s not to love? Go ahead, treat yourself to this chocolate-coconut goodness today!

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