French Silk Brownies are the ultimate dessert mashup—combining fudgy, rich brownies with a cloud of silky, chocolate mousse on top. This layered indulgence is as elegant as it is satisfying, making it the perfect showstopper for dinner parties, holidays, or just when you need a seriously chocolatey fix.
Table of Contents
What Are French Silk Brownies?
French Silk Brownies fuse two beloved desserts into one:
- Brownie base: Dense, chewy, and intensely chocolatey.
- French silk topping: A whipped chocolate mousse made with butter, sugar, melted chocolate, and eggs (or pasteurized egg substitute) for that luxurious, silky texture.
- Optional whipped cream layer: For added lightness and contrast.

These brownies are rich but not heavy, silky yet grounded by the brownie base. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Layer | Ingredients |
---|---|
Brownie Base | 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla |
French Silk Layer | 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 oz unsweetened chocolate (melted), 1 tsp vanilla, 2 large eggs (or pasteurized egg product) |
Whipped Cream (opt) | 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract |
Garnish (optional) | Chocolate curls, cocoa powder, or shaved chocolate |
How to Make French Silk Brownies
Step 1: Bake the Brownie Layer
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Melt butter, then stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add cocoa, flour, salt and mix until smooth.
- Pour into the pan and bake 20–25 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 2: Make the French Silk Layer
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add melted chocolate and vanilla.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, beating 5 minutes after each for fluffiness and silkiness.
- Spread over cooled brownie base.
Step 3 (Optional): Whip and Top
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread over French silk layer.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Expert Tips
- Use pasteurized eggs: Since the French silk layer isn’t baked, this makes it safer for all.
- Chill time matters: For clean slices and firm layers, don’t skip the chilling step.
- Add espresso powder: A pinch in the brownie batter deepens the chocolate flavor.
- Room temp butter = fluffy mousse: Don’t rush the creaming step!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 16 Servings)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~260 kcal |
Sugar | ~22g |
Fat | ~18g |
Carbs | ~25g |
Protein | ~3g |
FAQs
What makes French Silk Brownies different from other brownies?
French Silk Brownies stand out because of their luxurious chocolate mousse topping, which gives them a creamy texture unlike typical frosted brownies.
Can I make French Silk Brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! French Silk Brownies actually taste better after a day in the fridge, as the flavors and texture set beautifully.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes. If you’re short on time, you can use your favorite boxed brownie mix for the base, then follow the recipe for the silk layer.
Are French Silk Brownies safe to eat with raw eggs?
To be safe, use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Can I freeze French Silk Brownies?
Yes—wrap them tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
French Silk Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
French Silk Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate melted
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 large eggs or pasteurized egg product
Whipped Cream (optional):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish (optional):
- Chocolate curls or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Bake brownie base: Mix and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Cool.
- Make French silk layer: Cream butter and sugar, mix in melted chocolate and vanilla, then beat in eggs.
- Optional whipped cream: Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla. Spread on top.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice and serve.