These Heart Shape Brownies are the perfect treat for showing love! They’re rich, fudgy, and made from simple ingredients like cocoa, sugar, and butter. Who could resist that?
Baking these brownies always makes me smile. I love cutting them into heart shapes—it’s like giving a sweet hug! 🥰 Serve with ice cream for extra happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Both alternatives work well and won’t compromise the texture.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is ideal for sweetness. You could swap in brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or try coconut sugar as a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may change the color a bit.
Cocoa Powder: I recommend unsweetened cocoa powder for the deep chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, which will give you a different but still tasty result.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for these brownies. For a gluten-free version, replace it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It usually works just as well!
Heart-shaped Decorations: The candy decorations add a cute touch. If you can’t find heart-shaped candy, mini chocolate chips or colored sprinkles will also work nicely to add some fun.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cut Heart Shapes?
Cutting heart shapes from brownies can be tricky, so here are some simple tips:
- Make sure your brownies are completely cool before cutting. This helps them hold their shape without crumbling.
- Use a sharp heart-shaped cookie cutter. If the brownies are too soft, try refrigerating them for about 30 minutes before cutting.
- Press the cutter down firmly and gently wiggle it back and forth to get a clean cut.
- Use a thin spatula to lift the hearts out carefully, especially if the edges are soft.
Creating these heart-shaped brownies is not only fun but also a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion! Enjoy sharing them with loved ones.
Heart Shape Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Heart-shaped candy decorations or heart-shaped mini marshmallows (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 to 25 minutes to bake. After baking, the brownies will need some time to cool completely before you can cut them into heart shapes. So, plan for about 1 hour total for cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease and flour a square 8×8 inch baking pan to ensure the brownies come out easily after baking.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Next, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly blended and there are no lumps.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. When they’re done, check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
5. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important for easy cutting!
6. Cut Into Hearts:
After the brownies have cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the brownies into cute heart shapes. Place the cut hearts on a serving plate.
7. Decorate:
Now it’s time to make your brownies look even more delightful! Decorate each heart-shaped brownie with a small candy heart or a pink/red mini marshmallow, gently pressing it into the center of each brownie.
8. Time to Serve:
Finally, serve these sweet, fudgy heart-shaped brownies to your friends, family, or anyone you want to impress! Enjoy the smiles they bring!
With their fudgy texture and charming heart shapes, these brownies are perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home. Enjoy!
Can I Use Unsweetened Applesauce Instead of Butter?
Yes! You can substitute unsweetened applesauce for butter to make the brownies lower in fat. Use the same amount, but be aware that the texture might be slightly different—less fudgy and more cake-like. It’s a great option for a lower-calorie treat!
Can I Make These Brownies in Advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day ahead of time. Once they cool, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to decorate them with candy or marshmallows right before serving for the freshest look!
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each brownie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana for each egg. Alternatively, a “flax egg” works well too—just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it thicken for a few minutes before adding to the batter!
