Introduction
Brownies have always been the ultimate comfort dessert—rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolatey. But when you give them a romantic twist by shaping them into hearts and finishing with a glossy layer of silky chocolate ganache, they transform into a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just showing love through food.
These Heart-Shaped Brownies with Chocolate Ganache bring together everything we adore about brownies: a chewy edge, a soft fudgy center, and an intense chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth. The ganache adds elegance, making them look bakery-worthy while still being simple enough to prepare at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s both simple and luxurious. The brownie base is rich and fudgy, and the smooth ganache topping elevates it into something decadent. Cutting them into heart shapes makes them visually appealing and festive, turning a classic treat into a romantic gesture. Plus, they’re versatile—you can dress them up with sprinkles, berries, or edible glitter for extra charm.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Combines two chocolate favorites: fudgy brownies + silky ganache.
- Perfect for romantic occasions or gifting.
- Simple ingredients with bakery-level results.
- Customizable with decorations and toppings.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Ganache Setting Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Servings & Nutritional Info
- Servings: 8–10 heart-shaped brownies
- Calories (per serving): ~320–360 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert / Sweet Treat
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tsp butter (optional, for shine)
Optional Decorations:
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- White chocolate drizzle
- Edible glitter or gold leaf
Simple Cooking Directions
- Bake brownies in a square pan.
- Cut into heart shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Prepare chocolate ganache.
- Spread ganache over brownies and let set.
- Decorate as desired.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method
Step 1: Make the Brownie Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan.
Step 3: Cut into Hearts
- Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut brownies into heart shapes. Set aside on parchment paper.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
- Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2–3 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter for extra shine if desired.
Step 5: Assemble
- Spread or spoon ganache over the top of each brownie heart.
- Let set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Decorate with sprinkles, berries, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
How to Serve
- Place each brownie on a small dessert plate.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Do not overbake—slightly underdone brownies are fudgier.
- Chill brownies before cutting to get neat heart shapes.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter and wipe clean between cuts.
- For an extra chocolatey kick, fold in chocolate chips into the batter.
Variations
- Raspberry Ganache: Add raspberry puree to the ganache.
- Nutty Brownies: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- White Chocolate Ganache: Replace dark chocolate with white for a sweeter topping.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze brownies (without ganache) for up to 2 months. Add ganache after thawing for best texture.
Special Equipment Needed
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls & whisk
- Saucepan
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Offset spatula (for ganache spreading)
Conclusion
These Heart-Shaped Brownies with Chocolate Ganache are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of love, chocolate, and creativity. Fudgy, rich, and elegantly topped with ganache, they are perfect for Valentine’s Day, romantic dinners, or thoughtful homemade gifts. Whether you dress them up with berries and sprinkles or keep them simple and classic, they’ll always impress and delight.
Heart-Shaped Brownies with Chocolate Ganache
Description
Brownies have always been the ultimate comfort dessert—rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolatey. But when you give them a romantic twist by shaping them into hearts and finishing with a glossy layer of silky chocolate ganache, they transform into a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just showing love through food.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
For the Chocolate Ganache:
Optional Decorations:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Make the Brownie Batter : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan. Melt butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.
-
Step 2: Bake the Brownies : Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let brownies cool completely in the pan.
-
Step 3: Cut into Hearts : Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut brownies into heart shapes. Set aside on parchment paper.
-
Step 4: Make the Ganache : Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2–3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter for extra shine if desired.
-
Step 5: Assemble : Spread or spoon ganache over the top of each brownie heart. Let set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or in the fridge. Decorate with sprinkles, berries, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
