Description
Santa Belly Brownies are festive, fun, and delicious treats perfect for holiday celebrations. These brownies feature a rich red candy melt ganache layered over a classic brownie base, decorated with gold-dusted mini chocolate squares and white chocolate chips or M&Ms, creating an eye-catching Santa-themed dessert that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 batch brownies, baked and cooled (9×13-inch pan)
Red Ganache Topping
- 2 cups red candy melts (or 2 cups white chocolate chips + red oil-based food coloring)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Decorations
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or white M&Ms
- 12 mini chocolate squares
- 1/2 teaspoon edible gold luster dust or edible gold spray
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup or edible glue (optional, for sticking decorations)
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Base: Prepare your brownie base from a boxed mix or homemade recipe. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely to ensure the ganache adheres properly.
- Make Red Ganache: Combine the red candy melts with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Apply Ganache: Spread the red ganache evenly over the cooled brownies using an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Place the brownies in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to let the ganache set slightly but remain soft enough for cutting.
- Cut Brownies: Once the ganache has firmed but is still pliable, use a clean, sharp knife to cut the brownies into 12 even squares.
- Prepare Decorations: Brush each mini chocolate square with edible gold luster dust or spray to give them a festive metallic shine. These will form the “buckles” on the Santa belly brownies.
- Decorate Brownies: Place one gold-dusted mini chocolate square in the center of each brownie square. Press 2–3 white chocolate chips or white M&Ms above each buckle. Use corn syrup or edible glue if needed to secure the decorations in place.
- Set Decorated Brownies: Refrigerate the decorated brownies for an additional 10 minutes to fully set the ganache and ensure the decorations adhere firmly before serving.
Notes
- You can use white chocolate chips with red oil-based food coloring as an alternative to red candy melts.
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before applying the ganache to prevent it from melting.
- If corn syrup or edible glue is not available, a small amount of melted chocolate can be used as an adhesive for decorations.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and ganache firmness.
