Valentine’s Day is all about love, and what better way to celebrate than with Sweetheart Brownies? These fudgy, chocolatey, and heart-shaped brownies are the perfect treat to share with your sweetheart, family, or friends. Topped with silky chocolate ganache and festive sprinkles, this Valentine’s dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Fudgy Texture – Perfectly chewy with a deep chocolate flavor.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick steps for stress-free baking.
✔ Perfect for Valentine’s Day – Heart-shaped brownies make a romantic and festive treat.
✔ Customizable Toppings – Add sprinkles, frosting, or even fresh berries!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration (Optional):
- Valentine’s sprinkles
- Heart-shaped candies
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting.
Step 3: Cut into Heart Shapes
- Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out brownie hearts. Save the scraps for snacking or ice cream toppings!
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and let the ganache cool slightly before drizzling.
Step 5: Decorate Your Sweetheart Brownies
- Drizzle or spread the chocolate ganache over the brownie hearts.
- Add Valentine’s sprinkles, heart candies, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Allow the ganache to set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Sweetheart Brownies
✔ Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder – For a richer chocolate flavor, opt for Dutch-processed cocoa.
✔ Don’t Overbake – Brownies continue cooking as they cool, so remove them when slightly underbaked in the center.
✔ Chill Before Cutting – Refrigerating the brownies for 20 minutes makes cleaner heart-shaped cuts.
✔ Get Creative with Toppings – Try white chocolate drizzle, freeze-dried raspberries, or edible glitter for a gourmet touch!
FAQs
Can I make these brownies in advance?
Yes! You can bake the brownies up to 3 days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
How do I store leftover sweetheart brownies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze sweetheart brownies?
Absolutely! Freeze unglazed brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and decorate before serving.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
No problem! Use a knife to cut out heart shapes or simply serve as classic squares.
Can I use box brownie mix?
Yes! For a quicker version, use a high-quality brownie mix and follow the heart-shaped cutting and decorating steps.
Final Thoughts
This Sweetheart Brownies Recipe is the ultimate Valentine’s dessert—rich, fudgy, and filled with love! Whether you’re baking for a romantic date night, a family gathering, or a fun Galentine’s party, these heart-shaped brownies will be a showstopper.
Bake a batch and share the love this Valentine’s Day! ❤️
