Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits Recipe

Introduction

Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits are the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover, combining rich and fudgy brownies with layers of creamy whipped topping and colorful Mini Eggs. Perfect for Easter celebrations, these parfaits are visually stunning and packed with irresistible flavors. The layers of soft, decadent brownies, smooth cream, and crunchy Mini Eggs create a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Whether you’re hosting an Easter gathering, looking for a fun treat for a family brunch, or just craving a delicious dessert, Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits are an easy yet impressive option. This recipe will guide you through the steps of making these delightful parfaits, offer tips for perfect results, and suggest some fun variations to try for different occasions.

Why You’ll Love Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits

• Irresistibly Chocolatey: The rich, fudgy brownies paired with colorful Mini Eggs and creamy layers create a chocolate-lover’s dream dessert. Every bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity.
• Fun and Festive: The colorful Mini Eggs not only add a fun pop of color but also a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the brownie and cream. These parfaits are visually stunning, making them perfect for Easter or any festive occasion.
• Layered Perfection: The contrast between the fudgy brownie, smooth whipped cream, and crunchy candy creates a wonderful layering effect that makes each spoonful a new experience.
• Quick and Easy: These parfaits come together quickly with minimal preparation. The brownies can be baked ahead of time, and assembling the parfaits is a breeze.
• Customizable: You can adjust the layers according to your preferences, adding more or less of any ingredient, or even using different candies or toppings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes (for brownies)
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 8-10 parfaits
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per parfait, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20-24g

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Mini Eggs (plus extra for garnish)

Whipped Cream Layer:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• ½ cup Mini Eggs, crushed (optional for extra crunch)
• Chocolate shavings or syrup (optional)

Special Equipment

Making Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits doesn’t require any specialized tools, but having the right equipment will make the process smoother:

1. Baking Pan: You’ll need an 8×8-inch square baking pan to bake the brownies. Line it with parchment paper or grease it with butter to prevent the brownies from sticking.
2. Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is ideal for whipping the cream to soft peaks. It will save you time and ensure the cream is light and fluffy.
3. Parfait Glasses or Serving Cups: To showcase the beautiful layers of the parfait, individual parfait glasses or small serving cups work best. You can also use mason jars for a rustic look.
4. Mixing Bowls: A few large mixing bowls are needed for making the brownie batter and the whipped cream. Using separate bowls ensures everything is mixed properly and avoids cross-contamination of ingredients.
5. Spatula: A spatula will help you spread the brownie batter evenly in the pan and also help with layering the whipped cream in the parfait glasses.
6. Knife and Cutting Board: You will need a knife to cut the baked brownies into bite-sized cubes for layering the parfaits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This will help the brownies come out easily after baking.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. The batter will be thick.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of Mini Eggs over the top of the brownie batter before placing it in the oven.

Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, cut the brownies into bite-sized cubes that will be used for layering in the parfaits. Set them aside until you’re ready to assemble.

2. Make the Whipped Cream Layer

While the brownies are cooling, make the whipped cream. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter. The whipped cream should be light and fluffy.

Once the whipped cream is ready, set it aside in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the parfaits.

3. Assemble the Parfaits

Now that the brownies and whipped cream are ready, it’s time to assemble your Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits. Start by placing a layer of brownie cubes at the bottom of each parfait glass or serving cup. You want the brownie layer to be thick but not overwhelming, so about 4-5 cubes should work well.

Next, add a layer of whipped cream on top of the brownies. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the cream evenly over the brownie layer. You want to cover the brownies completely, creating a smooth layer of cream.

After the whipped cream, add another layer of brownie cubes, followed by another layer of whipped cream. Repeat the process until the parfait glasses are filled, making sure the top layer is whipped cream.

4. Garnish the Parfaits

Once the parfaits are assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Garnish each parfait with additional Mini Eggs, either whole or crushed, for a colorful and crunchy topping. You can also sprinkle some chocolate shavings or drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for added richness and decoration.

For extra texture, you can also top the parfaits with a small dollop of whipped cream or a few extra brownie crumbles. The garnishes should be as decorative as they are delicious.

5. Chill the Parfaits

After assembling and garnishing the parfaits, place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. Chilling the parfaits helps the whipped cream firm up and makes them easier to serve.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the parfaits are chilled and ready, serve them as a delightful, indulgent dessert. These parfaits are perfect for Easter gatherings, brunches, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something delicious and beautiful.

Tips for Perfect Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits

• Make the Brownies Ahead of Time: To save time, you can bake the brownies a day in advance and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This will make the parfait assembly quicker when you’re ready to serve.
• Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks: When making the whipped cream, be careful not to overwhip it. Whipping the cream just until soft peaks form will ensure it remains light and airy.
• Customize the Brownie Layer: You can make the brownies from scratch or use a box mix for convenience. Adding extra ingredients, such as chocolate chips or nuts, to the brownie batter before baking can enhance the flavor of the brownies.
• Chill the Parfaits: Be sure to chill the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes the parfaits easier to eat.
• Add More Mini Eggs: Don’t be shy with the Mini Eggs! The more, the better. You can also crush them into smaller pieces to sprinkle in between layers for added crunch and color.

Variations of Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits

• Caramel Brownie Parfaits: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce between the layers of brownie and whipped cream for a decadent twist. You can even mix some caramel into the whipped cream for a richer flavor.
• Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits: Mix a little peanut butter into the whipped cream for a delicious peanut butter flavor that complements the chocolatey brownies and Mini Eggs. Top with crushed peanuts for added texture.
• Mint Chocolate Brownie Parfaits: Add a few drops of mint extract to the whipped cream to give the parfaits a refreshing minty flavor. Garnish with mint leaves or mint chocolate chips for a festive touch.
• Fruit-Infused Brownie Parfaits: Add a layer of fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries between the brownie and whipped cream layers for a fruity twist. The tartness of the fruit will balance out the sweetness of the brownies and whipped cream.

Storage and Shelf Life

Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Store any leftover parfaits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The whipped cream may soften over time, but the parfaits will still taste delicious.

If you prefer, you can store the brownie cubes and whipped cream separately and assemble the parfaits just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits

Pair these indulgent parfaits with complementary treats to enhance your dessert experience:

• Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or espresso is the perfect complement to the richness of these chocolatey parfaits. The slight bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the parfaits for an even richer, creamier dessert.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad can provide a nice contrast to the heaviness of the brownies and whipped cream. A mix of berries or citrus fruits works particularly well.
• Sparkling Water: For a refreshing drink, serve these parfaits with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda to cut through the richness of the dessert.

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Conclusion

Mini Eggs Brownie Parfaits are an indulgent and fun dessert that combines all your favorite treats in one delicious layered masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply treating yourself, these parfaits are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings and impress your guests. With easy-to-follow instructions, customizable variations, and festive garnishes, you can make these parfaits for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors of brownies, whipped cream, and Mini Eggs—each bite is pure chocolatey bliss!