What’s better than rich, fudgy brownies? Easter Egg Brownies—a decadent chocolate treat loaded with colorful, candy-coated chocolate eggs! These brownies are everything you love about a classic brownie but with an extra festive twist. They’re gooey in the center, have a crackly top, and are filled with melty chocolate and crunchy candy eggs in every bite.
Whether you’re making them for an Easter party, a springtime bake sale, or just because you love brownies, these treats are guaranteed to impress. They’re super easy to whip up with simple ingredients, and you can customize them with different types of Easter chocolates. Plus, they make a great way to use up any leftover Easter candy!
Why You’ll Love These Easter Egg Brownies
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Super fudgy and rich – The perfect brownie texture: chewy edges, gooey center, and a crackly top.
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Festive and fun – The candy-coated eggs add color and crunch, making them perfect for Easter.
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Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no fancy techniques required.
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Great for gifting – Wrap them in cute Easter-themed packaging for a thoughtful homemade gift.
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Perfect for leftover candy – Use any Easter chocolates you have on hand!
Preparation Time and Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Yield: 12 brownies
Nutritional Information (Per Brownie)
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Calories: 280
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 14g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 28g
Ingredients for Easter Egg Brownies
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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¾ cup brown sugar, packed
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3 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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1 cup candy-coated chocolate eggs (like Cadbury Mini Eggs), roughly chopped
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½ cup whole Easter eggs for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easter Egg Brownies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix with Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This helps create that shiny, crackly top.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Easter Eggs
Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and half of the chopped candy eggs. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Pour and Add Toppings
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chopped Easter eggs and whole candy eggs on top for decoration.
Step 7: Bake Until Set
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and serve!
Ingredient Background
Cocoa Powder: The Secret to Rich Brownies
Cocoa powder is what gives brownies their deep, chocolatey flavor. There are two main types—natural cocoa powder and Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Natural cocoa is slightly more acidic and has a strong, bold chocolate flavor, while Dutch-processed cocoa is smoother and darker. Either works in this recipe, but using Dutch-processed cocoa will give your brownies an even richer color and taste.
Candy-Coated Easter Eggs: A Crunchy, Festive Addition
The mini candy-coated chocolate eggs add a fun, colorful crunch to these brownies. These eggs typically have a thin, crispy shell and a creamy milk chocolate center, which contrasts beautifully with the soft, fudgy brownie texture. You can use Cadbury Mini Eggs, M&M’s Easter eggs, or any similar candy-coated chocolate eggs. If you prefer a softer texture, you can also use chocolate truffle eggs or filled chocolates.
Butter vs. Oil in Brownies
Some brownie recipes use vegetable oil, but using butter adds an extra depth of flavor and richness. Melted butter also contributes to the crackly top that everyone loves in brownies. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can substitute half of the butter with vegetable oil, which helps retain moisture.
Technique Tips for Easter Egg Brownies
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter once the flour and cocoa powder are added can lead to dense, tough brownies. To keep them soft and fudgy, stir gently just until everything is combined. A few streaks of flour in the batter are okay before adding the chocolate chips and Easter eggs.
2. Use the Right Baking Pan
For thick, chewy brownies, use an 8×8-inch pan. A larger pan (like a 9×13-inch) will result in thinner brownies and a shorter baking time. If you want extra-thick brownies, use a 7×7-inch pan and bake for a few extra minutes.
3. Test for Doneness Correctly
To get the perfect fudgy texture, don’t wait until the toothpick comes out completely clean—this means the brownies are overbaked! Instead, look for moist crumbs sticking to the toothpick. The brownies will continue to set as they cool.
4. For a Crackly Top, Whisk the Sugar and Eggs Well
The secret to a shiny, crackly top is whisking the melted butter, sugar, and eggs together until slightly thick and glossy. This helps create a delicate, crisp crust on top of the brownies.
5. Let the Brownies Cool Before Slicing
Brownies will be very soft straight out of the oven. Letting them cool completely before slicing helps them set and prevents them from crumbling. If you’re in a hurry, place the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to speed up the process.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
1. Drizzle with Chocolate or White Chocolate
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the cooled brownies. This makes them look bakery-quality and adds another layer of chocolate flavor.
2. Make Brownie Easter Egg Nests
Instead of cutting into squares, scoop out the center of each brownie piece and place a chocolate egg inside to create a “nest.” This is a fun idea for Easter brunch or dessert tables!
3. Turn Them into Ice Cream Sundaes
Warm a brownie square slightly, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with hot fudge, and sprinkle with crushed Easter eggs. It’s the ultimate Easter dessert!
Freezing and Storing Easter Egg Brownies
Storing at Room Temperature
Once cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you like extra soft brownies, place a slice of bread in the container—it keeps them moist!
Refrigerating for Longer Freshness
For a slightly firmer texture, refrigerate the brownies for up to 1 week. The chocolate flavor actually deepens after a day, making them taste even better!
Freezing for Later
If you want to save brownies for later, follow these steps:
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Let them cool completely.
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Wrap each brownie square in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock freezer bag.
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw: Leave at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm them up.
Healthier Twist Ideas
1. Swap Some of the Butter for Greek Yogurt
Replacing ¼ cup of butter with Greek yogurt reduces the fat content while keeping the brownies moist and fudgy.
2. Use Whole Wheat Flour
For a slightly healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. It adds fiber without drastically changing the taste.
3. Reduce the Sugar
You can cut ¼ cup of sugar without affecting the texture too much. The candy-coated eggs will still add plenty of sweetness!
Serving Suggestions for Events
1. Easter Party Dessert Table
Place the brownies on a platter, and sprinkle extra crushed Easter eggs on top for a festive look. Pair them with Easter cupcakes, sugar cookies, and pastel-colored candies.
2. Easter Egg Hunt Treat
Wrap individual brownies in pastel cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon. They make a perfect take-home treat for kids after an Easter egg hunt.
3. Spring Picnic Sweet Treat
Brownies are great for outdoor gatherings! Pack them in a container, and enjoy them with iced coffee, lemonade, or berry-flavored iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use boxed brownie mix instead of making them from scratch?
Yes! Use your favorite brownie mix and fold in the Easter eggs before baking for an easy shortcut.
2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly less sweet flavor.
3. Can I add nuts to these brownies?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and balance the sweetness.
4. How do I make brownies more fudgy?
Use more butter and less flour, and don’t overbake. Adding an extra egg yolk also enhances fudginess.
5. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they’ll turn out just as delicious muffin tins for individual brownie cups. Reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. This is a great option for serving at parties or for easy portion control.
8. How do I make brownies more cake-like?
For a lighter, fluffier texture, add an extra egg and increase the baking powder to 1 teaspoon. This creates an airier, more cake-like brownie.
9. Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Most candy-coated chocolate eggs contain milk, so check for a dairy-free alternative.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking pan and increase the baking time to 35-40 minutes. This is perfect for making a bigger batch for gatherings.
Conclusion
Easter Egg Brownies are the ultimate festive treat, combining rich, fudgy chocolate with crunchy, colorful Easter candies. Whether you’re making them for an Easter brunch, a party, or just to use up leftover candy, these brownies are a guaranteed hit.
With simple ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of ways to customize them, this recipe is one you’ll come back to year after year. Try adding different toppings, switching up the chocolate, or even turning them into brownie sundaes for an extra indulgent dessert.
So grab your favorite Easter chocolates, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake the most delicious brownies of the season. One bite, and they’ll become an Easter tradition in your home!