Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Mounds brownies! Seriously, they’re a slice of heaven that combines the rich decadence of chocolate with the sweet, tropical flavor of coconut. If you love the classic Mounds candy bar, you’ll be head over heels for these brownies! My friend first introduced me to this recipe during a cozy potluck, and I couldn’t believe how easy they were to make. The moment I took a bite, I was transported to dessert paradise—the fudgy brownie base perfectly complements the chewy coconut layer, and it’s all topped off with a sprinkle of chocolate chips that melt in your mouth.
Trust me, once you try making these Mounds brownies, you’ll be craving them on the regular. They’re perfect for family gatherings, after-school snacks, or just a quick chocolate fix when you need it most. Plus, they’re so simple to whip up that you can have your friends thinking you’re a baking pro in no time. So, let’s dive into this recipe and get ready to indulge in these deliciously layered treats!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to create these scrumptious Mounds brownies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our brownies, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich chocolate flavor! Don’t skimp on quality here; it really makes a difference.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: This adds moisture and richness to our brownies. I usually just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt it down.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key! This balances out the cocoa and makes our brownies irresistible.
- 2 large eggs: These will help bind everything together and give the brownies a nice lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the chocolate.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: This is where the Mounds magic happens! It adds that chewy texture and tropical sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate! They’ll melt beautifully into the brownies.
Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake something amazing! I promise, your kitchen will smell divine!
How to Prepare Mounds Brownies
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these delicious Mounds brownies! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a batch of fudgy, coconut-laden goodness in no time. Ready? Let’s do this!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to preheat our oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the brownies rise properly and gives them that perfect texture. While that’s heating up, you can get everything else ready!
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Next, grab your 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it up! I usually use a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure the brownies don’t stick. If you want an even easier release, you can line the bottom with parchment paper and grease that too. It makes cutting them into squares so much simpler!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This step helps to evenly distribute the cocoa, so every bite is chocolatey. Plus, it breaks up any lumps, giving you a nice smooth brownie batter!
Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients
Now, in another large bowl, we’re going to blend together 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of sugar until it’s nice and creamy. This is where the magic begins! Then, crack in those 2 large eggs and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and fully combined. The smell of vanilla and melted butter will get you even more excited!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Time to bring our dry and wet ingredients together! Gradually add the flour and cocoa mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the brownies soft and fudgy. Just mix until there are no dry streaks left!
Step 6: Add Coconut and Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part! Fold in that 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Use a spatula and gently stir until everything is evenly distributed. This step is key—folding helps maintain the lightness of the batter while ensuring every bite is packed with coconut and chocolate goodness!
Step 7: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), you’re golden. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out, so don’t overbake!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once they’re baked to perfection, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, cutting them while they’re warm makes them a bit messy (but oh-so-delicious!). Once cooled, slice them into squares and get ready for the sweet coconut-chocolate bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why these Mounds brownies are an absolute must-try! They’re not just brownies; they’re a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. Here’s what makes this recipe so special:
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in no time! With just a 15-minute prep time, they’re perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry.
- Delicious Flavor: The rich chocolate base perfectly complements the sweet and chewy coconut layer, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Unique Combination: The blend of chocolate and coconut is what truly sets these brownies apart. If you’re a fan of Mounds candy bars, you’re going to love the nostalgia that comes with every mouthful.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even beginner bakers can feel confident making these delicious treats!
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 generous servings, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or just sharing with family and friends. They’re bound to impress!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist! You can sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top or even drizzle some melted chocolate once they’re cooled.
Trust me, these brownies will quickly become a favorite in your household. You won’t believe how delicious and satisfying they are!
Tips for Success with Mounds Brownies
Alright, let’s make sure your Mounds brownies turn out perfectly every single time! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that have saved me from baking mishaps over the years. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your brownies from good to absolutely amazing!
- Measure Your Ingredients Carefully: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are key! Use a kitchen scale if you have one, or make sure to level off your measuring cups for flour and cocoa powder.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, a gentle stir is all you need. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough brownies, which we definitely want to avoid!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your brownies towards the end of the baking time. They can go from perfectly fudgy to overbaked in just a minute! Remember, a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing your brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes helps them set and makes cutting them easier. Plus, they’ll taste even better!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even a swirl of peanut butter or caramel to mix things up. Just remember not to overload the batter, as it can affect the baking time.
- Storage is Key: To keep your brownies fresh and fudgy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the most delightful Mounds brownies that your friends and family will rave about. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delicious Mounds brownies! While they’re definitely a treat to indulge in, I want you to have a rough idea of what you’re enjoying. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 brownie):
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients and serving sizes. But regardless, these brownies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still enjoying a treat! Just remember, moderation is key when it comes to these indulgent goodies!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making Mounds brownies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my answers to help you bake these delicious treats with confidence.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Sure! If you prefer a less sweet brownie, using unsweetened coconut is perfectly fine. Just keep in mind that you might want to adjust the sugar slightly to balance it out, or the brownies may come out a bit less sweet than intended.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute that’s designed for baking. The texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?
To keep your Mounds brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing!
Can I freeze Mounds brownies?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
Great question! When baking Mounds brownies, insert a toothpick into the center around the 25-minute mark. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done! If it comes out wet, give them a few more minutes. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these mouthwatering Mounds brownies, let’s talk about how to store and reheat them to keep that amazing texture and flavor intact! Trust me, you want to savor every last bite.
To store your brownies, let them cool completely in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool down fully. Once they’re at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between each brownie to prevent sticking. This way, they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days at room temperature. Just make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat!
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, I know!), you can also freeze them for future indulgence. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s like having a little secret stash of chocolatey goodness waiting for you!
When it comes to reheating, I suggest doing it gently to maintain that fudgy texture. You can pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm it up without cooking it further. Or, if you prefer a crispier edge, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Just keep an eye on them! Either way, a warm brownie paired with a scoop of ice cream is pure bliss!
So go ahead, store those delicious Mounds brownies properly, and enjoy them whenever the craving hits. You deserve it!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Mounds brownies ready to go, let’s talk about how to take your dessert experience to the next level! Trust me, the right accompaniments can really enhance those rich chocolate and coconut flavors. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like warm, fudgy brownies paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The coldness of the ice cream against the warm brownies creates the ultimate dessert experience.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: To really amp up the coconut flavor, try serving your brownies with a dollop of coconut whipped cream. It adds a light and airy touch that complements the brownies perfectly!
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side adds a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the brownies. Plus, they look gorgeous on the plate!
- Espresso or Coffee: A rich cup of espresso or a nice strong coffee pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts. The bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the brownies, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: If you’re a chocolate lover (who isn’t?), drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top of your brownies before serving. It’s like the cherry on top of an already amazing sundae!
- Chopped Nuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of your brownies. They add texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the chocolate and coconut.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or get creative with your own ideas! The goal is to enhance that delightful Mounds brownie experience and treat yourself. Enjoy every bite, my friend!
PrintIndulge in 5 Nostalgic Mounds Brownies for Comfort Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Mounds brownies with a coconut and chocolate layer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, blend melted butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, stir well.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in shredded coconut and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- They taste better the next day.
- Can be topped with more chocolate if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mounds brownies, chocolate brownies, coconut brownies