3-Ingredient Memorial Day Brownies (Ready in 15!)

Introduction

Transform everyday baking ingredients into a show-stopping dessert perfect for Memorial Day celebrations! These fudgy brownies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal time and effort—ideal for busy cooks who still want to impress. Get ready to wow your guests with this rich, decadent treat, adorned with festive red, white, and blue toppings. Let’s ditch the complicated recipes and dive into a delicious shortcut!

Why This Works

This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The fudgy texture comes from a careful balance of bittersweet chocolate and melted butter, while the vibrant toppings add a fun, patriotic touch perfect for your Memorial Day gatherings. It’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Key Ingredients

🍫 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
🥚 2 large eggs
🍯 1 cup granulated sugar
🥄 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🌾 1 cup all-purpose flour
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🍓 Red sprinkles
⚪ White chocolate chips
🔵 Blue M&M’s

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.

2️⃣ In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.

3️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.

4️⃣ Stir in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract until well combined.

5️⃣ Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

6️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

7️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

8️⃣ Let the brownies cool completely before adding the toppings.

9️⃣ Sprinkle with red sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and blue M&M’s to create a festive red, white, and blue design.

Handy Tips

Use good quality bittersweet chocolate for the richest flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies.
For even cooking, use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting and serving; this allows them to set properly.

Heat Control

Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the brownies bake through evenly while maintaining their fudgy texture. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.

Crunch Factor

The fudgy brownie base offers a rich, moist texture, while the colorful toppings add a delightful crunch, creating a wonderful textural contrast. The sprinkles offer a light crunch while the M&M’s provide a slightly harder bite.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For extra fudgy brownies, use dark brown sugar in place of granulated sugar.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter for an intense chocolate flavor.
Use a piping bag to create a decorative pattern with the white chocolate chips.

Storage Tips

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Cut the brownies into squares and package them in festive cellophane bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbon. A small, handwritten tag adds a personal touch.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Mint Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of Andes mint chocolate chips to the batter, and top with crushed candy canes.
🌟 Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in ½ cup of peanut butter into the batter before baking.
🌟 Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled brownies before adding the toppings.
🌟 Raspberry White Chocolate: Swap the white chocolate chips for white chocolate raspberry chips.

Troubleshooting

Brownies are dry: You may have overbaked them. Next time, check for doneness at 25 minutes.
Brownies are too sticky: Reduce the amount of butter slightly next time.
Brownies are underbaked: Bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently.

FAQ

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet? Yes, but the brownies will be less intense in chocolate flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, bake them a day or two before your event and store them properly.
What if I don’t have sprinkles? You can omit them or use other festive toppings like chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Can I freeze these brownies? Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Are these brownies gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

Conclusion

These Fudgy Memorial Day Brownies are the perfect blend of ease and deliciousness! They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy making (and eating!) these festive treats, and don’t forget to share your creations on c.ratemyrecipes.com!