If I had to choose just one dessert to eat for the rest of time, I’d pick brownies. They are rich, chewy (or cakey, if that’s your preference), and chocolate-y. They’re a cinch to make from scratch, and even easier to make from a boxed mix. In fact, brownie mix is one of the few baking mixes that I consistently keep on hand for quick and easy after-dinner treats.
Brownie batter takes just minutes to make, so I spend the rest of my baking time dreaming up new flavor mash-ups. An idea struck when I saw Molly Allen’s Boston cream pie bars. I couldn’t get over the thick, pudgy layer of vanilla custard and the rich chocolate topping. The only thing that could make these bars better in my mind was to assemble them on a brownie base, so that’s what I did to make Boston cream brownies. If you love brownies as much as I do, this takes them up to the next level.
Why You’ll Love It
- Three decadent layers. This bar dessert is made with layers of chocolate ganache, rich vanilla custard, and chewy brownie.
- Plenty to share. These are deliciously rich, so bite-size portions will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. One batch goes a long way.
Key Ingredients in Boston Cream Brownies
- Boxed brownie mix: Use your favorite boxed brownie mix and grab the ingredients listed to make the batter on the package. Depending on the brand, you may need vegetable oil or melted butter, water or milk, and an egg or two.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Use 3 (3.4-ounce) boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix instead of homemade pastry cream to make this dessert even easier. Make sure to buy the instant variety and not cook and serve.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the base of the rich ganache layer.
- Heavy cream: Stir some of the heavy cream into the instant pudding mix for the custard layer, then heat the rest until simmering and pour over chocolate for the ganache.
- Corn syrup: This ingredient (which isn’t the same as high fructose corn syrup) gives the ganache a glossy finish.
Boston Cream Brownies
Serves 24- 1 (16- to 18-ounce) box brownie mix
- Vegetable oil or butter, water or milk, and eggs needed for brownie mix (see package directions)
- 3 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 3/4 cups cold heavy cream, divided
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 9 ounces)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
