Star Spangled Brownies

Show off your patriotic spirit with these dazzling Star Spangled Brownies! Moist, fudgy brownies are adorned with red, white, and blue decor—think swirled berry sauce, cream cheese icing, and sparkling sprinkles. Perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or any celebration of American pride. These brownies are rich, festive, and irresistible—designed to wow!

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love These Brownies
Ultra-Fudgy Texture – Decadent, almost crémeux consistency in every bite
Patriotic Presentation – Swirls of red fruit sauce and white icing topped with blue sprinkles or berries
Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake and decorate in advance; easy to transport
Customizable – Add nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to perfect your flavor
Party-Ready – A stunning dessert centerpiece that’s easy to serve

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Base:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder

For the Star Swirl & Toppings:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or cream
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Splash lemon juice
Blue sugar crystals or sprinkles
Optional: Blueberries, white chocolate chips, or silver dragées

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper or nonstick spray
Medium saucepan
Whisk, rubber spatula
Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Fork or toothpick for swirling
Small sieve or strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper or grease it well

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat
Remove from heat and whisk in sugar until glossy
Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each
Stir in vanilla extract
Sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder together
Fold dry mix into wet ingredients until just combined

Step 3: Prepare the Star Swirl
Beat cream cheese until smooth
Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, whip into a pipeable consistency
Fill a small piping bag or zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner

Step 4: Make the Raspberry Sauce
In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice
Cook over medium heat until the fruit breaks down
Optional: Strain to remove seeds and cool slightly

Step 5: Assemble & Swirl
Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and smooth top
Dot with raspberry sauce
Pipe cream cheese mix in lines or dots
Swirl with a toothpick to create star shapes

Step 6: Bake
Bake 25–30 minutes, until top is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs
Cool completely in the pan

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
Sprinkle with blue sugar crystals
Add fresh blueberries or white chocolate chips if desired
Lift slab from pan and transfer to board

Step 8: Slice & Serve
Use a warm, sharp knife for clean cuts
Serve on a platter or individual plates

Tips for the Best Results
Use good-quality cocoa for better flavor
Let batter rest before swirling
Swirl gently to preserve color contrast
Avoid overbaking—fudgy is best
Prep cream swirl and sauce in advance

Serving Suggestions
With Ice Cream – Serve with vanilla or berry swirl
On Dessert Boards – Add with cookies and fruit
Festive Travel – Pack in parchment-lined boxes
After-Dinner Treat – Serve with coffee or tea

Storage & Leftover Tips
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days
Refrigerate up to 7 days
Freeze unfrosted, in parchment-lined containers for 2 months

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
   Yes, then swirl in the toppings and bake 5–8 minutes more
2. What if I don’t have raspberries?
   Use strawberries, cherries, or cranberries
3. Is the swirl layer necessary?
   No, but it adds flair and flavor
4. I need gluten-free—any ideas?
   Use a 1:1 GF flour blend
5. How can I reduce sugar or dairy?
   Use erythritol blends and sub Greek yogurt for cream cheese

Final Thoughts
These Star Spangled Brownies are more than a dessert—they’re a celebration. Rich chocolate swirled with cream and fruit, and topped with dazzling decor, they’re perfect for patriotic parties or whenever you want to serve something eye-catching and crowd-pleasing. Bake them once, and they’re sure to become a July 4th tradition.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
Decoration Time: 10–15 minutes
Cuisine: American-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 120mg

Print