❤️ Valentine Brownies From Scratch and a Shortcut (Because We’re Multifaceted Queens)

If you’re looking to spoil your sweetheart, your bestie, your office crew, or that neighbor who insists on blowing leaves directly into your yard, these Valentine Brownies will do the trick. They’re rich, decadent, and topped with a ganache so smooth it could negotiate world peace. Make them from scratch if you’re feeling domestic goddess energy—or take the shortcut when you’re tired, booked, or simply not in the mood to measure flour like a pioneer woman.

🍫 Scratch Brownie Batter

(For when you want to brag that you made them “from scratch” even though it took 12 minutes)

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 ounces good-quality unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9" springform pan like you mean it.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt—your dry team.

3. Melt butter and chocolate in a double boiler, pretending you’re on a baking show and the cameras are rolling.

4. Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, like your winter legs.

5. Add the chocolate mixture, milk, and vanilla.

6. Fold in the dry ingredients and try not to eat the batter straight from the bowl.

7. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and you feel smug.

8. Cool completely. Yes, completely. I know patience is not our ministry.

🍫 Silky Ganache Topping

(The part that makes people think you went to culinary school)

Ingredients

• 4 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate

• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Warm the cream until it’s just simmering—not boiling like your last nerve.

2. Pour over chocolate and stir until glossy and smooth.

3. Let it cool and thicken.

4. Pour over brownies like you’re blessing them.

5. Chill until set.

6. Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving so you don’t break a knife or a spirit.

Decorate with: Sprinkles, marshmallows, whipped cream, or whatever says “I love you but also I’m fabulous.”

💕 Shortcut Version

(Because sometimes the only thing we’re making from scratch is boundaries)

1. Grab your favorite boxed brownie mix.

2. Bake in a 9x13 pan so they’re thin and ready for ganache glam.

3. Cool completely.

4. Top with your homemade ganache so no one knows you took the shortcut.

5. Slice, serve, and accept compliments with grace and a little hair flip.

6. Have an ice-cold glass of milk within reach......these are rich and decadent.