The Ultimate Fudgy Easter Brownies Recipe with Decadent Cadbury Mini Eggs
Celebrate the joy of Easter with a batch of these absolutely irresistible fudgy brownies, crowned with a vibrant scattering of crunchy mini chocolate eggs. This recipe delivers a truly decadent and rich treat that’s guaranteed to be the star of any holiday gathering or a delightful indulgence for yourself. Easy to make and bursting with chocolate flavor, these brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a festive experience.
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About These Easter Brownies
When it comes to Easter candy, there’s one undisputed champion that reigns supreme in our household: mini chocolate eggs. Specifically, those delightful Cadbury Mini Eggs with their signature thin, crisp candy shell and sumptuously rich milk chocolate interior. We find ourselves eagerly anticipating their annual return to store shelves, and without fail, we go through bags upon bags of them each spring. They are, in our opinion, far superior to the traditional jelly beans that often populate Easter baskets and hidden eggs.
While I love incorporating them into other festive treats like these mini eggs cookies, this year, I had a revelation: add them to brownies! And let me tell you, the result was nothing short of spectacular. This recipe has quickly become my new favorite way to celebrate the season with these iconic candies.
At the heart of this creation lies a truly perfect brownie base. It’s incredibly fudgy, wonderfully moist, and boasts an intense chocolate flavor that is simply divine. Even if you were to enjoy this brownie recipe entirely on its own, without any toppings, it would still elicit rave reviews. Its rich texture and deep chocolate notes make it a standalone masterpiece.
However, it’s those colorful, crunchy mini chocolate eggs that elevate this dessert from merely delicious to an undeniably festive Easter sensation. The delightful textural contrast between the soft, melt-in-your-mouth brownie and the satisfying crunch of the candy shell creates a truly decadent, rich, and indulgent experience. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of creamy chocolate and a sweet, snappy surprise.
These brownies are so popular that they disappear almost instantly! I’ve learned my lesson and now always make a double batch to ensure there are enough leftovers for me to enjoy later. After all, these candies are only available once a year, so we absolutely have to make the most of them, right?
Crafted with straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this delicious brownie recipe stands out as one of the best easy Easter desserts you can make. It’s a foolproof way to bring smiles and chocolatey goodness to your holiday table.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Brownies
Creating truly fudgy and flavorful brownies starts with the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Unsalted Butter: The fat content in melted butter is key to achieving that signature fudgy texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your brownies. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the additional salt called for in the recipe. Remember to melt the butter and let it cool slightly before incorporating it into the batter; this prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Sugars (Light Brown & Granulated): This recipe calls for a precise blend of both light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Brown sugar contributes to the moistness and chewiness of the brownies, thanks to its molasses content, while granulated sugar helps create that desirable thin, crackly crust on top and adds sweetness. This combination ensures a balanced flavor and perfect texture.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are vital for structure, binding, and richness. They emulsify the fats and liquids, creating a cohesive batter, and contribute to the moist, dense consistency characteristic of a truly fudgy brownie. Always use large eggs for consistent baking results.
- Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in your brownies, especially the chocolate. It adds depth and warmth. We love making our homemade vanilla extract, but for a store-bought option, try this Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for its exceptional aroma and taste.
- Fine Kosher Salt: Salt is not just for seasoning; it’s a flavor enhancer. In chocolate desserts, salt brightens the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness, preventing the brownies from tasting overly sugary. Fine kosher salt dissolves easily and distributes evenly throughout the batter.
- Espresso Powder: This secret ingredient is a game-changer for chocolate desserts! Espresso powder doesn’t make your brownies taste like coffee; instead, it significantly deepens and intensifies the chocolate flavor, adding a sophisticated depth that will have everyone wondering what your secret is.
- All-Purpose Flour: For fudgy brownies, you want just enough flour to provide structure without making them cakey. All-purpose flour is perfect for this. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 ratio gluten-free baking flour can be used successfully.
- Unsweetened Dutch Cocoa Powder: The type of cocoa powder you use makes a huge difference. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is treated with an alkali to neutralize its acidity, resulting in a darker color, mellower flavor, and incredibly rich, fudgy brownies. It’s essential for achieving that deep, luxurious chocolate taste and texture.
- Mini Egg Candies: The star topping! Our absolute favorite remains Cadbury Mini Eggs for their unparalleled flavor and satisfying candy shell. They provide a wonderful crunch and a festive look. If Cadbury isn’t available, other robin’s egg candies can be a suitable substitute, though the Cadbury brand is highly recommended for the best results.
Must-Have Equipment
Thankfully, this recipe doesn’t require any fancy gadgets. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen:
- Large Mixing Bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your wet and dry ingredients. A set of varying sizes is always handy for any baking project.
- Whisk and Wooden Spoon: A whisk is perfect for blending the wet ingredients until smooth, ensuring no lumps. A wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula works best for gently folding in the dry ingredients, helping to prevent overmixing.
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan: This specific size pan is crucial for achieving the ideal brownie thickness and baking time. Using a different size will alter the brownies’ thickness and potentially their baking duration.
- Parchment Paper: Don’t skip this! Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is the secret to effortless removal of your cooled brownies. It also ensures clean edges and easy slicing.
How to Bake the Best Easter Brownies
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly fudgy and festive Easter brownies:
1. Preparing Your Baking Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Then, prepare an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper extends over the sides of the pan, creating “handles.” These parchment handles will make it incredibly easy to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan after baking and cooling, ensuring clean edges and no sticking.
Pro Tip: Lightly spray the inside of your baking pan with cooking spray before laying down the parchment paper. This helps the paper adhere to the pan, preventing it from shifting as you pour in the batter.
2. Crafting the Fudgy Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled melted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated after each addition. The mixture should be glossy and homogenous.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The key here is not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, more cake-like brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Stop stirring as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.
3. Bake to Perfection
Pour the luscious brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure it fills the corners. Then, generously sprinkle the top of the batter with the roughly crushed mini chocolate egg candies. For an extra decorative touch, you can also scatter a few whole mini eggs on top.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350˚F (175˚C). The brownies are done when the edges appear set, and the center still has a slight wobble. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, your brownies might be overbaked and less fudgy. Keep a close eye on them during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, or transfer them to a wire rack. Patience is crucial here! Resist the urge to slice them while warm; they will be too soft and gooey to cut cleanly. Cooling them completely ensures they firm up, making for perfect, clean squares.
Expert Tips for Brownie Success
- Slice When Cooled: This is a golden rule for fudgy brownies. If you try to slice them while still warm, they will be too soft and messy, often falling apart. Waiting until they are completely cool allows them to set properly, resulting in perfectly formed, clean-edged squares. You can even chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing for extra clean cuts.
- Add Extra Chocolate Chips: For the ultimate chocolate lover, consider folding in 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips work wonderfully) into the batter just before pouring it into the pan. White chocolate chips provide a lovely contrast of flavor and color.
- Incorporate Nuts: If you enjoy a nutty crunch, add 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter. They complement the rich chocolate flavor beautifully and add another layer of texture.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more easily and evenly into the batter, leading to a smoother emulsion and a more consistent brownie texture.
- Don’t Overbake: As mentioned, this is critical for fudgy brownies. An overbaked brownie turns dry and cakey. Look for the edges to be set and a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter. Every oven is different, so start checking at the lower end of the baking time.
Craving more chocolatey goodness? Explore these other delightful brownie recipes: Cheesecake Brownies | Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies | Red Velvet Brownies | Biscoff Brownies
Do I Have to Crush the Mini Eggs?
While it’s not strictly necessary to crush the mini eggs for the topping, it’s highly recommended for an optimal eating experience. Crushing them makes them much easier to bite into and prevents them from being too hard against the soft brownie. I personally like to reserve a handful of whole mini eggs to scatter on top purely for decorative purposes, enhancing the visual appeal. However, for a genuinely delightful textural contrast, crushed mini eggs are superior for integrating with the fudgy brownie base.
How to Prevent Dry Brownies?
The number one rule to prevent dry brownies is to avoid overbaking them. Brownies continue to cook slightly even after they’re removed from the oven due to residual heat. When testing for doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter, and definitely not dry crumbs. Dry crumbs are a clear indicator that your brownies are already overcooked and will result in a dry, cakey texture. Err on the side of slightly underbaked for maximum fudginess!
Can These Brownies Be Made Ahead?
Absolutely! These Easter brownies are a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for holiday planning. Once baked and completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and fudgy for up to 3 days, making them an ideal treat to prepare in advance of your Easter celebrations.
Can I Use a 9×9-inch Baking Pan Instead?
Yes, you can certainly use a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan for this recipe. However, be aware that using a larger pan will result in thinner brownies compared to those pictured in this post. Consequently, you will need to adjust the baking time. Reduce the baking time to approximately 20 to 30 minutes, as the thinner batter will bake much faster. Always perform the toothpick test to ensure they are perfectly done without overbaking.
Looking for more sweet inspiration? Don’t forget to check out my comprehensive dessert recipes page!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easter Brownies
These fudgy Easter brownies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments to create an even more memorable dessert experience:
- Classic Milk Pairing: A tall, cold glass of milk is always my go-to beverage when indulging in a rich, fudgy brownie. The creamy milk perfectly complements the deep chocolate flavor.
- Brownie Sundae Extravaganza: For an ultimate dessert, warm a brownie slightly and top it with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle with hot fudge sauce, add a dollop of whipped cream, and finish with some extra crushed mini eggs or sprinkles for a festive brownie sundae.
- Fruit & Cream: Serve warm brownies with a side of fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) and a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The tartness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the chocolate.
- Coffee or Tea: For a sophisticated treat, enjoy your brownies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a comforting mug of hot tea. The flavors mingle beautifully.
- Easter Gathering Pairings: If you’re serving these for an Easter celebration, consider pairing them with delightful beverages like these Easter cocktails or a refreshing non-alcoholic punch.
Proper Storage for Freshness
Ensuring your Easter brownies stay fresh and delicious is simple with these storage tips:
- Countertop Storage: Once your mini egg brownies have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Stored on the countertop, they will maintain their delightful fudgy texture and flavor for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For that comforting “fresh out of the oven” warmth, simply pop a brownie into the microwave for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they can become dry.
- Freezing for Later: Brownies freeze exceptionally well! After they have cooled completely, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or saving for a craving.
- Thawing: To enjoy frozen brownies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw overnight at room temperature. You can gently warm them in the microwave if desired before serving.
More Irresistible Chocolate Desserts
If you have a passion for chocolate, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Nutella Cake Bites: Requiring just three ingredients, these little bites are pure decadence and incredibly easy to make.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: This is our most popular cake recipe, featuring a moist chocolate cake paired with a luscious fresh strawberry buttercream frosting.
- Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, chewy, and perfectly bite-sized, these mini cookies are ideal for snacking or sharing.
- Triple Chocolate Brownies: For the ultimate chocolate indulgence, these fudgy brownies are loaded with three kinds of chocolate.
Finally, if you whip up a batch of these delightful Easter egg brownies, please consider giving this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leaving a comment! Your feedback is invaluable, and I truly love hearing about your experiences in the kitchen. I make sure to read and respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions you might have below, too!
And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you share your creations! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is genuinely my favorite part of this work—it means the world to me!
Easter Brownies
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
9
brownies
Equipment
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Measuring Spoons
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Measuring Cups
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Mixing Bowls
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French Wire Whisk
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Wooden Spoon
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8×8-inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp fine kosher salt
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
- 1 cup roughly crushed Easter egg candies plus extra for garnish, if desired
Instructions
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1. Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over the sides for easy removal of the brownies later. Lightly spray the pan before adding parchment to help it stick.
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2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
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3. In a separate bowl, combine the salt, espresso powder, all-purpose flour, and Dutch cocoa powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dry, cakey brownies.
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4. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
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5. Sprinkle the 1 cup of roughly crushed Easter egg candies evenly over the top of the batter. You can also add a few whole mini eggs for visual appeal, if desired.
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6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are set but a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). This indicates a perfectly fudgy brownie.
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7. Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This ensures they set properly and makes for clean cuts.
Video
Nutrition
477
kcal
Baking
Dessert