Mounds Brownies bring together the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the irresistible tropical twist of coconut and chocolate. Inspired by the beloved Mounds candy bar, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a decadent dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. We love how the coconut filling adds a moist, chewy surprise inside every bite.
These brownies are easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a special treat. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mounds or just looking to elevate your brownie game, this recipe delivers on flavor and texture. Let’s dive into creating these indulgent brownies that are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients
To create our delicious Mounds Brownies, we gather a blend of rich chocolate and tropical coconut ingredients. Here are the essentials you’ll need to craft this irresistible dessert.
Brownie Ingredients
These ingredients form the fudgy brownie base that perfectly supports the coconut topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Mounds Candy Topping Ingredients
This luscious coconut layer captures the essence of the classic Mounds candy bar:
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Garnishes
For an elevated finishing touch, consider these garnishes to enhance texture and flavor:
| Garnish | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips | Melts for extra chocolate richness |
| 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds | Adds crunch and nutty aroma |
| Sea salt flakes | Balances sweetness with savory notes |
With these carefully chosen ingredients, our Mounds Brownies will combine decadent chocolate and creamy coconut to delight every bite.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Recipe for Mounds Brownies, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool ensures precision and efficiency at every stage of preparation, helping us achieve the ideal fudgy texture paired with a creamy coconut topping.
Essential Baking Tools
- 8×8-inch square baking pan
This size is ideal for even baking and the perfect thickness for our brownies. Line it with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Mixing bowls
Use at least two bowls: one for combining the brownie batter and another for mixing the coconut topping. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best for even mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons
Accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract is crucial for consistency.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
An electric mixer helps blend butter and sugar thoroughly and achieve a smooth batter, but a sturdy whisk works if you prefer.
- Rubber spatula
Perfect for folding dry ingredients into wet mixtures and scraping down the sides of bowls to minimize waste.
Oven and Cooling Equipment
- Oven
Preheat and maintain a steady temperature throughout baking to ensure even cooking of the brownies.
- Cooling rack
Once the brownies come out of the oven, place them on a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents crumbling and enhances texture.
Optional but Recommended
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
For melting semi-sweet chocolate chips if you choose to drizzle chocolate over the finished brownies.
- Knife or brownie cutter
A sharp knife with a steady edge helps create clean squares without damaging the coconut layer.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 8×8-inch baking pan | Proper baking size and thickness |
| Mixing bowls | Separate batter and topping preparation |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Precise ingredient quantities |
| Electric mixer/whisk | Efficient batter mixing |
| Rubber spatula | Scraping and folding |
| Oven | Baking the brownies |
| Cooling rack | Proper cooling to set the brownies |
| Double boiler (optional) | Melting chocolate for topping |
| Knife/brownie cutter | Slicing brownies cleanly |
By gathering these tools upfront, we streamline the cooking process and ensure our Mounds Brownies turn out exactly as intended—rich, gooey, and topped with luscious coconut.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly fudgy Mounds Brownies with a luscious coconut topping. We will guide you through each phase to ensure your brownies turn out rich, moist, and bursting with the signature tropical flavors.
Preparing the Brownie Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the following dry ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup |
| Cocoa powder | 1/3 cup unsweetened |
| Baking powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Baking the Brownies
- Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Use the spatula to smooth the surface for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain the fudgy texture.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
Preparing the Coconut Mounds Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded sweetened coconut | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
- Mix thoroughly until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture is sticky but manageable.
- For best results, allow the topping to rest while the brownie base finishes cooling to thicken slightly.
Assembling the Mounds Brownies
- Once the brownie base is sufficiently cooled, spread the coconut topping evenly over the entire surface using a spatula.
- For added indulgence and texture, sprinkle optional semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped toasted almonds on top.
- To finish, consider a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes to balance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate flavor.
Final Baking and Cooling
- Return the assembled brownies to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This step helps set the coconut topping and slightly caramelizes the edges.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling ensures clean cuts and enhances the texture.
- Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut brownies into squares. For best results, wipe the knife clean between cuts.
Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy our Mounds Brownies, we recommend serving them in ways that highlight their rich chocolate and tropical coconut flavors. Follow these suggestions to transform every bite into a memorable dessert experience.
- Warm and Gooey: Serve the brownies slightly warm to savor the fudgy texture and gooey coconut topping. Microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds before serving.
- With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair a warm brownie square with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts perfectly with the dense chocolate and sweet coconut layers.
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Elevate the flavor by drizzling melted semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate ganache over the brownies for an extra decadent touch.
- Add Toasted Almonds or Pecans: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans to add a delightful crunch that complements the soft brownie and creamy coconut.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar or Cocoa: For presentation, lightly dust brownies with powdered sugar or unsweetened cocoa powder to create a beautiful finishing touch.
- Pair with Fresh Berries: Brighten the plate by serving the brownies alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness balances the rich sweetness.
| Serving Option | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Brownies | Microwave 10-15 seconds | Enhances fudgy texture |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | Scoop on top or on the side | Balances warmth with creaminess |
| Chocolate Sauce Drizzle | Melt and drizzle semi-sweet chocolate | Adds richness and depth |
| Toasted Nuts | Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans | Provides crunch and contrast |
| Dusting Powder | Light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa | Beautifies presentation |
| Fresh Berries | Serve raspberries or strawberries alongside | Introduces tart contrast |
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To keep our Mounds Brownies fresh and delicious, proper make-ahead and storage techniques are essential. Here’s how we can ensure each bite stays fudgy, rich, and full of tropical coconut flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare in advance: We can bake the brownies up to 2 days before serving. After completely cooling, wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Freeze for longer storage: For up to 1 month, freeze the brownies. Cut them into squares first, place layers with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze.
- Thaw before serving: Move frozen brownies to the refrigerator overnight, or thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before enjoying.
Storage Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration | Storage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 days | Store in an airtight container |
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or container |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Cut, layer with parchment, airtight seal |
- Keep airtight: To preserve the moist and chewy texture of the coconut topping and fudgy base, always store brownies in an airtight container to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
- Avoid direct heat or sunlight: Store brownies in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain integrity of the chocolate and coconut flavors.
Serving Tips After Storage
- Reheat refrigerated or room temp brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back gooey softness.
- For frozen brownies, gently warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes before serving, allowing chocolate to slightly melt and coconut topping to revive its luscious texture.
“Pro Tip: Wrapping individual brownies in plastic wrap before freezing helps prevent freezer burn and makes grab-and-go snacking easy.”
By following these make-ahead and storage tips, our Mounds Brownies stay as irresistible as the day they were made — every bite a perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and creamy coconut delight.
Conclusion
Mounds Brownies offer a delicious way to enjoy the best of both worlds—rich chocolate and creamy coconut. They’re simple to make yet impressive enough to share with friends and family.
With the right ingredients and tools, anyone can create these fudgy, tropical treats that bring a fresh twist to classic brownies. We’re confident this recipe will become a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Give it a try and watch these brownies disappear fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mounds Brownies?
Mounds Brownies are a dessert combining fudgy chocolate brownies with a moist, chewy coconut filling inspired by the Mounds candy bar. They offer a perfect blend of rich chocolate and tropical coconut flavors.
What ingredients do I need to make Mounds Brownies?
You need ingredients for the brownie base (butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder) and for the coconut topping (shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, salt). Optional garnishes include chocolate chips, toasted almonds, and sea salt flakes.
What equipment is essential to bake Mounds Brownies?
You’ll need an 8×8-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a mixer or whisk, rubber spatula, oven, and cooling rack. Optional tools are a double boiler for melting chocolate and a sharp knife for cutting.
How do I achieve the best fudgy texture in Mounds Brownies?
Preheat your oven properly, mix ingredients carefully, and avoid overbaking. Bake until just set, then cool completely. This preserves the chewy, fudgy texture combined with the creamy coconut topping.
Can I make Mounds Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them up to two days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, refrigerate up to five days, or freeze for a month for best freshness.
How should I store Mounds Brownies to keep them fresh?
Wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight. Refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to one month. Reheat frozen or chilled brownies gently to restore their gooey texture.
What are some serving suggestions for Mounds Brownies?
Serve warm for gooey delight, pair with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, sprinkle toasted nuts, dust with powdered sugar, or add fresh berries for a tart contrast.
Are Mounds Brownies difficult to make?
No, the recipe is easy and straightforward, designed for home bakers. With the right ingredients and equipment, you can make these delicious brownies without hassle.
Can I customize the toppings on Mounds Brownies?
Yes, you can add semi-sweet chocolate chips, toasted almonds, sea salt flakes, or even substitute shredded coconut varieties to suit your taste preferences.