Valentine Brownies

Growing up, my family treated Valentine’s Day a little differently than the romantic, red rose holiday it is to most. For us, it wasn’t so much a couples-only holiday as it was a day to let those you love know how much they mean to you. My maternal grandmother was the queen of homemade Valentines, and my mother has taken up that torch with pride. Every year, she crafts adorable homemade Valentines for her grandchildren to distribute to their friends. So this year, instead of a romantic menu for two, I decided to post a recipe for these Heart Shaped Brownies–a treat you can make for anyone you care about (or even yourself, because self-love is equally important, am I right?).

homemade valentines
Just a sample of this year’s homemade Valentines

The heart shapes and sprinkles are optional because these brownies truly don’t need any adornments. Growing up, I always used the box mixes, but once I discovered this one-bowl recipe for Valentine’s Day Heart Shaped Brownies, I’ve never looked back. It’s almost just as easy as the mixes but ten times more delicious.

Brownies with Valentines Sprinkles

As Food52 and other food sites have declared, sometimes you just can’t beat the “back of the box” recipes. And why should you even try? Sure, go ahead and add your favorite frosting, mix-in, or tweak it a bit, but the recipe is a classic for a reason. Baker’s One Bowl Brownies is one such recipe. I’ve been using it as my go-to brownie recipe for over ten years, and each time it has resulted in the most perfect brownie I’ve ever tasted. It’s ruined me for any other brownie. Deep, dark, and fudgy, this is not a brownie for cake lovers. It’s a brownie for brownie lovers, and it won’t disappoint, I promise.

Heart Shaped Brownies

One of the greatest things about this recipe is its ease. There is no combining of wet and dry ingredients, and no washing multiple beaters and bowls. You simply melt butter and squares of unsweetened chocolate together in a glass bowl in the microwave, beat in sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and optional chocolate chips and/or nuts by hand, and pour it in the greased pan. For Valentine’s Day, I’ve added themed sprinkles, but otherwise I like them as they are, naked, basking in their brownie glory. I’ve entitled these “Best Brownies Ever,” and I’m certain you will agree.

Heart Shaped Brownies
3.14 from 15 votes
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Heart Shaped Brownies

These truly are the best brownies ever–and what's even better, they're one-bowl. Adapted from a recipe from Baker's Chocolate.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword best brownies, chocolate brownies, fudge brownies, valentine brownies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 24 brownies
Calories 150 kcal
Author Amanda

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup flour all purpose
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • pinch of salt
  • Optional: sprinkles chocolate chips or nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease bottom and sides of a 13×9 baking dish.
  2. In a microwavable glass bowl, combine chocolate and butter. Microwave on high for about one minute until butter is melted. Stir with a rubber spatula until all the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Add sugar and stir until combined.
  4. Add eggs and stir until combined.
  5. Add flour and salt and stir just until combined.
  6. Add in nuts and/or chocolate chips, if using.
  7. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs clinging to it.
  8. Scatter sprinkles over hot brownies.
  9. Let cool completely in pan.
  10. Cut into squares with a knife or desired shapes with cookie cutters.
Nutrition Facts
Heart Shaped Brownies
Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)
Calories 150 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 31mg10%
Sodium 43mg2%
Potassium 52mg1%
Carbohydrates 22g7%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 148IU3%
Calcium 10mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Bottom Line: Happy Valentine’s Day, all! Try making these deep, dark, chocolatey brownies for your sweeties. If you’ve still got your heart set on a romantic meal for you and your other half, check out this recipe for grilled steak with chimichurri sauce and flourless chocolate cake for