Decadent Brownie Shortbread Bars with Ganache Recipe

Published: December 22, 2025

by Aria

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Brownie Shortbread Bars with Ganache are simple to prepare and yield an impressive dessert
Rich chocolate flavor combined with buttery shortbread makes them irresistible
The eye-catching layers will impress your guests at any gathering
Perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself on a quiet evening!

I still recall the joy on my friends’ faces when they first tasted these bars; their eyes lit up like Christmas lights!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for a rich flavor and tender texture; it makes all the difference.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the mixture perfectly; adjust based on your sweetness preference.

Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth to your brownies for that chewy texture we all love.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; ensure you measure correctly for best results.

Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa for rich chocolate flavor without added sugar.

Eggs: They bind everything together; fresh eggs will give you the best results.

Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and depth of flavor to your baked goods.

Chocolate Ganache: Made from heavy cream and dark chocolate, it creates a glossy finish on top of your bars!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Brownie Shortbread Bars with Ganache

How to Make Brownie Shortbread Bars with Ganache

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Create the Shortbread Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Then add flour and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Bake the Shortbread Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden at the edges. Your kitchen will smell like buttery goodness!

Prepare the Brownie Batter: While shortbread cools, melt butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in cocoa powder until fully combined. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract.

Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold flour and salt into the brownie mixture until just combined—overmixing leads to dense brownies, which we want to avoid!

Layering Time!: Pour brownie batter over cooled shortbread base and spread evenly using a spatula. Bake for another 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out slightly moist but not wet.

Create Chocolate Ganache Topping: While brownies cool, heat heavy cream in a small pot until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl; let sit for 5 minutes before stirring until smooth.

Once brownies are completely cooled, pour ganache over them, spreading it out evenly. Chill in the fridge for about an hour before slicing into bars.

Enjoy these Brownie Shortbread Bars with Ganache as an indulgent treat anytime! You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds… or thirds!

This amazing brownie shortbread bar with ganache is a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with a buttery crumb. The delightful layers create a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent, making it perfect for sharing—or not!

You Must Know

These brownie shortbread bars are an irresistible blend of flavors and textures
Their rich chocolate taste combined with the buttery shortbread is simply heavenly
Don’t forget to let them cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges and easier serving

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the shortbread base first, then bake it while mixing the brownie batter. This ensures even cooking and less waiting time, maximizing your baking efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out some chocolate for your favorite nuts or sprinkle sea salt on top. These small touches can elevate your brownie shortbread bars from delicious to extraordinary!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover brownie shortbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds—perfectly gooey again!

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best texture, use room temperature ingredients when making your brownie batter
Don’t overmix; it can lead to tougher bars
Lastly, allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares for the best presentation

Baking these brownie shortbread bars reminds me of my first baking fiasco—chocolate everywhere! Friends and family loved my mess, turning it into a sweet memory.

FAQ

Can I use different types of chocolate in brownie shortbread bars?

Absolutely! You can mix dark, milk, or even white chocolate for varied flavors.

How do I prevent my bars from being too crumbly?

Ensure you properly measure your ingredients and don’t overbake them; this keeps them moist.

What’s the best way to slice brownie shortbread bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and warm it under hot water before slicing for cleaner cuts.

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📖 Recipe Card