Description

These festive Santa Belly Brownies transform classic brownies into whimsical holiday treats with a vibrant red ganache topping, adorned with edible gold-dusted mini chocolate squares and white chocolate chips or M&Ms to mimic Santa’s iconic belt and buttons. Perfect for holiday parties and gifting, this recipe combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with an eye-catching decoration that’s both fun and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

1 batch brownies, baked and cooled (9×13-inch pan)

Red Ganache Topping

2 cups red candy melts (or 2 cups white chocolate chips + red oil-based food coloring)
1/2 cup heavy cream

Decorations

1/2 cup white chocolate chips or white M&Ms
12 mini chocolate squares
1/2 teaspoon edible gold luster dust or edible gold spray
1 teaspoon corn syrup or edible glue (optional, for sticking decorations)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Brownies: Prepare your brownie base from a boxed mix or a homemade recipe, baking it in a 9×13-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely to ensure the ganache adheres properly.
Make Red Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the red candy melts and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy to create a vibrant red ganache.
Apply Ganache: Using an offset spatula, spread the red ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Place the pan in the fridge and let the ganache set slightly for about 10 to 15 minutes until it firms up but remains soft enough to cut.
Cut Brownies: Once the ganache topping has firmed but is still soft, use a clean, sharp knife to cut the brownies into 12 even squares for neat presentation.
Prepare Decorations: Brush the mini chocolate squares with edible gold luster dust or spray to create a shiny buckle effect. Position one gold-dusted mini square in the center of each brownie square.
Add Buttons: Press 2 to 3 white chocolate chips or white M&Ms just above the buckle on each brownie to mimic Santa’s buttons. If needed, use corn syrup or edible glue to secure the decorations in place.
Set Decorations: Refrigerate the decorated brownies for another 10 minutes to allow all elements to set firmly before serving, ensuring they hold their festive shape.

Notes

You can use either pre-made boxed brownie mix or your favorite homemade brownie recipe according to your preference.
Red candy melts provide a vibrant color, but alternatively, you can use white chocolate chips with red oil-based food coloring to achieve the red ganache.
If you don’t have edible gold luster dust, edible gold spray can be used to achieve a similar decorative effect.
Corn syrup or edible glue is optional but helpful for securing decorations especially if the brownies will be transported.
Store decorated brownies in the refrigerator to maintain the ganache’s firmness and freshness.