Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies! Wine infused brownie batter is swirled with a decadent cabernet ganache for a rich and (boozy!) chocolaty dessert! Yields 12 to 16 servings.
It’s been a long time since I posted a chocolate recipe. Like too long. And it’s been even longer since I posted a brownie recipe. And I can’t think of better time to make a batch of brownies than the weekend. However, let’s be real, is there ever a wrong time for brownies?
Especially chocolate and wine brownies.
I blame this cookie recipe for kickstarting my love for wine infused chocolate desserts. In this brownie recipe, the wine is subtle and pairs perfectly with chocolate. My husband, who isn’t a wine drinker, even loves these.
Rich chocolaty brownies swirled with a fudgy cabernet ganache- what’s not to love?
To Make These Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies:
for the brownies:
- unbleached all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the brownies.
- baking powder – Will create lightness in the batter, which makes it rise.
- baking soda – Creates a gas while baking which helps the brownies rise.
- kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the brownies.
- unsweetened chocolate – Using unsweetened chocolate allows you to have control over the sweetness.
- unsalted butter – Adds moisture, richness and flavor.
- granulated sugar – For sweetening and flavor.
- eggs – Acts as a binding agent, helps the brownies rise and adds rich flavor.
- cabernet sauvignon wine – Use a cabernet you enjoy sipping. I used Hess Select 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (not sponsored).
- pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances all of the other flavors in this recipe.
for the ganache:
- semi sweet chocolate – The brownies are sweet enough that milk chocolate would be overkill (in my opinion).
- unsalted butter – Gives you that melt-in-your mouth texture.
- cabernet sauvignon – Subtle enhances the wine flavor in the brownies.
Preheat your oven to 350° and line a 13×9 baking pan.
In a large bowl, measure and add 1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon fine salt and 1/4 baking soda.
Whisk to combine and set off to the side.
Into a sauce pan add 4 ounces chopped unsweetened chocolate and 3/4 cup of unsalted butter. Stir over low heat, slowly melting until smooth.
Once melted, remove off of the heat and add in 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Stir well to combine before adding in the 3 eggs, one at a time whisking well after each one.
Lastly, pour in a 1/2 cup of cabernet sauvignon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Switch to a rubber spatula and stir until the flour is just incorporated.
I wish you could smell this.
Transfer the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
Make The Cabernet Ganache:
In a small saucepan, add 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons cabernet sauvignon. Stir over low heat until smooth.
Drizzle the ganache over top of the brownie batter.
Then using a dull knife, insert it straight down hitting the bottom of the pan. Drag the knife into the brownie batter and ganache to create swirls.
Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a tester comes back with a few crumbs attached after testing it in the middle of the brownies.
NOTE: Be sure to insert into a mostly brownie part as the ganache will coat the toothpick/tester.
Stunning.
Cool. Cut. Devour.
What’s The Best Way To Cut Brownies?
Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water. Wipe with a paper towel (or clean kitchen towel) and cut straight down, carefully lifting once cut through. Try not to drag the knife through. Repeat these steps until brownies have been cut (ie running it under hot water, wiping and cutting).
I think you’ll love these Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies as much as we do!
How To Serve Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies:
- Serve as is. Maybe slightly warmed up 🤩
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Alongside a bowl of blackberries or raspberries.
- And maybe a glass of Cabernet. obviously.
How To Store Homemade Brownies:
Store in an air-tight container or individually wrap in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature or refrigerate.
Can you Freeze Homemade Brownies?
Yes! Individually wrap brownies in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in a resealable bag or lidded container.
How Long Will Homemade Brownies Last?
If stored properly, homemade brownies can last at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week. Frozen brownies are good up to 3 months.
Enjoy! And if you give this Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies
Ingredients
FOR THE BROWNIES:
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, evenly chopped
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cabernet sauvignon wine, use one you like to sip
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
MAKE THE GANACHE:
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons cabernet sauvignon wine, again, use one you like to sip
Equipment
Instructions
Make The Brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ or 180℃. Line a 13x9 baking dish with parchment paper and grease with either butter or a nonstick baking spray.
- In a large bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and set aside.
- In a medium size sauce pan over low heat, melt the the butter and unsweetened chocolate. Once melted, remove off of the heat and add in 2 cups of granulated sugar.
- Next add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Lastly stir in the wine and vanilla.
- Pour the chocolate/sugar mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stir until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
MAKE THE GANACHE:
- In a small sauce pan combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter and cabernet. Heat over low and stir constantly until smooth and silky.
- Drizzle the ganache over top.
- Then using a dull knife, insert it straight down hitting the bottom of the pan. Drag the knife into the brownie batter and ganache to create swirls.
- Place the pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a tester comes back with only a few crumbs attached when inserted.NOTE: Be sure to insert into a mostly brownie part as the ganache will coat the toothpick/tester.
- Let cool completely before removing the brownies from the pan to cut and serve! (see blog post for tips for cutting and storing brownies)
Cabernet Ganache Swirled Brownies was originally posted in November of 2012 and has recently been updated with photos and helpful information.
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THANK YOU in advance for your support!
Laurie, this looks decadent!!
Two of my most favorite things!
This is just what I need to get through the day!! Thank you!!
oh this just sounds perfect!
Brownies and wine… I definitely have not tried that one yet. 🙂
Oh my stars. TGIF indeed!!
These are simply fabulous!
Thanks Katrina!
Oh.my.lord!
Amazing!!!! I could really use a brownie or two right now!!!
You made wine edible by adding it to chocolate.. Absolutely Brilliant!!!
Girl, I am head over heels in love with these. Chocolate + wine = my Friday treat!
You’re making me hurt for brownies BAD! I have the perfect wine to use in this recipe, but I’m out of eggs…must convince myself to make a run to the store to pick up eggs and unsweetened chocolate! Have a great weekend!
Just heavenly!
Wowzers – I should know better than to read one of your posts before breakfast. I feel like hitting the chocolate bright and early today.
Oh, and that 2nd photo, the one of all the ingredients, is pure perfection!!
OMG! Boozy brownies! Yeah, pretty sure this should appear in my series 🙂 Love the swirl!
Another reason to love Friday. This is my kink of Happy Hour!
Question: What if you don’t care for wine?
*Raising hand*
Is the wine a prominent flavor? (I’m sorry for asking dumb questions…not a wine-cooker-with-er…)
Hi Christina! I personally don’t think that it’s an overwhelming flavor… I can taste it in the batter before I baked it, but I really think it just inhances the chocolate flavor! But depending on the wine… could depend on how much it shines through. Hope this helps!
🙂
Laurie
Made em. In my mouth right now. Also in my glass of wine from trying to dip it…
I might have to try them, just to see! The ganache swirl?! I’m fainting. Thank you for answering my question!
Boozy brownies? Uh YES and yes and yes! I may have overdone it but you can tell just how gung-ho I am about these.
I would love to make these for a potluck dinner party my friend is hosting. Do they travel well?
Booze and brownies! Yes, please!
STATEMENT: I’m DYING to make (DEVOUR) these!!! QUESTION: Can these be made eggless? What’s the substitute?
My goodness, these look phenomenal. I know that Ghrardelli makes a Cabernet dark chocolate bar now too! They look too dang good to refuse.
Wine and chocolate, wine and chocolate, YAAAYYY!!! Do you actually taste the wine? Oh I hope so 🙂
Love wine! Love Brownies – why not have them together?!
Im going through my reader – going through your posts and I’m a savory girl. We all know that, but these brownies are what called me in. Holy allmightly they look amazing.
I made these last night to take to a friends house to watch football with some other couples and I made them exactly as your recipe described and they were amazing! One of the guys asked my husband if he could borrow me for a few days to come and cook at his house. I cut them into tiny cubes because they were so rich but I saw people going back for seconds & thirds. The cabernet flavor is not overwhelming but it definitely adds a richness. I will definitely keep this recipe in my book.
SO glad Sandra! Thanks for coming back and leaving a comment! Happy New Year!
I made these for Valentines….OH MY!! They are soooo good. Very rich so we only had small squares at at time. This was my first from scratch brownie and I don’t think I can go back to a box kit ever again. The wine taste is subtle but elegant! I used a Melbec. Thanks so much for this amazing recipe!
Ohh I’ve just recently been introduced to Malbec and we instantly became the best of friends! So glad to hear you liked the brownies 🙂