If you’re dreaming of a bite-sized treat that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with a fun, beachy twist, the Beach Brownie Cups Recipe is your new go-to dessert. These adorable little cups are packed with moist brownie, topped with creamy blue-tinted buttercream, and finished with a gummy candy “lifesaver” and a Teddy Graham “beachgoer” nestled right in the center. Perfect for summer get-togethers, kid’s parties, or anytime you want to bring a little sunshine to your snack table, they’re as charming as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet absolutely essential to getting the perfect balance of textures and flavors in your Beach Brownie Cups Recipe. Each item plays a special role, from the rich brownie base to the creamy frosting and playful candy decorations.
- Brownie mix: A good quality boxed mix makes the base easy and reliably fudgy.
- Water, eggs, and oil: Use the quantities the brownie box recommends for ideal moisture and texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks), softened: This is the base for your luscious buttercream frosting, providing creaminess and richness.
- Powdered sugar (6 cups): It sweetens and thickens your buttercream to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Blue food coloring: A splash of color to give that signature “ocean” vibe to your frosting.
- Round gummy candies (48): These mimic onto those classic “life savers,” adding chewiness and fun.
- Teddy graham cookies (48): The tiny “beachgoers” perched in the center of each cup bring irresistible cuteness.
How to Make Beach Brownie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Brownie Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready for baking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed brownie mix with the water, eggs, and oil as per the instructions on your specific mix. Mixing it well sets the stage for perfectly moist brownie bites that hold their shape.
Step 2: Fill and Bake the Mini Muffin Tins
Using a mini muffin tin, fill each cup about three-quarters full with the brownie batter. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your mixing bowl. Pop the tin into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that the brownies are perfectly cooked but not overdone.
Step 3: Shape the Brownie Cups
While the brownie cups are still warm and malleable, take a teaspoon and gently press down the center of each one to create a little cup shape. This step is key because it gives you the perfect little well to hold all the delicious frosting and toppings later on. After shaping, let the cups cool completely so they set firmly and don’t collapse.
Step 4: Whip Up the Blue Buttercream
For the frosting, start by whipping the softened unsalted butter with an electric hand mixer until nice and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing slowly so it incorporates smoothly without making a mess. Add a few drops of blue food coloring and continue whipping until the color is evenly blended and the buttercream is light and airy. If the hue isn’t quite right, keep adding a little more blue until it looks like your perfect ocean blue.
Step 5: Assemble Your Beach Brownie Cups
Now the fun part: spoon or use a piping bag to fill each brownie cup with the blue buttercream. On top of the frosting, place a round gummy candy to resemble a life preserver. Nestle a Teddy Graham cookie right in the middle of the gummy ring for that charming “beachgoer lounging” look. This combination is what makes the Beach Brownie Cups Recipe so iconic and irresistible.
How to Serve Beach Brownie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
While the gummy rings and Teddy Grahams are the stars, you can get creative with additional garnishes like a sprinkle of shredded coconut to mimic sand or edible glitter for a shimmering beach effect. These little touches add texture and sparkle that heighten the overall experience.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful brownie cups with light, refreshing sides such as fruit salad, lemon bars, or chilled coconut water. These complementary options help balance the richness of the brownies and keep the beach party vibe alive.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Beach Brownie Cups Recipe on a platter lined with beach-themed decor like mini umbrellas, seashells, or sand-colored sugar crystals. You could even place them in colorful paper liners or arrange them in a layered dessert tower for an eye-catching centerpiece at summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Beach Brownie Cups, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them covered ensures the frosting stays fresh and the brownies don’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze these little treats for longer storage by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy them fresh and flavorful anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
Allow frozen Beach Brownie Cups to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Warm them gently at room temperature if desired, but avoid microwaving as it may melt the frosting and gummy toppings.
FAQs
Can I make the brownie cups from scratch instead of using a box mix?
Absolutely! A scratch brownie recipe will work well too, just make sure it’s not too cakey and holds its shape when baked in mini muffin tins. The boxed mix keeps the process quick and easy, which is why it’s recommended.
What if I don’t have blue food coloring? Can I use a different color?
Feel free to experiment with different colors! Blue is classic for the beach theme, but turquoise, green, or even a gradient effect would look amazing and give your Beach Brownie Cups Recipe a unique twist.
Are there alternatives to Teddy Graham cookies for the “beachgoers”?
You can swap Teddy Grahams with other small cookies or edible figurines depending on your preference or dietary needs. Mini gingerbread men or animal crackers also work wonderfully for this playful touch.
Can I prepare the buttercream a day ahead?
Yes, you can make the buttercream frosting a day before assembling. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip briefly before piping onto the brownie cups.
How do I prevent the gummy candies from sticking to the buttercream?
Make sure your buttercream is firm enough to hold the gummies in place. Chilling the brownie cups after assembly for about 10 minutes before serving helps the gummies adhere without sinking into the frosting.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Beach Brownie Cups Recipe — a simple yet imaginative blend of flavors, textures, and colors that bring a smile with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying a sweet moment alone, these little cups deliver a beach vacation in dessert form. I can’t wait for you to make them and experience the joy they bring!
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Beach Brownie Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
Description
Delight in these fun and festive Beach Brownie Cups, featuring rich mini brownie cups filled with vibrant blue buttercream and topped with gummy ring candies and teddy graham cookies. Perfect for parties or summer-themed gatherings, these bite-sized treats combine classic chocolate brownie flavors with a playful beach-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 18.3 oz box of brownie mix
- Water, eggs, and oil as required by brownie mix box instructions
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- Blue food coloring, as needed
Toppings
- 48 round gummy candies (gummy rings)
- 48 Teddy graham cookies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the brownie cups.
- Mix Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix with the water, eggs, and oil as directed on your brownie mix box packaging. Stir until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Fill Mini Muffin Tins: Spoon the brownie batter into a mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. You may need to bake in batches if your oven or tin size requires it.
- Bake Brownie Cups: Bake the mini brownies for approximately 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Create Cups: While the brownie cups are still warm, gently press down the center of each with a teaspoon to form a cup shape. Be careful not to break the brownies. This will hold the frosting and toppings later.
- Cool Brownie Cups: Set the shaped brownie cups aside to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Prepare Buttercream: Using an electric hand mixer, whip the softened butter until creamy and light.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the whipped butter while mixing on a low speed until incorporated fully.
- Add Food Coloring: Add blue food coloring a few drops at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve the desired shade of blue.
- Adjust Coloring: If the color is not vibrant enough, add more blue food coloring and whip again until fully blended.
- Fill Brownie Cups: Spoon or pipe the prepared blue buttercream frosting into each cooled brownie cup, filling each generously.
- Add Gummy Rings: Place one round gummy candy on top of the buttercream in each brownie cup to mimic a beach float ring.
- Add Teddy Grahams: Insert one teddy graham cookie into the center of each gummy candy ring, creating a fun beach-themed decoration on each mini treat.
Notes
- Ensure the brownie cups are completely cool before filling to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- You can customize the blue color shade to match your party theme by adjusting the amount of food coloring.
- Use a piping bag with a decorative tip to pipe the buttercream for a more polished look.
- These treats are best served the same day or within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- For a nut-free option, verify the brownie mix and toppings do not contain nuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
