Looking for brownie recipes with a little something extra? Cheesecake swirls, peanut butter ribbons and toasted marshmallow tops give you plenty to choose from.
There are simple chocolate squares here too, with those gorgeous crackly tops that hardly need any decoration.
You can keep things plain or go all out with toppings. These pictures offer inspiration for your next batch, rather than full baking instructions. Start with your favorite look, then choose a recipe that matches.
Brownie Ideas Worth Saving
classic crackly tops
We’re starting off strong with these gorgeous chocolate squares. I love the thin, crinkled tops and dark centers.
There’s no frosting or drizzle covering them up.
If you want to go a step further when serving yours, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
cheesecake marble
How pretty are these cheesecake marble brownies? The pale cheesecake winds through the chocolate instead of sitting in one straight layer.
I’d serve these with the cut sides showing, just like the stack here. Those swirls deserve to be seen!
golden drizzle and filled centers
If you are looking for something with a little extra in the middle, this one is for you. A glossy golden filling peeks out of the chocolate squares, with matching drizzle across the tops.
The scattered white flakes are a pretty finishing touch. For your own version, a caramel filling and a little flaky salt would be a lovely direction.
peanut butter swirls
I am obsessed with these peanut butter swirls. The wide golden ribbons look so pretty against the dark brownie base.
Save this one if you want a decorated top without adding a separate layer of frosting. I’d leave the swirls uncovered.
mint and chocolate layers
Calling all mint chocolate fans! These brownies have a pale green middle layer and a thick chocolate ganache top.
I especially love how clearly you can see all three layers.
Small squares would be a cute way to serve this layered style on a dessert platter.
oreo cheesecake bars
How good does that cookie layer look? These Oreo cheesecake brownie bars have a dark base, a pale cheesecake layer and broken cookies scattered over the chocolate topping.
There’s plenty going on here already. You could skip extra decorations when serving and let those cut sides do the showing off.
raspberries and two-tone chips
This raspberry-topped batch may just be one of my favorites. I love the bright red berries between the white and brown chips.
For a similar serving idea, scatter a few fresh raspberries around your brownies. The loose berries in this picture make the whole tray look so pretty.
espresso chocolate squares
The coffee fans are going to want to save this one. These espresso brownies have a very dark center, visible chocolate pieces and pale flakes scattered over the tops.
I’d pair a square with a small coffee and keep the plate simple. No elaborate topping needed.
toasted s’mores topping
Who doesn’t love a s’mores-inspired dessert? The browned marshmallow tops and little chocolate bar pieces are my favorite parts of this batch.
There’s a golden crumb layer beneath the brownie too. Choose a layered s’mores brownie recipe if you want that same bottom-to-top combination.
walnut-studded squares
Don’t want to go all out with frosting and layers? No problem!
These walnut brownies keep things simple, with pale nut pieces showing through the chocolate centers.
I love that the tops are left plain. You can see the little cracks without anything covering them.
golden cookie-style patches
Can’t decide between cookies and brownies? This patchwork look gives you a little inspiration for both. Golden, chip-studded patches sit beside glossy chocolate sections.
For your own version, look for a brookie recipe rather than guessing how to combine two separate batters.
shiny fudge brownie tops
I am obsessed with these shiny tops. The wide cracks and thin flakes make this simple batch so pretty all on its own.
If you love brownie recipes without lots of extras, save this look. I’d skip a dusting of sugar so that chocolate surface stays visible.
glossy chocolate centers
That glossy chocolate peeking out of the middle is the detail to save here. The squares have crackled tops with larger chocolate pockets visible along the cut edges.
The Nutella jar in the background offers a flavor direction for your own batch. Try a chocolate-hazelnut brownie recipe if that’s the combination you’re after.
black bean brownies
Want to try something a little different? This image features black bean brownies with dark tops and chocolate chips scattered across them.
Pick a recipe developed specifically for black beans if you want to try this version. The picture gives you topping inspiration, but not the ingredient proportions.
marshmallows peanuts and chocolate
If you are looking for an all-out topping, then this one is for you. There are marshmallows, peanuts and glossy chocolate piled over the brownie squares.
I love the mix of little marshmallows and larger white pieces. A rocky road-style topping is a fun direction if you want something beyond a plain chocolate finish.
brownie in a mug
Don’t want a whole tray of squares? This brownie mug cake is a cute alternative.
The chocolate top rises close to the rim of a plain white mug.
Choose a recipe written for a mug cake rather than scaling down a tray recipe by guesswork. I’d serve it simply with a spoon.
red squares with white chips
How pretty is this red and white combination? These brownies have bright red tops, darker centers and white chips showing through the cut sides.
If you want a similar color palette, a red velvet-style brownie recipe would be a good place to start. The chips add enough decoration without any frosting.
extra chocolate on top
This is a fun direction for dressing up a boxed brownie mix. The picture shows chunky chocolate pieces, smaller chips and big white flakes over the cracked tops.
Try a little chopped chocolate and flaky salt as a finishing idea for your own batch. Follow your chosen recipe for the batter and baking details.
plain chocolate stacks
Sometimes the simple ones are the ones you want most. I love these wide chocolate squares with their thin crackly tops and dark, close-textured centers.
Stack a few on a white plate like this if you want an unfussy serving idea. There’s no need to add a whole collection of toppings.
orange swirls and dark drizzle
Last but definitely not least, we have these dark brownies with a bright orange swirl. I love how the cut piece shows the pattern running through the middle, not just across the top.
A pumpkin swirl would be one way to try this color combination in your own batch. Keep the dark chocolate drizzle if you want a similar finish.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Frida