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    Home » What We're Eating » Derby Day Bourbon Brownies

    Derby Day Bourbon Brownies

    Published: Apr 4, 2016 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe

    A few simple additions to a boxed brownie mix create the most decadent, festive, and EASY Derby Day Bourbon Brownies! The moist, rich brownies are spiked with Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then topped with a creamy layer of bourbon frosting for a perfectly boozy party dessert!

    A few simple additions to a boxed brownie mix create the most decadent, festive, and EASY Derby Day Bourbon Brownies! The moist, rich brownies are spiked with Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then topped with a creamy layer of bourbon frosting for a perfectly boozy party dessert!

    If you live in the South, then you understand that Derby Day is definitely an occasion to celebrate. But in our family, it's always been even more special since my mom's birthday falls on the same weekend as the big race. In our world, that means that there are TWO good reasons to get together and party -- and it always involves betting on horses and sweet birthday treats!

    A few simple additions to a boxed brownie mix create the most decadent, festive, and EASY Derby Day Bourbon Brownies! The moist, rich brownies are spiked with Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then topped with a creamy layer of bourbon frosting for a perfectly boozy party dessert!

    Nothing says "CELEBRATE" like some booze in your brownies, right?! Better yet if that booze is some Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey -- perfectly appropriate for the Derby (and for a grown-up Birthday Party)!

    A few simple additions to a boxed brownie mix create the most decadent, festive, and EASY Derby Day Bourbon Brownies! The moist, rich brownies are spiked with Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then topped with a creamy layer of bourbon frosting for a perfectly boozy party dessert!

    I'm no baker (hence the BOXED MIX!), but my mom loves a good brownie and she has always had a knack for dressing up a box of mix from the store to make it seem special. I took a page out of Mom's book for this particular recipe, and kept it nice and easy! A box of mix, some bourbon, and any extra ingredients called for on the box are all you will need to create the base of these rich, dense, and delicious treats.

    A few simple additions to a boxed brownie mix create the most decadent, festive, and EASY Derby Day Bourbon Brownies! The moist, rich brownies are spiked with Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then topped with a creamy layer of bourbon frosting for a perfectly boozy party dessert!

    The bourbon icing on top is a quick recipe that comes together in just a few minutes, but it takes these brownies to the next level! They are the perfect companion for my Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, and they are sure to WOW your guests!

    A few simple additions to a boxed brownie mix create the most decadent, festive, and EASY Derby Day Bourbon Brownies! The moist, rich brownies are spiked with Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then topped with a creamy layer of bourbon frosting for a perfectly boozy party dessert!

    [Tweet "Celebrate #Derby Day with some boozy frosted #Bourbon #Brownies! #dessert #recipe"]

    A few simple additions to a boxed brownie mix create the most decadent, festive, and EASY Derby Day Bourbon Brownies! The moist, rich brownies are spiked with Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then topped with a creamy layer of bourbon frosting for a perfectly boozy party dessert!

    Print Pin

    Derby Day Bourbon Brownies

    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 40 minutes
    Total Time 55 minutes
    Servings 16
    Author The Seasoned Mom

    Ingredients

    • 1 box brownie mix plus additional ingredients called for on the package (I used an 18-ounce box of Ghirardelli brownie mix, but anything similar will work fine)
    • 2 tablespoons bourbon

    For the Frosting:*

    • 3 tablespoons butter softened
    • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar sifted
    • 2-4 teaspoons bourbon plus additional, as needed
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla
    • Pinch of salt
    • Optional: Sprinkles

    Instructions

    • Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Prepare brownies according to package instructions, and bake in prepared baking dish.
    • While brownies are still warm, poke little holes all of the top of the brownies with a toothpick. Brush 2 tablespoons of bourbon over the top of the brownies, slowly allowing it to soak in.
    • Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

    To prepare the frosting:

    • In a small bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of bourbon, vanilla, and salt. If needed, add another teaspoon or two of bourbon until frosting is spreadable.
    • Spread brownies with bourbon frosting and garnish with sprinkles, if desired.

    Notes

    *This recipe gives you just enough frosting for a thin layer on top (and since it’s very sweet, that should be enough). BUT, if you want a rich, thick layer of frosting as shown in the photographs, just double the ingredients!Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.

    Derby Day Bourbon Brownies Nutrition Information

    Looking for other great additions to your Derby Day festivities? Don't miss these:

    Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

    Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

    My Grandmother's Bourbon Balls

    Bourbon Balls

    Derby Pie

    Derby Pie 4

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      April 04, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Bourbon AND brownies? Yes. Aaaand Yes.

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 04, 2016 at 8:04 pm

        Hah! Exactly, Jennifer! You can't go wrong!!

        Reply
    2. Jen | Baked by an Introvert

      April 04, 2016 at 10:36 am

      You are speaking my language with these brownies! Love boozy treats!!

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 04, 2016 at 8:04 pm

        It's like multi-tasking, right?! Thanks so much, Jen! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Liz

      April 04, 2016 at 7:31 pm

      Booze in brownies is definitely a celebration! Thank you for sharing the recipe! xx

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 04, 2016 at 8:05 pm

        Exactly, Liz! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

      April 04, 2016 at 9:28 pm

      I've never celebrated Derby Day before, but I've heard of it! These brownies are absolutely gorgeous, Blair! I'm in love with that frosting on top. Sounds perfect for your mom's birthday, too!

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 05, 2016 at 2:51 pm

        Yep, these brownies are worthy of just about any celebration! Thanks, Gayle! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Kimber

      April 06, 2016 at 12:32 pm

      Ummmmmm.... I am not sure I even have words for these... Perfection?? I am def going to have to try it!

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 06, 2016 at 7:33 pm

        Perfect and EASY!!! 🙂

        Reply
        • Dave

          January 26, 2018 at 2:51 pm

          What type of butter please? Salted or unsalted...

          Reply
          • Blair

            January 26, 2018 at 2:58 pm

            Hi, Dave!

            I used salted (because that's what I keep on hand), but you can use either one -- whatever your preference! 🙂

            Reply

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    Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you'll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It's down-home, country-style cooking!

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