KitKat Brownies

This layered KitKat Brownies recipe takes a classic chocolate brownie batter and sandwiches a layer of KitKat wafer biscuits for the ultimate contrast of squidge and crunch.

KitKat bars are a classic British chocolate bar, beloved for generations and found in lunchboxes, cafeterias and kitchen cupboards everywhere.

If you aren't familiar with this fabulous sweet treat, you're missing out! KitKats are crispy layers of sweet wafer nestled in a rich chocolate case. They usually come as a two or four-finger bar - perfect for sharing!

You might think 'Kit Kat' is a weird name for a chocolate wafer bar. Well, it gets even stranger!

Kit Kat (or Kit Cat) was originally a term for meat pies in the 18th century, named after a pastry chef called Christopher Cat. But how did the name then hop from meat pies to chocolate bars? My research turned up blank!

Anyway, please be assured that this KitKat Brownies recipe is definitely not designed to be made with meat pies. So, if you're from the 18th century, I hope this helped clear up any confusion!

Now, back to the present day - let's talk about how easy these KitKat brownies are to make.

You'll first need to whip up your chocolate brownie batter, starting with oodles of dark chocolate melted with butter for a super rich flavour and texture.

Next, you'll whisk in the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and finally, plain flour and your KitKat brownies are ready to assemble

Once your batter is ready, you'll pour half of your batter into your greased and lined baking tray to bring the brownies together.

Next, you'll add a layer of Kit Kat fingers. You can break them into smaller pieces or put them in whole. For example, I like to arrange them in a tightly packed, single layer so that there's sure to be KitKat goodness in every bite.

Once your KitKats are layered in the batter, you'll cover them with the rest of the batter. Finally, pop the whole thing in the oven for about 30 minutes until perfectly fudgy.

It's such an easy recipe, but I guarantee you'll be labelled a genius if you rock up to the office or a picnic, potluck, or coffee morning with these KitKat brownies!

Below, you'll find my full recipe for KitKat Brownies. I've included plenty of photos and detailed instructions so that you can get the best results every time.

So I hope you enjoy this recipe, and if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.

And if you're looking for any other brownie recipes, I have tons on the site! My other favourite right now has to be these Snickers brownies. Though be warned - they're even more decadent!

Instructions

Make the brownie batter

Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan).

Grease and line your tin.

Put the dark chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst until melted. Avoid overcooking as this can negatively affect the chocolate.

Add the caster sugar.

Stir through with a manual whisk - I say stir as you don’t want to add air but a whisk is still the best tool as it distributes everything quickly.

Add the eggs and vanilla.

Stir with the whisk again.

Put the flour through a sieve into the bowl. 

Stir to combine.

Assemble the brownie

Pour half the brownie batter into the lined tin and level off.

Arrange the KitKat fingers on top.

Pour the remaining batter on top. 

Bake your brownie for approximately 30-35 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with sticky crumbs.

Place the Kit Kat brownie sheet in its tin on a wire rack to cool completely. I like to then chill my brownies overnight to get them nice and firm for slicing.

Once completely cooled, transfer the brownie to a board and trim the edges, then cut into 12 equally sized KitKat Brownies squares in a 3x4 pattern.

Enjoy!

Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect KitKat Brownies 

Are KitKat Brownies easy to make?

KitKat brownies are actually very easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool completely before you can devour them!

To make the brownies, you'll make a simple brownie batter. I say 'simple' because it only needs combining, no creaming or whisking ingredients. I spent a long time perfecting this brownie batter for the perfect taste and texture - a far from simple process!

Next, you'll need to line and grease a baking tin. KitKat brownies are best made in a medium roasting tin, but you can use any size that you have.

Once the brownie batter is ready, pour half into the tin and smooth it out. Then, arrange your KitKat fingers on top. I like to use 9 KitKat fingers, arranged in 3 rows of 3.

Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the KitKats and smooth it out again. Then, bake your brownie for approximately 30-35 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with sticky crumbs.

Once your brownies are baked, leave the sheet to cool completely before slicing. (Hard, I know!) This will ensure you have super neat slices and allow the centre of the brownie to set fully.

Will I need any special equipment to make KitKat Brownies?

You'll only need some standard kitchen equipment to make your KitKat Brownies. To measure your ingredients, you'll need to use weighing scales/ measuring cups.

Then you'll need a bowl and a whisk or wooden spoon to mix your ingredients together. You'll also need a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate for the brownie batter.

To bake the brownies, you'll need a brownie pan as detailed in the equipment list on the recipe card below. They're fairly common, so if you don't have one, you will be able to buy one from a large supermarket cookware aisle or from Amazon.

There's always a complete list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below my recipes if you're in doubt. I also always include affiliate links to example products, so you can see exactly what I used to make each recipe.

What are KitKats?

KitKats are a chocolate-covered wafer biscuit bar that was created by Rowntree's, a UK-based confectioner. The company was later bought by Nestlé in 1988. KitKats are now produced in 16 countries by Nestlé.

KitKat bars consist of two or four finger-shaped segments comprised of three layers of wafer covered in chocolate. There are different variations in shape and size, including KitKat Chunky (like a KitKat, but, as you might expect, 'chunky') and smaller sizes of KitKat.

For this recipe, I used original KitKats, so it's probably wisest to use them as a KitKat Chunky is denser and might affect the cooking time.

Do I need to use KitKats in my KitKat Brownies?

No, you don't need to use KitKats in your KitKat brownies. You could use any type of chocolate bar or even chocolate chips.

If you aren't into KitKats, or you can't find any, I have plenty of brownie recipes on the site which use other kinds of chocolate bars and other sweet treats.

So instead, why not try my Snickers Brownies or Oreo Brownies?

How can I tell if eggs have gone off?

It's always best to use fresh ingredients when baking, especially eggs. It's essential to use fresh eggs, as they can behave differently in recipes as they get older and their quality declines. 

This is because eggs lose water content the older they get, which means an older egg will be thicker. So not only is it safer to use fresh eggs, but it will improve the quality of your food.

You should never eat an egg that looks, smells, feels or tastes odd in any way. So if your egg has any discolouration, odd appearance, or a strange or foul odour, it is most likely rotten.

If your egg has spoiled, you should immediately throw it away and thoroughly wash any pots and utensils that have come into contact with it.

How can I check if my eggs are fresh?

If you aren't sure if your eggs are fresh, you can do a float test to check them. A float test involves placing your egg in a cup or bowl of water to see if it sinks or floats.

To ensure you don't contaminate a recipe with a bad egg, it's always best to crack your eggs into a separate bowl or cup before adding them to a recipe. This lets you check the egg for any broken shell fragments, but more importantly, it enables you to check that the egg is safe to use.

Is it safe to use eggs which have been kept on the counter?

To avoid your eggs spoiling, you should always follow the storage instructions on the egg packet. In the UK, it's recommended that eggs are kept consistently below 20C, which means it's best to keep them in the fridge at home. 

Egg safety standards can vary depending on where you live, so storage and use advice can differ too. For example, if you live in a warmer country, you might find eggs in the refrigerated aisle and be advised to keep your eggs in the fridge.

Whereas, if you live somewhere colder, keeping your eggs on the counter or in the fridge might be acceptable, and you'll find eggs on the ambient aisle. 

So make sure you consult your local advice for the best way to keep your eggs as fresh and safe as possible.

Egg safety is crucial if you're cooking for someone in a vulnerable or at-risk group, such as older people, people living with health conditions, or a pregnant person.

A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. Please consult with your medical professional.

How can I tell if butter has gone off?

Firstly check the Best Before date. This should give you a good indication as to whether the butter is still ok to use.

Unlike Use By dates, which should never be ignored, Best Before dates are more to indicate quality, and food a little past that date may still be safe to eat.  In the UK, some supermarkets are removing Best Before dates from fresh food (as of August 2022), so this advice may vary by store or region.

Make sure the butter has been stored correctly. When butter is exposed to light and air, it will start to oxidise and go off quicker, which is why it's usually best to keep it chilled.

It's also a good idea to keep butter in a sealed container as it has a tendency to absorb flavours and odours from the fridge. So pop it in a little Tupperware container, in a butter dish with a lid, or in the sealed compartment at the top of your fridge door, if you have one. 

Check that there is no mould growing on the butter. This is unlikely if the butter has been kept clean but can happen if crumbs have been left on it and is a sure indicator that the butter is no longer safe to use.

Are KitKat Brownies suitable for vegetarians?

These KitKat Brownies should be suitable for vegetarians because, at the time of writing (August 2022), KitKats are labelled as vegetarian.

However, you should still double check your other ingredients are vegetarian. Animal-derived products can be used to thicken, colour or flavour sweet and savoury food, so it sneaks into the most surprising ingredients! Also, don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your KitKat Brownies.

Are KitKat Brownies suitable for vegans?

No, KitKat Brownies are not suitable for vegans as they contain milk and milk derivatives.

You could make a vegan brownie batter with the following replacements. However, Nestle discontinued a vegan version of the KitKat in 2022. So you would need to find an alternative filling for the vegan brownie batter.

• Melted chocolate:  Vego makes good quality vegan chocolate melts designed for melting and baking. They could work as a substitute wherever this recipe calls for melted chocolate. You can also find other brands of vegan chocolate melts on Amazon. Vego is hazelnut flavoured, so you may prefer to find plain vegan chocolate instead.
• Butter: To replace the butter, look for a dairy-free baking block or spread with a fat content of around 80%, as this will be similar to butter (lower fat spreads have high water content and won't work as well in this recipe). I generally use Flora Plant Block and find it works very well in baking and cooking.
• Egg: To replace the egg, you'd need to use a store-bought vegan egg replacer. I find Orgran Egg Replacer works brilliantly in brownie recipes. You add 1 tablespoon of powder to 2 tablespoons of water - so the liquid content is similar to an egg.

How to make a homemade vegan egg replacer:

Or you could make a homemade egg replacer with the following methods (each method = 1 egg):

• 3 tablespoons of aquafaba. Aquafaba is the water you get in a tin of chickpeas. The proteins in the liquid mimic egg whites' behaviour, making an excellent egg replacer. But don't worry, it won't taste like hummus!
• 1 tablespoon of crushed chia seeds or flax seeds mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and left for 10 minutes in the fridge.
• 3 tablespoons of applesauce (though bear in mind this will make the cookies sweeter).

Are KitKat Brownies gluten-free?

Wheat flour and KitKats contain gluten, so this recipe isn't suitable for someone avoiding gluten.

You could make a gluten-free version with a couple of simple swaps.

First, you would need to swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend. I often use Doves Farm, as it has a good mix of pseudocereals, starches and protein to replicate the behaviour of wheat flour.

Doves Farm Plain Flour is a good option, as it's widely available, and you can find it on Amazon, but plenty of other gluten-free flours are available on the market.

Then, you would need to find a gluten-free alternative to KitKats. This might be easier said than done as KitKats are made with wheat flour and contain gluten

At the time of writing, Nestle does not make a gluten-free version of KitKats, so you would need to find an alternative. In the UK, Asda makes its own version of gluten-free Free From KitKats. So you may be able to find a gluten-free alternative on the Free From aisle of your local supermarket.

Double check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are gluten-free. Don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your KitKat Brownies.

Are KitKat Brownies keto-friendly?

Sorry, KitKat Brownies are not keto-friendly as they contain a fair amount of sugar and carbs. I would usually recommend a way to adjust a recipe for dietary requirements, but this recipe is reliant on carbohydrates and sugar.

Are KitKat Brownies healthy?

Not really, but who cares! As long as you otherwise eat a varied diet full of fresh veg and live an active lifestyle, an occasional treat is fine!

Are KitKat Brownies safe to eat while pregnant?

As long as you prepare and cook your brownies safely, this recipe should be perfectly safe for a pregnant person.

One thing to consider is the amount of sugar in the brownies. Pregnant people are more sensitive to changes in blood sugar and are at risk of developing gestational diabetes.

So you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about sugar intake during pregnancy.

Make sure that all of your ingredients are in good condition and that you prepare this meal safely and hygienically.

A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.

Are KitKat Brownies suitable for babies and toddlers?

These KitKat Brownies contain lots of sugar, so they aren't suitable for children under 5. The NHS explains why here. 

A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. Please speak to a health professional if you have any questions or concerns.

The NHS has some fantastic resources on their website on what to feed babies and young children.

What goes well with KitKat Brownies?

If you're making KitKat Brownies as a treat, why not serve them with some ice cream or whipped cream? Or, if you want to get really indulgent, try serving them with a chocolate sauce!

Or, if you're looking for something a little healthier to go with your KitKat Brownies, how about some fresh fruit? Slices of banana or some berries would be a great way to add some sweetness without all the sugar.

KitKat Brownies are also moist enough that you can eat them on their own, but I do find everything is always improved by a cup of tea or coffee.

Can I add extra chocolate to this recipe?

Yes! If you want to make your KitKat Brownies extra chocolatey, try adding some chocolate chips or chopped-up pieces of chocolate to the batter before you bake it.

Or, if you want to go all out, try topping your KitKat Brownies with a chocolate ganache or frosting. You could even add some KitKat pieces to the top of your brownies for an extra chocolatey hit!

How should I store KitKat Brownies?

You should store your KitKat brownies in an airtight container somewhere cool and dark to keep them fresh. 

If you aren't serving all of the brownies immediately, it's a good idea to store the slab of brownies un-cut.

Then you can just cut slices off when you want a brownie. This reduces the amount of exposure and stops them from drying out so quickly.

How long will KitKat Brownies keep?

If you store these brownies in an airtight container somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight (in the pantry or cupboard would be ideal), they will last for up to a week.

This recipe contains plenty of sugar, which is a natural preservative. So you can keep them for longer if you store them in the fridge. But they'll be at their best if eaten within the first day or two.

If frozen, your Kit Kat Brownies will last for up to three months. When it comes time to defrost them, take them out of the freezer, but leave them in the airtight container until fully defrosted.

Can I leave KitKat Brownies out on the counter?

I wouldn't leave your brownies out on the counter, apart from serving. Unfortunately, they will quickly go stale if left out for more than an hour.

Can I make KitKat Brownies ahead?

I find brownies are best when you serve them as fresh if possible. So eating them the same day you baked them is always the ideal choice.

However, in general, brownies tend to fare a little better than most bakes. This is because they're so moist, so it takes longer for them to dry out. So there's probably no harm in making them a couple of days ahead, but they'll definitely be better fresh.

Can I keep KitKat Brownies in the refrigerator?

Keeping brownies in the fridge can make them have a more fudgy texture. So if you like the sound of that, go ahead! But as long as you store your brownies in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, they should be fine in or out of the fridge.

Can I freeze KitKat Brownies?

Yes, KitKat Brownies freeze really well! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in cling film or store them in an airtight container. When you want to eat them, just defrost at room temperature or in the fridge overnight. They should keep for 3-6 months in the freezer.

What is the best way to defrost KitKat Brownies?

The best way to defrost KitKat Brownies is to leave them in the fridge overnight. But if you're short on time, you can also leave them at room temperature for an hour or two.

Ensure they're wrapped tightly in cling film or stored in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Can I Eat My Brownies Warm?

Yes! Your KitKat Brownies would be delicious served a little warm from the oven or reheated later. 

However, if you want very neat-looking brownies, you'll need to let them cool completely after they come out of the oven so that you can slice them cleanly. 

Once they're sliced, just pop your brownie on a microwave-safe plate and into the microwave. 15-30 seconds should do the trick!

Can I make these KitKat Brownies in a different quantity?

If you want to change the size of this KitKat Brownies recipe, I'd recommend using a recipe converter calculator to change the number of brownies your recipe makes.

Though if you change the size of the recipe, you should also change the tin or tray you use to match the new size. 

If you use a baking tin corresponding to the relative size of the original tin, the cooking time shouldn't change too much. But you should keep an eye on the brownies if you make less so that they don't burn.

Or add some extra time if you increase the number of brownies. I've detailed a few things to consider about this in the answer below.

Can I Use A Cake Tin For Baking These KitKat Brownies?

As long as the sides of your cake tin are high enough, it should work just as well as a brownie tray. 

However, bear in mind the depth of your cake tin will affect the cooking time. The brownies won't bake through to the centre if the cake tin is too deep. But don't worry, as long as the depth of your cake tin isn't more than a couple of inches, then only a little more cooking time should do the trick. 

Equally, it would be best not to use a very shallow or wide tin. Otherwise, the brownies will turn thin, hard, cake-like or burnt.

Can I Bake Brownies In Individual Portions?

I wouldn't recommend making individual portions because it will be considerably drier if you make an individual brownie. So it will most likely turn out dry and crispy on the edges and cake-like in the middle. 

If you don't mind a change in texture and an increased risk of dry brownies, go ahead. But personally, I would stick to making at least 3-4 portions in the same container to retain the moist and soft texture.

Can I make KitKat Brownies in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?

If you want to, you can. But I don't think it's necessary because brownies are so easy to make by hand. All you need to do is melt the chocolate and gradually mix in the other ingredients. You don't need to add air to this mixture.

However, if you're short on time or need some extra support, then go right ahead!  If you're using a KitchenAid style stand mix, use the paddle attachment. Mix your batter slowly and in short bursts so that you don't overwork the batter. 

Remember to scrape down the sides every time you add an ingredient. This ensures every element is fully incorporated, and you don't lose any. 

Can I make KitKat Brownies with a food processor?

A food processor would be too powerful for this recipe and would overmix the batter or clog with the thickness of the batter.

So mixing by hand is the best option. However, if you need to use a food processor, you can. 

Gently pulse the blender very briefly (1-2 seconds) to not overwork the batter. Overworked batter will result in tough, bready brownies.

Use a spoon to scrape down the sides of the blender between adding each ingredient. This ensures everything is fully incorporated and reduces the chance of lumps of ingredients.

How can I make sure my KitKat Brownies turn out perfectly?

To ensure your KitKat Brownies are perfect, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Temperature: First, preheat your oven and check it's at the right temperature. This is crucial to getting consistent brownies. If the oven is too cold, the brownies will take a long time to cook. Or, if it's too hot, the brownies might burn on top while the insides remain uncooked/liquid.
• Consistency: Many domestic ovens have inconsistent oven temperatures and hot spots, so investing in an oven thermometer can help. However, don't worry if your oven has a hotspot; you can try to account for this. For example, I tend to put my trays slightly off to the left as my oven runs marginally hotter on the right!
• Ingredient quality: Use good quality chocolate. Chocolate is the main flavour in brownies, so using cheap or poor-quality chocolate will result in subpar brownies.
• Mixing: Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing will result in tough and dry brownies as it will activate the gluten. Equally, you don't need to whip the brownie batter, and you don't need to incorporate air into the mixture. So make sure you only gently mix/whisk the ingredients together.
• Cooking: Do not overbake the brownies. You'll know the brownies are ready to come out when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, then your brownies are overcooked. The centre may seem undercooked to you, but if the edges are browning and firm, then it's time to take the brownies out.
• Resting: Let your brownies cool completely in the tin before removing them or slicing them. This will ensure the residual heat finishes cooking the centre. Plus it will make slicing your brownie easier and neater.

Why did my KitKat Brownies turn out dry or more like cake?

There are a few reasons why your KitKat Brownies might turn out dry or cake like:

• You overmixed the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which makes the brownies tough and can make them dry out while cooking.
• You overcooked the brownies. You'll know the brownies are ready when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, then your brownies are overcooked.
• You scaled the recipe down and cooked a small batch of brownies. Brownies tend to dry out when you cook them individually or in small portions. This is because there is less moisture to evaporate, and the brownies cook faster.

Why did my KitKat Brownies turn out wet/soft/dense?

There are a few reasons why your KitKat Brownies might turn out wet or soft, usually down to ingredient ratios or cooking time:

• There was too much fat in the batter. Brownies made with too much butter or oil will be dense and moist.
• You used too little flour. Brownies need flour to act as a structure, so using too little will result in wet and dense brownies.
• You undercooked the brownies. Brownies are done when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out clean, then your brownies are overcooked.

Why didn’t my KitKat Brownies rise?

Your brownies shouldn't rise, so if they don't rise, that's fine! The brownies will naturally expand a little as the egg cooks, but otherwise, they shouldn't change in size much at all.

How can I add/change the flavours in these KitKat Brownies?

If you want to add a different flavour to your KitKat Brownies then here are a few ideas:

• Try adding some orange zest or juice to the batter for a citrus twist.
• Add some instant coffee granules to the batter for a mocha flavour.
• For some extra crunch, stir in some chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts, almonds or peanuts into the batter. Though of course, be sure no one eating these brownies has a nut allergy.

Where is the origin of KitKat Brownies?

Kit Kats were originally launched in the 1920s as 'Chocolate Crisp bars'. They were designed after an employee suggested making a snack for workers to bring in their lunchboxes. For some reason, Rowntrees renamed Chocolate Crisps Kit Kats after a few years, and the name has stuck for almost 100 years!

Ideas for occasions to make KitKat Brownies 

KitKat Brownies are perfect for any occasion!

Whether you're looking for something to take to a party or potluck, or you just want a delicious dessert to enjoy at home, these brownies are sure to hit the spot.

If you're looking for a gift for a chocolate lover in your life, KitKat Brownies are always a good choice. So why not make them for:

• A party food or dessert.
• Super special after-school snacks for the kids.
• An office birthday, or just a treat for when you're working from home.
• A gift for a chocolate lover in your life.
• An indulgent weekend brunch treat.

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