1. Preheat your oven according to the directions on your brownie mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Prepare the brownie batter as instructed on the box, using the eggs, oil, and water (or other ingredients) specified. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for the recommended time, usually 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.

2. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is very important; if the brownies are warm, the ganache will melt and run off rather than setting nicely. This usually takes at least 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your kitchen temperature.

3. While the brownies are cooling, you can start on the ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate, as it can seize.

4. Divide the smooth white chocolate ganache into three separate small bowls. Leave one bowl plain (this will be your white portion). Add the red gel food coloring to the second bowl and stir until you achieve a vibrant red color. Add the blue gel food coloring to the third bowl and stir until it’s a bright blue.

5. Once the brownies are completely cool, carefully spread the red ganache over about one-third of the brownies. Then, spread the white ganache over the middle third, and finally, the blue ganache over the remaining third. You can use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create neat stripes. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly straight; the sprinkles will add to the festive look!

6. Immediately after applying the ganache, generously sprinkle the red, white, and blue sprinkles over the entire surface of the brownies. The ganache will still be soft enough for the sprinkles to adhere.

7. Let the brownies sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or until the ganache has set. If your kitchen is warm, you can place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process.

8. Once the ganache is firm, use a sharp knife (wiping it clean between cuts for neat slices) to cut the brownies into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your festive Firecracker 4th of July Brownies!