Chocolate Mint Brownies

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ pan with non-stick spray.

Step 2

For the brownie base: In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, melt the chocolate and butter together. Remove from heat and add brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Blend well. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 22 minutes, or until toothpick just barely comes clean. For a dense, fudgy brownie, take care to not over bake. Let cool completely.

Step 3

For the peppermint layer: Prepare the peppermint layer by creaming together the powdered sugar, cream, butter, and mint extract. Once incorporated, beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes, until fluffy. Tint with green food coloring, if desired. Frost brownie base with this mixture and place in freezer for 20 minutes.

Step 4

For the chocolate ganache: In a small sauce pan over low heat, melt together chocolate and butter. Remove brownie from freezer and spread warm chocolate ganache gently over the cold buttercream. Cool until glaze hardens (refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes to speed this up), then cut into squares.