Seriously, these might be some of the best brownies I have ever made. It all started years ago, when I worked at MSUM, a new individual, we will call her Lynn, was starting work and she arrived with these amazing bars. Although I haven't worked at MSUM in years I never forgot the bars or Lynn. Skip ahead about 10 years and I was looking for an easy but great tasting bar that I could also make gluten free. And voila! Mint Brownies. And, they would make great treats for St. Patrick's Day. Honestly they do take some time but are easy peasy to make.
So I have about .003% Irish in my genetic make up according to 23 and Me. But who doesn't like to celebrate March 17?
You can see the green layer in these bars which makes them perfect to bring to any occasion.
There are 3 parts to this recipe. The brownie, the mint layer and the chocolate glaze.
Part 1: The Brownie! My secret is out. I do not make homemade brownies-ever. But after years of trying different mixes I have come to the conclusion that Duncan Hines Milk Chocolate Brownies are so much better than I could ever make at home. Just follow the recipe on the back of the box or even better pick your favorite type of brownie mix and make them just as directed in a 9 x 13 pan.
All I had to do was open the box, crack the eggs, add the oil, water and of course I always add vanilla to everything.
Just stir to combine all the ingredients and pour into a 9 x 13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. I had a few extra chocolate chips so I scattered them on top of the brownies. They just give the brownies and extra pop!
Bake at 350° for 23 minutes, that's what Duncan Hines says but your brownie mix may say differently so just follow the directions on the box.
Step 2: The Mint Layer-so so good!
If you can make frosting then this is something you could probably do with your eyes closed. The ingredients include; butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, peppermint (not spearmint) extract and green food coloring.
Melt the butter, as the butter is melting add 3 cups of powdered sugar to a bowl. Slowly add the butter and the cream to the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
I must say this is such a cool picture. I was taking the picture as I was pouring the butter. That's talent for sure! Also, I must say that if you don't have heavy cream you could use half and half or milk.
Next add the peppermint extract and green food coloring. Somehow I managed to do that today without getting food coloring all over my fingers and the counter. Proud Missy moment.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Green food coloring always reminds me of St. Patrick's Day, I used to run to Quality Bakery and pick up green bread for St. Patrick's Day. I think our kids seriously thought we had leprechauns in our house...until they decided to grow up. Let's get back to the matter at hand. Once you have your green frosting combined and your brownies are cooled go ahead and frost the brownies and put them in the fridge.
Part 3: The glaze...or shall we call it Ganache?
All you need is a heaping cup of semi sweet chips and butter.
Place the chocolate chips and butter in the microwave for 60 seconds or until melted. Carefully remove from the microwave and stir. It looks something like the picture below. It smells great and will be amazing on top of the brownies.
Looks good doesn't it? It is...
Go ahead and remove your brownies from the fridge. Poor your chocolate on the top of the mint layer. Look at mine. I seriously think I created a gnome by accident. You can see the gnome hat and nose.
Spread the glaze over the brownies and return to the fridge until set. Cut and serve to all your family and friends.
Okay, we can call it ganache! It looks that good.
Mint Brownies
Bake at 350°
Bake for 23 minutes
Makes 24 bars
Brownie Layer
1 box brownie mix
2/3 cup oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons oil
Mix brownie mix, oil, eggs and oil together in a bowl.
Pour into a 9 x 13 pan. If you desire sprinkle some chocolate chips over the brownies.
Bake at 350° for 23 minutes or as directed on the brownie package.
Cool.
Mint Layer
3 cups powdered Sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 to 4 drops of green food coloring
Melt the butter in the microwave.
As the butter is melting add 3 cups of powdered sugar to a bowl.
Add the melted butter and cream to the powdered sugar and mix to combine.
Add in the peppermint extract and food coloring. Mix until completely combined.
Spread the peppermint frosting mixture of the brownies and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Glaze Layer
1 heaping cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup of butter
In a bowl combine the chips and butter. Melt in the microwave.
Melt in the microwave.
Remove the mixture from the microwave and stir to combine.
Pour the glaze over the mint layer and spread to cover the entire pan of brownies. Return to the fridge to set for at least an hour.
Missy's Tips
1. To make gluten free-simply use a gluten free brownie mix.
2. I added about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips on the brownies before I baked them.
3. If you are more sensitive to the taste of peppermint you could add less and still taste the flavor.
I love these! I only see part 1, the brownies.