Decadent Dark Chocolate Brownies

From Sarah Caron
www.sarahscucinabella.com

Brownies are, without a doubt, an American classic. And when you start with a box of good brownie mix, they are so easy to dress up and make your own.

If you are looking for a special dessert for Easter, it's the perfect time to dress up some brownies. My Decadent Dark Chocolate Brownies recipe combines Betty Crocker Dark Chocolate Brownie mix with a thin layer of homemade ganache and a candy-coated egg. It’s a pretty presentation and makes a fabulous dessert.

PREP TIME 25 Min
TOTAL TIME 1 Hr 55 Min
SERVINGS 12


INGREDIENTS

1 family size box Betty Crocker® dark chocolate fudge brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix package for cake-like texture
1/3 cup heavy cream
3 oz chopped good quality dark chocolate*
12 to 24 pastel candy coated chocolate eggs

1 Heat oven to 350°F (325° for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or cooking spray.

2 Make brownie mix as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs. Bake 24 to 26 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely.

3 In a small saucepan, heat cream, over medium heat, to almost boiling. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate. Stir 3 to 5 minutes or until the chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.

4 Pour chocolate mixture evenly over cooled brownies, using small spatula to spread it evenly over top. Dot top of the brownies with pastel candy coated eggs, placing them at even intervals so one is on each brownie. Use 12 for larger brownies, 24 for smaller ones.

5 Refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes. Cut into 4 rows by 3 rows for large brownies or 6 rows by 4 rows for 24 brownies.

Looking for more ideas to dress up brownies? Here are a few:

Make ‘em Mocha! Add one serving of instant coffee granules to the batter. It will really bring out the chocolate flavor.

Top ‘em Off! Have you seen those beautiful brownies with white swirls on top? They are so easy to make. Simply dot the top of the raw brownie dough with softened cream cheese and swirl with a knife. Then bake as usual.
Double the Chocolate! For a special surprise in your brownies, stir 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter. Every bite will be a chocolate explosion.

Dress ‘em Up! Once the brownies are baked and cooled, whip out some frosting and spread it on. Coconut pecan is a great choice, but buttercream and chocolate work well, too.

Serve ‘em a la Mode! Don’t underestimate the power of ice cream. Heat your brownies and serve with a big scoop of your favorite ice cream. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce is the crowning touch.