Best Fudge Mint Brownies

Ingredients

Brownies:

1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, plus more for coating foil

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1 2/3 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

3/4 cup all purpose flour

3 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Frosting:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup fresh mint sprigs, plus more for garnish

1/2 cup finely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate

Directions

PREP TIME
30
MINS
COOKING TIME
35
MINS
Serves
12
Make-Ahead:

The brownies can be baked up to 8 hours ahead. Store airtight at room temperature. Frost the brownies just before serving.

To bake the brownies:
1

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with 2-inch-high sides with foil. Butter the foil.

2

In a large bowl set over a medium saucepan of simmering water, stir 3/4 cup of the butter and the 6 ounces of unsweetened chocolate until melted and smooth. Cool until mixture is nearly room temperature. Whisk in the sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk in the eggs 1 at a time. Stir in the flour just until blended. Stir in the 3 ounces of bittersweet chocolate and the walnuts. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.

3

Bake until a tester inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Cool the brownies on a rack.

Meanwhile, to make the frosting:
4

In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of the cream and 1/2 cup of the mint and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, muddling and stirring often.

5

In a medium bowl, place the finely chopped chocolate and set a strainer over the chocolate. Pour the minted cream through the strainer and over the chocolate; discard the mint leaves. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is well blended. Cool to room temperature.

6

In a large bowl, whip the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until well blended but still light and airy.

To serve:
7

Using the foil as an aid, lift the brownie from the pan. Remove the foil. Cut the brownies into squares.

8

Spoon the frosting generously atop the brownies. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.