These rich Mint Fudge Brownies, have a decadent fudge brownie base, layered with a creamy, creme de menthe mint buttercream center and topped with a thick chocolate ganache. WOW!
Start by preheating your oven to 350F degrees (375F for high altitude) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray well. Cream the softened butter and sugar for 1-2 minutes on medium high speed, add another minute if using all natural cane sugar.
Add eggs, mixing on medium for 2 minutes Slowly add in flour while mixer is on low, scraping down sides once.
Pour in Hershey's chocolate syrup and mix on medium-low speed until combined, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl until no lighter flour color is seen. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until the sides pull away slightly and the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool completely!
Mint Buttercream
Cream butter and add powdered sugar, creaming until smooth, 1-2 minutes on medium. Pour in Creme de Menthe* (see below for substitutions), mixing until light and fluffy! Spread creme de menthe frosting on cooled brownie base, place in fridge until ready to top with ganache.
Chocolate Ganache
Place chocolate chips and butter (I slice into pieces) in microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each heating. The chips will melt even after you microwave it. Spread on top of mint layer, cool completely, then slice and serve.
Notes
To replace Creme de menthe liqueur
4 tablespoons Creme de Menthe syrup OR
1 ¼ teaspoons peppermint extract
1-2 drops of green food coloring or gel coloring (optional - but needed if you want the middle green)
3-4 tablespoons milk or cream (start slow and only add as much as needed for a light fluffy buttercream)
Cutting Tips
A fudgy brownie is just plain hard to cut, but these are my tips:
Refrigerate the brownies for 20-30 minutes prior to cutting
Using a long sharp knife, heated with hot water and wiped clean with a paper towel, slice quickly.
Dip the knife back in hot water and wipe off the knife between cuts
High Altitude Mint Brownie Adjustments
No ingredient adjustments necessary. Bake at 375 degrees instead of 350, watching at the 25 minute mark, you would be better off with them being underdone than overdone.