Shamrock Mint Brownies Ganache (Printer-Friendly)
Fudgy chocolate brownies topped with mint cream and silky chocolate ganache for a festive treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Brownies
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
→ For the Mint Cream Layer
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
12 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
13 - Green food coloring (optional)
→ For the Chocolate Ganache
14 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
15 - 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
03 - Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
04 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
05 - Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack.
06 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Add green food coloring as desired. Spread evenly over cooled brownies.
07 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
08 - Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until glossy and smooth.
09 - Spread ganache over chilled mint layer. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, until set.
10 - Lift brownies from the pan using parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The mint and chocolate combination is instantly nostalgic, like a Girl Scout cookie in brownie form
- The three layer structure looks impressive but comes together with simple techniques
- These brownies actually improve after a night in the fridge, making them perfect for prep ahead entertaining
02 -
- Warm your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for perfect clean squares
- The mint layer needs to be completely chilled before adding ganache or the layers will swirl together
- Room temperature ingredients prevent lumps in the mint frosting and ensure even baking
03 -
- For an adult version, replace half the peppermint extract with crème de menthe liqueur
- If your ganache seizes, whisk in a teaspoon of warm cream until smooth again