Magic Layer Brownies

When I make brownies, I like them to be very dense and gooey. The kind that you roll around with your tongue to catch all that flavor. Frosting is also high on my list. To me, a brownie without frosting, is like Thelma without Louise; it's just not right. Now add to that perfect combo, browned butter frosting. Haven't had browned butter frosting before? Well, why ever not? You need to try it, like right now! You're missing out.

Gooey, chocolaty, gritty morsels of goodness...

Brownies:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

6 oz. unsweetened chocolate

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup flour

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Browned Butter Frosting:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Glaze:

3 TBLS. butter

4 oz. semi sweet chocolate (chopped)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly grease or spray a 9 x 13 inch and cut parchment paper to fit bottom. Also lightly grease or spray the paper. Set aside.

For the brownies: Melt butter and unsweetened chocolate in a small saucepan, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs and salt. Mix with a mixer for 3 - 4 minutes, until the mixture is lighter and very thick. Fold in the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Stir in flour and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan and even out smoothly.

Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until the sides pull away from the pan just a little. Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

For the browned butter frosting: put butter in a small saucepan over  low heat. Let it melt and turn a caramel color (about 15 minutes). Don't let it burn! Once it has turned a nice medium brown, remove from heat. Pour it into a medium sized bowl and immediately add powdered sugar, heavy cream and vanilla. Mix well with a mixer until frosting is smooth and thick.

Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.

For the glaze: Melt the butter and chocolate together in the microwave or on the stove top until smooth. Pour over the frosted brownies. Tip the pan from side to side to evenly spread the glaze. Chill the brownies until the glaze is set and brownies are chilled through, about 2 hours. 

These taste best cold. They also are great to make for a get together as they go far and are sure to be liked by everyone!