About this recipe

Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a cool, creamy mint buttercream layer and finished with a glossy dark chocolate ganache. Three distinct layers of pure indulgence — this classic bakery-style treat is a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. The recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and delivers consistent results every time.

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to ![350°F]. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to act as handles for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan over ^[low heat], melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Whisk the granulated sugar into the cooled dark chocolate mixture until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. 4

   Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to the dark chocolate mixture. Using a spatula, fold gently until just combined — do not overmix. A few streaks of all-purpose flour are fine; they'll incorporate fully.

5. 5

   Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer with the spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Do not overbake.

6. 6

   Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and let the brownie layer cool completely to room temperature, at least 45 minutes. The brownies must be fully cool before adding the mint layer.

7. 7

   Using a hand mixer on ^[medium speed], beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on ^[low] after each addition.

8. 8

   Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract, then beat on ^[medium-high] for 1–2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add the green food coloring (if using) and mix until the color is uniform. Taste and adjust peppermint extract to your preference.

9. 9

   Spread the mint buttercream evenly over the cooled brownie layer using an spatula. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up the buttercream before adding the ganache.

10. 10

    Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof mixing bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over ^[medium heat] until it just begins to simmer (do not boil). Pour the hot heavy cream over the dark chocolate and let sit undisturbed for 2 minutes.

11. 11

    Stir the ganache gently from the center outward until completely smooth and glossy. Let it cool for 5–8 minutes until it's pourable but not hot — it should be the consistency of thick syrup.

12. 12

    Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Pour the ganache over the mint buttercream layer and gently tilt the baking dish or use an spatula to spread it into an even layer all the way to the edges.

13. 13

    Return the baking dish to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the ganache is fully set and firm to the touch.

14. 14

    Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. For clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice into 16 squares. Repeat the warm-wipe between each cut.