Texas Sheet Cake Brownies

​It seems as though I did nothing but cook over what should have been a restful birthday weekend. I wanted to have a lot of meals prepared to take to my dad that I could deliver when we had lunch on Friday, as well as the yummy desserts that he loves. Last Thursday I made Texas Sheet Cake Brownies to take to dad's. I don't like Texas Sheet Cake (That, of course, begs the question as to why I would make these, for which I have no answer.), but liked the ease (They don't call me "Easy Pattie" for nothing.) and, of course, had to put my own special spin on them. I mean, why use a tablespoon of brewed coffee when a bottle of Kahlúa is calling your name?

I also don't particularly care for brownies (Again, not liking Texas Sheet Cake and brownies, one really has to wonder why I made this recipe.), because they never seem to have the density, chewiness, or rich chocolate taste that I'm looking for. This recipe looked like it had possibilities; with my Kahlúa addition in both the cake and frosting, I think I have reached brownie perfection. They are a little bit of work because you have to make cooked frosting, but, hey, brownies need frosting. These are decadent; you are going to find yourself in chocolate heaven. I topped them with crushed Butterfinger bars to take them right over the top.

A word about the pictures:  I totally forgot to photograph them on the day that I made them when the frosting was smooth and creamy. Instead, these hung out in the fridge for a couple of days. Yours are going to look a heck of a lot prettier than these. 

Texas Sheet Cake Brownies

Adapted from Averiecooks.com

Brownies

1 stick unsalted butter

6 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 large eggs

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon Kahlúa

1 tablespoon coffee

1 teaspoon instant espresso granules

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting

½ stick unsalted butter

3 tablespoons whole milk

3 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder

1 3/4 to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon Kahlúa

To Make Brownies:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil leaving a 2”overhang on each end (for easy lifting), and spray with cooking spray; set aside.

Place butter and chocolate into a large microwave-safe bowl, and heat on high power to melt, about 2 minutes, stirring at 30-second increments. Allow mixture to cool momentarily before adding the eggs so they don’t curdle.

Add the eggs, sugar, Kahlúa, coffee, and espresso granules, and whisk vigorously to combine. Add flour and salt, and stir until smooth and combined without overmixing.

Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula as necessary.

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until center has just set and is no longer glossy. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. Allow brownies to cool in pan on top of a wire rack while you make the frosting.

To Make Frosting:

In a medium saucepan place butter, milk, and cocoa powder, and heat over medium-high to melt butter. Whisk constantly until butter has melted. Allow mixture to come to a boil and boil for about 15 seconds before removing from the heat.

Add 1 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar (more if you like it thicker) and Kahlúa, and whisk until smooth and combined. 

Pour frosting on top of brownies, using a spatula to spread.

Allow brownies to cool, uncovered, for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Brownies will keep airtight at room temp for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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This post is linked to:

Happiness is Homemade Sunday

Friday at the Fire Station

 Foodie Friday & Everything Else

 Create, Bake, Grow and Gather

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Simple Saturday Blog Hop

A Bouquet of Talent,

Paula's No Rules Weekend Blog Party

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