MINT SWIRL BARS

Mint Swirl Bars image

My folks love these cake-like bars, so I always make them for the holidays. The chocolaty mint squares look simply scrumptious and taste even better.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, melted
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
2 to 3 drops green or red food coloring, optional
GLAZE:
1 ounce semisweet chocolate
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons boiling water

Steps:

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and sugar. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Transfer half of the batter to another bowl; stir in nuts and chocolate. Spread into a greased 9-in. square baking pan., Stir peppermint extract and food coloring if desired into remaining batter. Spoon over chocolate layer; cut through batter with a knife to swirl. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a saucepan, melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat; stir in confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve glaze consistency. Pour over brownies and spread evenly. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 98mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.