SNOWCAPPED BROWNIES

Snowcapped Brownies image

Provided by Kimmi Knippel (Sweet_Memories) @KimmiK

Number Of Ingredients 19

BROWNIES:
1 cup(s) butter, cubed
3/4 cup(s) cocoa powder
4 large eggs
2 cup(s) sugar
1 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
1 cup(s) all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
2 cup(s) semi-sweet chocolate chips (16 oz.)
1 cup(s) nuts, chopped, your choice, optional
FROSTING:
4 oz. package(s) cream cheese, room temperature (1/2 - 8 oz. pkg.)
1 1/2 cup(s) milk, cold, divided
1 package(s) vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz.)
1/4 teaspoon(s) almond extract
1 1/2 cup(s) cool whip
TOPPING:
- caramel ice cream topping
- chocolate curls

Steps:

In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in cocoa until smooth. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar & vanilla for 1 minute. Gradually add flour & salt. Stir in cocoa mixture. Fold in chocolate chips & nuts, if desired.
Pour into a greased 13 x 9" baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 - 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (do not over bake). Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese & 1/2 C milk until smooth. Add pudding mix & remaining milk; beat for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in extract; fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate until set.
Just before serving, drizzle with caramel topping & garnish with chocolate curls if desired.