SNOWCAPPED BROWNIES

Snowcapped Brownies image

Baking is one of my favorite hobbies, and my wife says these brownies topped with a cream cheese layer are outstanding. When you really want to impress, drizzle them with caramel sauce and sprinkle on chocolate curls. -Lyle Borcherding, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 cup butter, cubed
3/4 cup baking cocoa
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts, optional
TOPPING:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups cold 2% milk, divided
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/2 cups whipped topping
Caramel ice cream topping and chocolate curls, optional

Steps:

In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in cocoa until smooth. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla for 1 minute. Gradually add flour and salt. Stir in cocoa mixture. Fold in chocolate chips and, if desired, nuts., Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Add pudding mix and 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 and garnish with chocolate curls if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 232 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 154mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.