Shamrock Mint Brownies Ganache (Printable Version)
Rich brownies layered with mint cream and topped with smooth chocolate ganache for a festive treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Brownie Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 - 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Mint Cream Layer
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
10 - 2 tbsp whole milk
11 - 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
12 - Green food coloring (optional, a few drops)
→ Chocolate Ganache
13 - 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
14 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
15 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate chips together over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Cool slightly.
03 - Whisk in sugar, then eggs one at a time, and vanilla extract. Fold in flour and salt just until combined.
04 - Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan.
05 - Beat softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth. Add green food coloring to desired shade.
06 - Spread mint cream evenly over cooled brownies. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Heat heavy cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chocolate chips and butter in a bowl. Let stand 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
08 - Pour ganache over chilled mint layer and spread evenly. Chill again until set, about 30-45 minutes.
09 - Lift brownies from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp, warm knife for clean edges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between fudgy dark chocolate and cool mint creates the kind of sophisticated flavor profile that makes people think you spent hours perfecting it
- Each layer does something different—crisp edges, soft center, creamy middle, silky top—so every bite feels like a complete dessert experience
02 -
- Temperature control is everything—let the brownies cool completely before adding the mint layer, and chill the mint layer before pouring ganache
- A warm knife wiped clean between cuts gives you those picture-perfect clean edges that impress everyone
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients for the mint layer prevent it from separating or becoming greasy
- Gel food coloring produces a more vibrant true green without adding excess liquid