Are we ready for a little extra decadence today? I think we are. I think we deserve it. Let me speak directly to you like we’ve got a cup of peppermint tea and it’s just you and I, feet tucked under and elbows against a couch cushion. I’d like to tell you that it doesn’t matter that your pants don’t fit the same right now. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t organize your pantry. You’re allowed to take up space in your family, in your home, in that zoom conference.
And that little voice that’s starting to creep in there that says “you should be over this by now” is being a little bully. And, we deserve to make fudgy, excuse me, fudge brownies. And we’ll take it another step further, we’ll eat those brownies and wash it down with a cold glass of milk. Because, you don’t need to be over anything except a mixing bowl.
And all Gods people said: Amen
I’ve been on a productive kick. Which isn’t to say that I haven’t had my lay-in-bed-all-day-and-watch-the-hills moments. They surely have been here too. But, this time has put some things into laser focus for me. And, that’s where I can find gratitude. I’ve also found gratitude in having a fridge full of active dry yeast. a pitcher full of poppies on my coffee table, and a Sunday morning wrapped in my Frozen blankie.
This week closes out on Daniel’s birthday and I’m actually heartbroken for him. Daniel; the guy that just wants to be amongst the people. I’ll be baking layers of yellow cake and building them between dollops of chocolate frosting and banana slices, birthday boys request. He’s already planning on ordering his favorite Chicago style pizza and watching Jurassic Park. Maybe, even, watching the whole franchise.
I know this. I am so thankful. These times are simple, and we have surely cut the fat out of our very lives. I’m baking slower, I’m speaking more thoughtfully, I’m saying no.
The deal with these brownies is this:
A layer of brownie meets a layer of cinnamon fudge meets a sprinkling of salt. They’re very rich but also just what we all need. And that’s the (peppermint) tea.
These beautiful images are courtesy of Kira Noble Photography
Cinnamon Fudge Layered Brownies
This recipe for Cinnamon Fudge Layered Brownies are perfectly decadent. A simple recipe for “cheaters” fudge that will blow your socks off!
- Prep Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
|| Brownie Layer ||
1/2 cup butter
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
|| Fudge Layer ||
2 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, Ghiradelli preferred
3 tablespoons room temperature butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
Flaked salt and more cinnamon for topping
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13″ x 9″ pan.
Melt the butter and the chocolate chips together in a saucepan and set aside to cool for 15 minutes.
Add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla to the mixture in the saucepan, and mix until smooth. Sift the flour and baking soda together in a separate bowl and add to the chocolate mixture. Combine until it’s a smooth batter.
Pour mixture into the greased pan and spread across the whole pan evenly. Place in the preheated oven for 15 – 20 minutes, remove, and let cool. The edges of the brownie might have risen, with a sharp knife, cut those edges down so that the brownie is completely level.
Place about one inch of water in a saucepan and let it come to a slow simmer.
In a glass or metal bowl, combine all the ingredients for the fudge. Place the bowl on top of the simmering water and fold the ingredients with a spatula until it’s completely melted together. This shouldn’t be rushed and should take around 15 minutes to completely melt.
Pour the fudge over the brownies. The brownies can still be warm but not hot. Smooth with the back of a spoon and make swirls. Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours to set.
Sprinkle brownies with flaked sea salt and cinnamon. Slide the warm knife around the outside edge of the brownies. With a warm knife, cut into small squares.
Notes
It might be worth your time to line the baking pan with parchment so you can easily take out the brownies for serving.
Keywords: brownies, chocolate
Great recipe Karlee! These look like they hit all of the right notes! Perfect!
Awe, thanks, Mary! Definitely a good recipe for the chocolate obsessed:)