Cappuccino Brownies

My daughter is a big coffee fan, so I plan to whip up a batch of these Cappuccino Brownies from Taste of Home for a Christmas surprise.

Cappuccino Brownies

Ingredients

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup butter, cut up
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1 tablespoon hot water
4 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts

TOPPING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract

GLAZE:
4 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1 tablespoon hot water
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

In a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Dissolve coffee granules in hot water. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar. Stir in vanilla, chocolate mixture and coffee mixture. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture until blended. Fold in walnuts.
Transfer to a greased and floured 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
For topping, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until blended. Add confectioners' sugar, cinnamon and vanilla; beat on low speed until combined. Spread over bars. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
For glaze, dissolve coffee granules in hot water. In a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; cool slightly. Stir in cream and coffee mixture. Spread over cream cheese layer. Let stand until set.
Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To use frozen brownies: Thaw at room temperature. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 2 dozen.


Recipe and picture are the property of Taste of Home and can be viewed at : http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cappuccino-Brownies