Sweet Chocolatey Goodness

We have the perfect dessert for your holiday gathering…A Brownie Torte!This is one of those easy, delicious, do ahead desserts that everyone loves.  A real “go to” dessert you will make again and again.  It is basically layers of rich chewy brownie and fresh, sweet whipped cream.  Who wouldn’t love that?   Unlike a lot of desserts, this one is actually better if it is made ahead and allowed to sit.  You can make it a few hours ahead or up to a whole day.  The hard part will be waiting for everyone to arrive so you can cut into it and have some of that sweet chocolatey goodness!

We think this can only add to the sweet abundance of this holiday season!

Brownie Torte

3 sticks of butter
8 oz unsweetened chocolate (we use Baker’s chocolate)
4 cups of sugar
6 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 cups flour
2 cups chopped nuts (optional)

Whipped cream
4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
2-3 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Beat together until stiff peats are formed.  Refrigerate the unused cream in a covered dish or bowl.

To make the thin layers you need for this torte you will either need 4 cake pans that are 8-9″ whether square or round.  If, like most people,  you only have 2 pans you can cook the brownie layers in shifts.  Using 1/4 of the batter in each of 2 pans bake until done.  Allow to cool, then remove the brownies and repeat the process so that you end up with 4 layers total.

To make the batter:

Mix the butter and chocolate in the microwave oven (about 2 minutes) or on the stove top at a very low temp until both the butter and chocolate are melted.  Stir in the sugar and beat by hand.  Beat in eggs and vanilla until well blended.  Stir in flour and then the nuts if you are choosing to use them.  Spread 1/4 of the mixture into each pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20-23 minutes.  Cool slightly and remove from the pan.  Cool completely.

Once your brownie layers are cool, spread whipped cream between each layer and finally add whipped cream to the last layer.  Top with chocolate shavings, or alternatively, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a chocolate and mint flavor.  Refrigerate the torte until ready to eat.  Once your guests have tasted this you won’t be able to cut it fast enough and you may not have any left.  But with how easy it is to whip up, you can always just make another one!  This is the perfect dessert for Christmas or New Years, or really any day and anytime 🙂