Trilevel Brownies

Annacia's Note:

This crowd pleaser features two layers of creamy chocolate and chewy oatmeal cookie-like layer. Walnut halves (or your favorite holiday candy) make a tasty topper.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 32 Brownies

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup butter , melted
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2⁄3; cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter , melted
• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate , melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ cups sifted powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• walnut halves (optional)

Directions:

1. FOR BOTTOM LAYER:.
2. stir together oats, the 1/2 cup flour, the brown sugar, and baking soda.
3. Stir in the 1/2 cup melted butter.
4. Pat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 11x7x1-1/2-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 minutes.
5. FOR MIDDLE LAYER:.
6. Stir together egg, granulated sugar, the 2/3 cup flour, the milk, the 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 ounce melted chocolate, the 1 teaspoon vanilla, and the baking powder until smooth.
7. Fold in chopped walnuts.
8. Spread batter over baked layer in pan.
9. Bake about 25 minutes more or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
10. Set on a wire rack while preparing top layer.
11. FOR TOP LAYER:.
12. In a medium saucepan heat and stir 1 ounce chocolate and the 2 tablespoons butter until melted.
13. Stir in the powdered sugar and the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
14. Stir in enough hot water (1 to 2 tablespoons) to make a mixture that is almost pourable.
15. Spread over brownies.
16. If desired, garnish with walnut halves.
17. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 32 brownies.
18. *Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare and bake brownies as directed. Frost and cool. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 1 day.

Reviews

[~ValeLovesFlorida~]

The little extra effort was really worth it for the great taste these brownies have! A nice change from regular brownies!

[Ginger Rose]

Absolutely brilliant! The three layers were all delicious and went well together: a flapjack type crust, brownie (I used slivered almonds instead of walnuts) and a melt-in-your mouth chocolate topping...what more can you ask for? Thanks!

[seesko]

These are very rich and yummy. I followed the recipe exactly, but did make a few mistakes. I don't think I cooked the bottom layer long enough, because when I poured the middle layer on, parts of it mixed together. Oh well, still tasted great. Thanks Annacia for another great recipe. Made for photo tag.