Almond Latte Brownies

Recipe is from Ghirardelli.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 1 (20 ounce) package  Ghirardelli double chocolate brownie mix
• 1⁄3 cup water
• 1⁄3 cup  vegetable oil
• 1  egg
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds, divided
• 2  teaspoons instant coffee crystals
• 8  ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 1  cup powdered sugar
• 1  cup chocolate chips
• 1  teaspoon  vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Blend mix, water, oil, egg and 1/4 cup almonds until moistened. Spoon into lightly greased 8x8-inch pan. Bake 40-45 minutes. Cool thoroughly.
3. Dissolve coffee crystals in 1 1/2 teaspoons hot water. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add sugar and coffee mixture. Beat until smooth. Spread over cooled brownie. Chill. Melt chocolate chips with oil in microwave 2-3 minutes at 50% power, stirring occasionally. Spread over latte icing. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup almonds.