Fudge-Frosted Walnut Brownies

Camilla Saulsbury

• Ready In: 1 hr 14 mins
• Yields: 9 brownies

Ingredients

• 1 (19 7/8ounce) package  brownie mix
• 1⁄2 cup  . unsalted butter, melted
• 1⁄4 cup buttermilk
• 2  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  almond extract
• 1  cup  coarsely chopped walnuts, lightly toasted

• Chocolate Fudge Frosting

• 2 (1 ounce)  unsweetened chocolate squares, coarsely chopped
• 3  tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar, sifted, divided
• 1 -2  tablespoon milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  salt, a pinch

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Position oven rack in lower third of the oven.
3. Spray the bottom only of an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
4. In a bowl, mix the brownie mix, melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and extracts with a wooden spoon until just blended and all dry ingredients are moistened; stir in the walnuts.
5. Spread batter into prepared pan.
6. Bake 40-44 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean (do not overbake).
7. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
8. Frosting--in a double boiler, melt the chopped chocolate with the butter; cook and stir until melted and smooth.
9. Remove from heat and cool 10 minutes.
10. In a bowl, mix the melted chocolate, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt with an electric mixer set on medium until blended.
11. Add the remaining powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating on medium until blended and smooth.
12. Add a few more drops milk if necessary, to make the frosting spreading consistency.
13. Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
14. Cut into squares.