That all sounded a little bossy, and I'm sorry (kinda). You see, years ago, I posted a recipe right here on the ol' blog for Whoppers Chocolate Malt Frosted Brownies. I've made that version ever since. They're good. REALLY good. They did use a boxed mix, though.
I've always wanted to try a completely homemade version (if you don't count store-bought Whoppers). When Jack was home for fall break (yay!!!), I presented him with a list of desserts he might want to have while he was back. Guess what he chose?
The brownie...ohmygosh...the brownie layer is thick, fudgy, malty, and is studded (studded!) with chewy Whoppers. That chew! I didn't know my brownies were missing something chewy, but I'm tempted to throw some Whoppers into every pan I make.
Then, there's the frosting. It's basically a whipped ganache. A whipped milk chocolate ganache. A whipped milk chocolate, MALTED ganache. Oh, it's good stuff...and so fluffy.
Throw some chopped Whoppers on the top, and you have yourself a party. Honestly, you don't even need the candies on top, but they look festive.
Whoppers Malted Brownies
for the brownies:
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup malted milk powder
4 eggs
1 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped Whoppers
for the frosting:
11.5-12 ounce package milk chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons malted milk powder
1 cup chopped Whoppers
Grease a 9x13" pan. Alternately, line with foil and grease the foil. Preheat oven to 325.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the sugars and cook for a couple of minutes until hot, but not bubbling.
Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Add vanilla and malted milk powder, whisking until combined. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the flour, then the chopped Whoppers.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until done. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the frosting:
Place the chocolate chips in a bowl. Bring the cream to a simmer, whisk in the malted milk powder, and pour over the chips. Let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, then stir gently until smooth.
Place this bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice water. Stir occasionally while the frosting thickens and cools. You can also chill this in the fridge, skipping the ice water bath, it will just take longer.
Once the frosting is totally cooled and thickened, beat on medium-high for 2 minutes or so, until light and fluffy. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Beat again if needed to incorporate. The frosting will lighten in color.
Use an offset spatula to spread evenly over the brownies. Scatter the chopped Whoppers over the top.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Happy Halloween, friends!
