Instead of making regular brownies, I bake brownie mix in cake pans to make a quick torte. Topped with a fluffy maple frosting, this dessert is at the top of my list of speedy standbys.
—AMY FLORY CLEVELAND, GA
PREP: 30 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
1package brownie mix (13-in. x 9-in. pan size)
1/2cup chopped walnuts
2cups heavy whipping cream
2teaspoons instant coffee granules
1/2cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons maple flavoring
1teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate curls or additional walnuts, optional
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare batter for brownie mix according to package directions for cakelike brownies. Stir in walnuts. Pour into two greased 9-in. round baking pans.
2. Bake 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 2 in. from edge comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream and coffee granules until stiff peaks form. Gradually beat in brown sugar, maple flavoring and vanilla.
4. Spread 1 1/2 cups over one brownie layer; top with second layer. Spread remaining cream mixture over top and sides of torte. Garnish with chocolate curls or walnuts if desired. Store in the refrigerator.