If you're missing Little Debbie treats now that you're gluten free, you'll love these rich, fudgy brownies with the thick but smooth chocolate top. Just like "regular" ones!
8tablespoons(112g)unsalted butterat room temperature
2tablespoons(28g)neutral oil(like vegetable, canola or peanut oil)
2teaspoonspure vanilla extract
2tablespoons(42g)light corn syrup
2(100g (weighed out of shell))eggsat room temperature, beaten
For the topping
8ouncessemi-sweet chocolatechopped
⅔cup(5 ⅓fluid ounces)heavy whipping cream
⅛teaspoonkosher salt
3ouncesminiature M&Ms candies or multicolored Sixletsfor decorating (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the brownies.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease and line an 8-inch square pan with two sheets of unbleached parchment paper, crisscrossed in the pan with enough paper to overhang all the edges, and set it aside.
In a large bowl, place the flour, xanthan gum, cocoa powder, salt, and granulated sugar, and whisk to combine well.
Add the brown sugar and mix, working out any lumps.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the butter, oil, vanilla, corn syrup and eggs, and mix until completely combined. The batter should be thick and smooth.
Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer with a moist spatula.
Place in the center of the preheated oven and bake until just firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, 25 to 28 minutes.
Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the topping.
Place the chocolate in a medium-size, heatproof bowl, and set it aside.
Place the cream in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
Add the salt to the cream and stir to combine.
Pour the warm cream over the chopped chocolate and allow to sit until the chocolate begins to melt. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Allow the mixture to cool for about 2 minutes before pouring over the cooled brownies, still in the pan, in an even layer.
Scatter the miniature M&Ms (Ms side down, if you’re being fastidious) over the chocolate layer, and allow to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator.
Allow to chill in the refrigerator until firm, about another 30 minutes.
Remove from the refrigerator and lift the brownies out of the pan, using the overhanging edges of the sheets of parchment paper in the pan.
Place on a cutting board and slice the brownies into twelve equal rectangles. With a butter knife, create a seam widthwise down the center of each brownie.
Storage
These brownies can be covered and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, but once the topping is added you’ll want to refrigerate them.
For longer storage, seal tightly in a freezer-safe wrap or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature.
The chocolate coating may bloom (get white streaks on it) a bit over time, but it won’t affect the taste at all.