Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Brownie (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chocolate Brownie Cake

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 4 medium eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup cocoa powder
07 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
08 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ For the Pumpkin Patch Decorations

12 - 15 fresh strawberries
13 - 1 cup orange candy melts
14 - Fresh mint or basil sprigs (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it.
02 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then remove from heat and stir in sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
03 - Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into the butter mixture until fully combined.
04 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
05 - Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Add butter and stir until incorporated and glossy. Allow to cool slightly.
06 - Melt orange candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth. Dip cleaned and dried strawberries into the melted candy, covering them entirely, and place on a parchment-lined tray to set.
07 - Remove cooled brownies from the pan using the parchment paper. Spread ganache frosting evenly over the top. Arrange dipped strawberries on top, pressing gently into the frosting. Optionally, place mint or basil sprigs around the strawberries to create a pumpkin patch look. Cut into squares and serve.

# Notes:

01 - Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor.
02 - Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to prevent coating from slipping.
03 - Bake for 25 minutes for fudgy texture; for firmer brownies, bake for the full 30 minutes.
04 - Allow ganache to cool slightly before spreading to prevent it from being too runny.
05 - For clean cuts, wipe the knife clean between each slice.

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