Mascarpone Brownies with Honey-Chocolate Sauce

Merry Christmas!

Brownies have always been one of my favorite desserts, but honestly, who can't say that? This version kicks the typical brownie up a few notches and actually makes it fairly elegant! They are soft and rich from the mascarpone cheese, yet also surprisingly light at the same time. They are nice and fudge-y, and paired with the honey-chocolate sauce they are just absolutely divine.

I apologize for the terrible photos, but I had to take them in very dim lighting at Christmas Eve dinner with my family :).

Mascarpone Brownies with Honey-Chocolate Sauce

recipe adapted from here

Mascarpone Brownies:

ingredients:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 6 tbsp butter, at room temperature
• 1 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x9 baking pan.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Melt the chocolate and 1/2 cup of butter together in the microwave, checking every 30 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone, 6 tbsp of softened butter, and sugar until combined.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add in the vanilla and mix thoroughly.
6. Pour in the melted chocolate and beat until combined.
7. Add the dry ingredients, slowly, and mix just until combined.
8. Pour into greased pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center come out clean, about 50 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
9. Serve with Honey-Chocolate sauce drizzled over top.

Honey-Chocolate Sauce:

ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 3 tbsp honey

1. Heat the heavy cream in a sauce pan over medium heat to a light boil.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir until chocolate is completely combined.
3. Stir in the honey until combined.
4. Refrigerate until ready to use and then heat over low heat until pourable. Serve over brownies.