18.3ouncesbrownie mixprepared according to box directions
18mini candy caneshook removed (or 9 regular size candy canes, hook removed and broken in half)
Buttercream frosting
¼cupsalted sweet cream buttersoftened
2tablespoonsvegetable shortening
½teaspoonclear vanilla flavoring
¼teaspoonalmond extract
2cupspowdered sugar
2 to 3tablespoonsheavy cream
4 to 6drops of forest green food colordepending on how dark green you want
12candy star decorationsoptional decoration
Multi-colored candy confettioptional decoration
nonpareilsoptional decoration
Instructions
Brownies
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with a parchment paper “sling”. Spray the pan with baker’s spray (Baker’s Joy or generic version). Set it aside.
Prepare the brownie batter according to the box directions. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes away clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
Once the brownies have cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan with the paper sling.
Slice three rows diagonally, then slice alternating diagonals to make triangles.
Insert the broken candy cane into the bottom of the tree for the tree trunk.
Buttercream Frosting
Using a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high, beat the butter and vegetable shortening for 1 minute.
Add the clear vanilla and almond extract and continue mixing until well incorporated.
Lower the mixer speed to low, and add the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream. Once all the powdered sugar and cream have been added, increase the mixer speed to high and mix until smooth.
Add the green food coloring and continue mixing until the color is even and no green streaks remain.
ill either a decorator's bag fitted with a star tip or a Ziploc with a small corner snipped off.
Decorating The Trees
Starting at the top tip of the triangle, hold the decorator’s bag about a ¼ inch above the brownie. Using even, slow, steady pressure, squeeze the decorator’s bag in a zigzag pattern from the tip to the bottom of the brownie.
Place a candy star at the top tip of the tree. Decorate the rest of the tree with candy confetti or nonpareils.