Brownie Christmas trees

Method

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base and sides of a 22cm square cake pan with baking paper.

2. Step 2

   Combine the dark chocolate and chopped butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 mins or until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Set aside for 5 mins to cool slightly.

3. Step 3

   Add the brown sugar to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Add the eggs and stir to combine. Add the flour, cocoa powder and sour cream, and stir to combine. Gently fold in the white choc bits. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35-40 mins or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Set aside in the pan to cool completely.

4. Step 4

   Meanwhile, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter in a bowl until very pale. Gradually add the icing sugar, in batches, beating well after each addition until pale and creamy. Add the milk and beat to combine.

5. Step 5

   Place the brownie on a clean work surface. Use a large serrated knife to trim outside edges of brownie. Cut in half. Cut each half into 6 triangles, about 10cm long and 6cm wide.

6. Step 6

   Tint half the icing green using green food colouring. Place in a piping bag fitted with a 5mm fluted nozzle. Pipe over half the brownie triangles. Place remaining icing in a piping bag fitted with a 5mm plain nozzle. Pipe over the remaining brownie triangles.

7. Step 7

   Decorate the brownie triangles with M&M’s, sugar stars, sprinkles and 100’s and 1000’s. Remove the round end of each candy cane. Attach the remaining candy cane to the base of each brownie triangle to make a Christmas tree.
   
   Decorate the brownie triangles with M&M’s, sugar stars, sprinkles and 100’s and 1000’s. Remove the round end of each candy cane. Attach the remaining candy cane to the base of each brownie triangle to make a Christmas tree.