Love is in the air and this sweet treat is made with plenty of love along with lots of chocolate.

Standard square shapes work just as well for this recipe. (Stacey Little/Southern Bite)

Scratch Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Serves: 8 to 10

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

For the ganache:

• 8 ounces by weight semisweet chocolate chips (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
• Grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl combine the butter, sugar, salt and cocoa powder.
• Add the vanilla and eggs, and mix well.
• Stir in the flour and mix until just combined.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Spread the batter into the baking dish and bake 35 to 40 minutes.
• Cool completely before cutting.

For the ganache:

• Place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl.
• Pour the cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until steaming.
• Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and allow to sit for about 5 minutes or until the chocolate chips have melted.
• Stir well to combine.
• Stir in the butter until well-combined.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the ganache to thicken, then spread on top of the brownies.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”