Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped into chunks
  • 3/4 cup (200g) Christmas mincemeat
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) brandy or dark rum
  • 1 tsp (5g) orange zest, finely grated

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. Whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, beating vigorously until the mixture lightens in color.
  3. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until no streaks of flour remain; do not overmix.
  4. Stir in the chopped dark chocolate chunks.
  5. In a small bowl, stir the orange zest and brandy into the mincemeat.
  6. Pour two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.
  7. Dollop the mincemeat mixture evenly over the brownie base.
  8. Top with the remaining batter and use an offset spatula or knife to gently swirl the chocolate and mincemeat together.
  9. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly fudgy.