Three Layer Chocolate Mint Brownies (Gluten Free, Of Course!)

This year I've made a bit of time for Holiday baking, and I resurrected an old favorite recipe from a friend, making some adaptations of my own. These gluten free Three Layer Chocolate Mint Brownies are a huge hit with my husband and kids -- and, frankly, anyone who tries them. So they make a great hostess gift if you're invited to a Holiday party, whether your host or hostess is gluten free or not! They are not hard to make, but they do require a bit of time between steps as each layer cools and "sets." 

First, here are the ingredients you will need, by layer: 

Cake Layer

1 cup gluten free flour (this time I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour, but any good gluten free baking flour that can be substituted cup for cup for regular flour is fine)

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 eggs

1 1/2 cup (12 oz) Hershey's syrup

Creamy Mint Layer

2 cups confectioner's sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 Tbsp water

3/4 tsp peppermint extract (I like Flavorganics Organic Peppermint Extract, which is both gluten free and non-GMO)

Chocolate Top Layer

6 Tbsp butter

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini ones melt faster)

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan with butter. Combine all five ingredients for Cake Layer in a large bowl and beat until blended and smooth. Pour mixture into the pan. Bake 25-30 minutes until knife comes out clean. Cool in pan. Once completely cool (you can put it in the refrigerator to speed up the process), make Creamy Mint Layer by combining all four ingredients into a bowl, beating until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled Cake Layer. Cover and chill in the refrigerator (you can even do this overnight). Finally, combine the two ingredients in the Chocolate Top Layer in a small saucepan, and melt over low heat. Stir constantly. Once smooth, remove from heat and cool slightly. Then pour chocolate mixture over the mint layer.Spread to even it out. Chill in refrigerator at least one hour so that the Chocolate Top Layer solidifies. Cut into squares and enjoy!