1boxbrownie mixplus ingredients required on the package
Chocolate covered strawberry pumpkins
16ozstrawberries
12 ozorange candy melts
Frosting
2sticksunsalted buttersoftened
1cupNutella®
2cupspowdered sugar
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
⅛teaspoonsalt
2tbsheavy whipping cream
Oreo crumb dirt topping
15Oreoscrushed
Pumpkin patch leaves & vines
1packageMint leaves
Instructions
To make the brownies
Preheat the oven according to the package directions on the box of brownies and prepare a 9x13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions.
Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake brownies as per the instructions and allow the pan of brownie to cool completely before frosting and decorating.
Make strawberry pumpkins
Wash and dry the strawberries completely. Then, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the orange candy melts in a microwave safe bowl and microwave them according to package instructions until the candy melts are smooth and creamy.
Holding the leaves of each strawberry, dip each berry in the melted chocolate and place it on the parchment lined pan. Leave the strawberries at room temperature to allow the chocolate to harden.
Pour the leftover chocolate in a piping bag with a #4 Wilson tip inserted. (See notes if you don't have a piping bag.)
Squeeze the chocolate slowly to the piping tip and pipe small vertical lines around each strawberry to make the pumpkin 'ridges'. Return the strawberries to the parchment lined tray to full set.
Instructions for the Nutella frosting
Place the Nutella in a microwave safe bowl for about 15 seconds and stir. The Nutella will not be fully melted, just softened a bit. It is seems hot, allow it cool slightly or it will melt the butter.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until it is smooth and fluffy. Add the Nutella and mix it until it is incorporated with the butter. Add the powdered sugar gradually and mix to combine.
Add vanilla extract, salt and heavy whipping cream and mix until combined. Set the frosting aside.
Assemble the Pumpkin Patch brownies
Frost the pan of brownies with the Nutella buttercream.
Sprinkle the top of the brownies with the crushed Oreo dirt. Make sure to get an even layer of crumbs on top of the frosting.
Arrange the strawberry pumpkins on top of the Oreo dirt.
Place fresh mint springs between the strawberries to make the vines and leaves in the pumpkin patch.
Notes
If you prefer, you can make these brownies in an 9x9 or 8x8 square pan, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Be careful not to overheat the candy melt as they can scorch/burn and become thick.
The candy melts do harden relatively quickly, so try to work quickly.
You only need to dip one strawberry for each brownie, so I normally make 12-15 strawberry pumpkins for a 9x13 pan of pumpkin patch brownies.
If you don't have a piping bag, you can pour the chocolate into a small resealable food-storage bag (small ziploc bag) and snip off a tiny corner of the bag to use to pipe the lines on the strawberry pumpkins.