Lemon Fudge Brownies

I normally don't like to taint my chocolate with fruit but I was beyond happy with the results!  This is a knockoff version of the lemon brownies served at Pizzeria Limone and they were awesome!  The lemon, ganache, and brownie were all the perfect consistency and nothing overpowered the other too much. Make these already and enjoy!

Lemon Fudge Brownies

Brownie:
1 C Vegetable Oil
2 C white sugar
4 Eggs
2 t. vanilla
2/3 C cocoa powder
1 C flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. baking powder

Lemon Buttercream:

• 3/4 C butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 t. fresh lemon zest
• 2 -2 1/2 C powdered sugar
• 1 T. fresh lemon juice
• 1 T. heavy cream
• 1/2 t. vanilla extract
• 1/4 t. lemon extract

Ganache:

12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 C heavy whipping cream

Brownies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).Spray a 9x13 pan.

In a large bowl, heat oil up in microwave for 30 seconds.  Stir in sugar, eggs, and 2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Lemon Buttercream:

• Whip butter with lemon zest on medium-high speed until very pale and fluffy (it should be nearly white.) Mix in 1 cup powdered sugar, then blend in lemon juice, cream, vanilla extract and lemon extract. Add remaining 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, then whip mixture until very fluffy, about 4 - 5 minutes longer.  

Ganache:

Add chocolate chips and cream to medium pot and stir until chocolate is mixed and incorporated.  Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assembly:

Put brownies in freezer straight from oven.  Once cool, add lemon buttercream and stick back in the freezer for about 10 minutes.  Top with cooled ganache and keep in fridge until time to serve.  mmmmm....