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1
Preheat oven to 350F.
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2
Butter and flour 8-inch square metal cake pan.
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3
Line bottom of pan with parchment paper.
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4
Butter and flour parchment paper.
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5
Stir chopped chocolate in top of double boiler set over simmering water until chocolate is melted and smooth.
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6
Remove from over water.
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7
Using electric mixer, beat butter in medium bowl until smooth.
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8
Gradually add sugar and beat until well blended.
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9
Beat in eggs 1 at a time, blending well after each addition.
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10
Beat in melted chocolate and vanilla.
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11
Add flour and cinnamon; beat just until blended.
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12
Spoon cake batter into prepared pan; smooth top.
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13
Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 25 minutes.
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14
Cool cake in pan on rack 20 minutes.
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15
Run small knife between edge of cake and pan to loosen.
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16
Turn cake out onto rack; remove parchment paper.
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17
Cool completely.
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18
Stir white chocolate and whipping cream in top of double boiler set over simmering water until melted and smooth.
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19
Remove from over water.
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20
Stir in peppermint extract.
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21
Spread icing evenly over top of cake.
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22
Place cake in freezer until icing is firm, about 30 minutes, or refrigerate cake 1 hour.
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23
Bring cream to simmer in heavy small saucepan.
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24
Remove from heat.
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25
Add chocolate; whisk until melted and smooth.
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26
Cool chocolate until lukewarm but still pourable, about 5 minutes.
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27
Place cake on rack set over baking sheet.
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28
Pour half of glaze over top of cake.
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29
Spread glaze evenly over top and sides of cake.
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30
Freeze until glaze is set, about 10 minutes.
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31
If necessary, rewarm remaining glaze just until pourable.
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32
Pour remaining glaze over cake; spread glaze smoothly over top and sides of cake.
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33
Refrigerate cake until glaze is firm, about 2 hours.
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34
(Can be made 1 day ahead.
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35
Cover and keep chilled.)
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36
Let cake stand at room temperature at least 3 hours before serving.
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37
Transfer brownie cake to platter.
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38
Top cake with chocolate curls and garnish platter with mint sprigs and strawberries, if desired