Chocolate Mousse Brownies

1.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan for the brownies.

2.

In a bowl, melt the butter and mix it with sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, stirring them in.

3.

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then mix until just combined to form the brownie batter.

4.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5.

While the brownies cool, melt the semisweet chocolate and allow it to cool for a few minutes before continuing.

6.

Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; gently fold in the cooled melted chocolate to create the mousse.

7.

Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the cooled brownies, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

8.

Cut the chilled mousse brownies into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.