Mrs. Grimmer's Brownies

1 cup butter, softened
3 oz. light cream cheese , softened
1.5 cups sugar
3  eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted


Cream butter, cream cheese and sugar in a bowl. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Add in remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased 13x9 pan. Bake at 325 for 35-40 minutes. Once cool, top with frosting if desired.


Brownie Frosting
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk


Mix together all ingredients, gradually adding milk until frosting reaches the desired consistency.