Peanut Butter Cup Crunch Brownies

I feel as though the fate of the rest of the Buckeye season will be determined today while playing the first conference and away game of the season against #20 Michigan State. The team who was supposed to be the best of the conference according to pre-season talk, but then they lost to Notre Dame. Ohio State is #14 but this early in the season I am not sure the numbers really matter. Therefore, to calm my nerves for the game today, I figured a massively decadent peanut butter and chocolate treat was in order. Since I had already done a cheesecake, it was time for a super loaded brownie.

Start with a plain old brownie, any kind you prefer whether it be home made or a boxed mix. But a few minutes before the brownies are fully cooked, you top them with peanuts and chopped peanut butter cups. Of course you know it cannot stop there. Sure enough while that layer bakes into the brownies, you prepare a chocolate-peanut buttery rice krispie layer which gets poured over the top of the brownies and solidifies in the refrigerator. Patience is key here, but once you master that you will be shoveling these crunchy, chewy, awesome brownies into your face. You heard me – in yo’ face!!

Also, consider these brownies a teaser (yes THESE brownies as merely a tease) for what is coming to a computer/smart-phone screen near you on Monday. It all started with a Twitter conversation about spending a Friday night alone with a batch of brownies. Which gave birth to the idea of throwing a #BYOBrownies party! Christina (Dessert For Two), Tara (Chip Chip Hooray!), Katrina (In Katrina’s Kitchen) and I will be posting some delicious brownie/bar recipes for your drooling pleasure on Monday, October 1st. There will even be a link-up party so you can join in on the fun by submitting your favorite bar recipes!

One year ago: Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries

PEANUT BUTTER CUP CRUNCH BROWNIES

Makes 24 brownies

Ingredients:

Favorite boxed brownie mix

3/4 cup salted peanuts

8 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1-1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

1-1/2 cups crispy rice cereal

Directions:

1. Prepare the brownie layer according to packaged directions, and pour into a greaseed 11×7-inch baking pan.  Bake the brownies for 5 minutes less than the recipe states.
2. Remove brownies from the oven and sprinkle the top with the peanuts and chopped peanut butter cups. Return to the oven and bake for 5 additional minutes.
3. While the brownies are finishing up in the oven, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated. Remove the brownies from the oven and pour the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over top.  Spread to cover evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting into 24 squares.  Store in the refrigerator.

Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction