Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Peanut Butter Cup Crunch Brownie Bars.

I'll keep this simple.

Fudgey chocolate chip brownies + salted peanuts & peanut butter cups + melted chocolate & peanut butter + Rice Krispies = the most over-the-top, indulgent thing I have ever made. 
I could eat that Rice Krispie layer with a spoon.
A serving spoon.

It's no wonder they're also known as Better-Than Crack Brownies. They're so addicting. They're literally as rich as fudge.

I blame the peanut butter cups. Hello, weakness.

I'm trying to convince myself these are healthy. After all, there's only a little bit of chocolate in these. And the Rice Krispie box says it has vitamins A & B6... and aren't peanuts a heart-healthy food?
Don't answer that. 

Peanut Butter Cup Crunch Brownie Bars

Printable Recipe

1 batch of your favorite brownie recipe for a 9x13-inch pan
1/2 cup salted peanuts
8 Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Prepare the brownies according to the directions and bake for about 5 minutes less than the recipe states. Remove 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.

While they finish baking, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the cereal to evenly coat. Remove the brownies from the oven and evenly pour the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the top. Spread to cover evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting and serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.