Peanut Butter Cup Crunch Brownies

Some of you may remember a few months ago when I posted about the Marshmallow Crunch Brownies. Well these babies are a spin-off from that delicious treat with the ooey-gooey marshmallow layer being replaced by an almighty peanut butter layer. I loved the marshmallow version, but of course I am a little partial to the peanut butter ones! Anything with peanut butter will always win!

Be prepared. You will become addicted to these. Seriously. I've been overtaken. Lost all control. Can't say I didn't warn you. They are one of the few treats that I haven't kicked out of the house immediately after making and boy am I am paying the price.

I can't even decide which layer is my favorite. The brownie layer is uber duber soft, chewy, and fudgey. Which might possibly be the result of me accidentally, maybe on purpose, cooking them a few minutes short. And then there's the chopped peanut and reese's peanut butter cup layer. Pretty sure by now you all know my love for peanut butter and it isn't necessary to say anything more. And the top layer of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and rice krispies. Oh. My. Lord. Could eat this by the spoonful! And quite possible that I did just that!


Chewy Brownie Layer
1/3 cup cocoa
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Peanut Butter Layer
1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
8-10 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

Rice Krispie Layer
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl whisk cocoa and boiling water until smooth. Add unsweetened chocolate and stir until melted. Whisk in melted butter and vegetable oil. Add eggs, yolks, and vanilla. Whisk in sugar until incorporated. Add flour and stir until well combined. Fold in chopped bittersweet chocolate. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 28 minutes.

Remove from the oven and top with chopped peanuts and peanut butter cups. Return to the oven and bake and additional 3-5 minutes.

While they finish baking, in a microwave safe bowl combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-45 second intervals until chocolate chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Add rice krispies and stir until evenly coated. Remove the brownies from the oven and evenly spread the rice krispie mixture over the top. Refrigerate for at least two hours before cutting and serving.

Source: Brown Eyed Baker