Whatcha Makin' Now?: Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Madness

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Sunday, October 18, 2015

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Madness

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Madness

(Updated post from 2011 with new photos and a little new info.) 

I first made these bars in 2011 for our United Way Campaign at work.  Part of our fundraising is selling baked goods.  I’ve never heard of an office where food isn’t a very welcome guest.  Tie in fundraising and you have instant success.  I have never ever won a 50/50 drawing (or any other contest for that matter) so I volunteered to bring in baked goods to sell. 
Bar desserts are not only easy to make but can be cut into any size for a bake sale. This recipes from from the Jessica, the genius behind How Sweet It Is.  I LOVE everything that she makes!  I went to her recipe index and Better Than Crack Brownies jumped out!  Since these were for work I didn’t think that name would win me any points with the Human Resources Department so I adjusted the name to Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Madness. 


Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Madness

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Madness

Let me tell you they. were. a. hit.  I love making people smile with my baking so it was a success. Pretty sure we were all on a bit of sugar high after a few bites but it was for a good cause.
Yes, these are very rich but so worth it.  For the bake sale we made them pretty large bars, but if you're snacking on these I could cut much smaller.  

Turns out the HR Manager was obsessed with these "Crack Brownies" and requested I make them for our potluck this year. Anything for HR! They were again a huge hit and it gave me a chance to take a few new photos. So now you have the same fantastic recipe but with much better photos. 


Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Madness


Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Madness
1 batch brownies  + ingredients called for on the box (I used a box mix, family size)
½ cup salted peanuts, chopped
1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
1 ½  cup milk chocolate chips
1 ½  cup creamy peanut butter
½ tablespoon butter
1 ½ cups Rice Krispies Cereal
Prepare brownies according to directions on the box. Bake for 20-25 minutes in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Remove and top with chopped peanuts and chopped peanut butter cups. Bake for 4-6 minutes more.
While they are finishing baking, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter by microwaving on 50% power for 30 second bursts, stirring between each burst, until melted and smooth. Stir in cereal. Remove brownies from oven and evenly pour chocolate mixture over top. Smooth to cover brownies. 
Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Store at room temperature.