Peanut Butter Krispy Brownies

I did it again.  I managed to outdo myself in the baked goods department.  These little gems combine the best of many worlds--brownies, peanut butter, rice krispies.  Prepare yourself for a party in your mouth.  Although they combine many common ingredients, they certainly are unique.  And pretty.  They are perfect to give as a gift or to take to a bbq, which is precisely our plan.

These are so good.  You have to make them.  Now.  So good.  Seriously.

     

Peanut Butter Krispy Brownies:

Inspired by this recipe.

To make the brownie layer:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups white sugar  (you can use a little less if you want)
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder  (my favorite combination is 1/3 cup special dark unsweetened cocoa and 1/3 cup regular unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour (Pam for Baking works best) a 9 x 13 pan.
2. Melt the butter and let cool slightly.  
3. Combine the butter, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.   
4. Then beat in the eggs.  
5. Slowly beat in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
6. Spread into pan and cook for 25-30 minutes.

To make everything else:

•  3/4 cup salted peanuts
• 1 1/2 cup chopped Reese's mini peanut butter cups
• 1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 cup Rice Krispies cereal

1. After the brownies have cooked, remove from the oven and top with peanuts and Reese's peanut butter cups.
2. Cook for another 5 minutes. 
3. In the meantime, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium saucepan. 
4. Stir in the cereal. 
5. Remove brownies from oven and evenly pour chocolate mixture over top.
6. Although difficult, refrigerate until solid before serving.