Ingredients
Brownies
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3 ounces baking chocolate, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Peanut Butter Crunch Topping
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch glass baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted salted butter, melted baking chocolate, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Add the eggs and vanilla bean paste, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can affect brownie texture.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating fudgy texture.
- Apply peanut butter layer: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the warm brownies to ensure it melts slightly and adheres well. Allow the pan to cool for 1 hour at room temperature.
- Melt chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with melted butter in 15-second increments, stirring in between until smooth and glossy.
- Add crunch: Stir the Rice Krispies cereal into the melted chocolate mixture to create the crunchy topping.
- Assemble and chill: Spread the chocolate and cereal mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes to let the topping set firmly.
- Serve: Once set, slice the brownies into squares and serve your Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies for a delicious treat with contrasting textures and flavors.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a fudgy texture rather than cakey.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal of brownies from the pan.
- If you prefer a saltier contrast, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt over the peanut butter layer before adding the chocolate topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the crunchy topping firm.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste with pure vanilla extract, though the flavor may be slightly different.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American