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aka “crack” brownies. trust me on this one.
Sorry to bombard you with a sugar chocolate bomb like this after sharing that Skinny Peanut Butter Pie earlier this we…
Wait. I’m not sorry.
When homemade fudgy chocolate brownies, peanut butter cups, salty peanuts, more chocolate, more peanut butter, and rice krispies come together… well, you know it’s gotta be good. Three layers of bliss. Chocolate, peanut butter bliss. “Better than crack” as Jessica calls it. 
Begin with a dense chocolate brownie base. My homemade brownie recipe is your standard fudgy, chewy brownie. Tastes like fudge and chocolate frosting in one. LOVE.
You can always use a boxed brownie mix for the bottom layer. Whatev floats your boat.
Next, we have a shower of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (or mini Reese’s cups, whichever you prefer) and salty peanuts. The peanuts are amazing – gives each bite a nice crunch. Plus, WHO doesn’t love salty & sweet?!
The Reese’s peanut butter cups tucked inside are obviously necessary. And so completely sinful.
For the top layer… my personal favorite… a melty mess of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and Rice Krispies.
I couldn’t stop “tasting” this layer.
And finding chocolate leftovers all over my mouth afterward… in public.
I brought these crack brownies to a bbq over the weekend and silently placed them on the dessert table. I listened quietly at the comments. They made my day. 
“WHO made these?”
“What are they!??”
And my favorite, “I can’t speak. This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
Trust me. If you like chocolate at all, you have GOT to make this. Your life will be forever changed. You’re welcome.
Peanut Butter Cup Crunch Brownies
makes 24
Homemade Fudgy Brownie Layer (or use your favorite boxed brownie mix)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 8 ounces coarsely chopped bittersweet (or semi-sweet) chocolate (I used 2 4 oz Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Bars)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Middle Layer
- 3/4 cup salted peanuts
- 8 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
Top Layer
- 1 and 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 and 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/2 cup Rice Krispies cereal
1) If using a boxed brownie mix, prepare the brownie layer according to packaged directions. Bake the brownies for 5 minutes less than the recipe states. Skip down to #3.
2) If using my homemade fudgy brownie recipe: preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 11 x 7 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside. Melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly (about 6 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour and salt. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a knife. Bake for 30 minutes.
3) Remove brownies 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.
4) While the brownies are finishing up in the oven, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated. Remove the brownies from the oven and pour the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over top. Spread to cover evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting into 24 squares. Store in the refrigerator.
adapted from How Sweet It Is
You probably won’t even believe me, but I’m not the hugest chocoholic. I know. I must be an alien or something.
I actually prefer vanilla ice cream, fruity pies, butterscotch cookies, sprinkles, oatmeal raisin cookies, cheesecake, peanut butter anything, and pumpkin pies over chocolate anyday.
But these brownies. OMG. They are a winner.
PS: I swear I’m not a chocoholic…
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Peanut Butter Brownies
Skinny Frozen Peanut Butter Pie (a lightened up favorite!)
Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
Butterscotch Toffee Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Fudge Brownie Cupcakes with Cookie Dough Frosting
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
I remember seeing those on Jessica’s site, and I think a little drool came out of my mouth as my jaw dropped to the keyboard! Now it’s happened again!
These look fantastic Sally!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted..Easy Tilapia with Strawberry Salsa
I know! I’ve made them before when I first saw Jessica’s post! They really are too good to be true. Amazing. Thanks Aimee
Hi Sally,
Have been dying to make these for a long time. As I cannot get the peanut butter cups in Denmark – can you recomment a substitute???
Neel
Hey Neel! You could try leaving the pb cups out all together. Instead, try using peanut butter baking chips, another chopped up candy bar, or chocolate chips. Thank you!
I can’t believe we were just talking brownies and you had this little trick up your sleeve! I’ve made similar brownies and they are so amazing. I love the top layer with Krispies/PB – something about it is just so addictively perfect! And I bet you were most definitely the talk of the party when people sunk their teeth into one of these babies! And all your recipe recaps are calling my name – espi the other choc brownies with that dense PB layer on top!
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..Flavor It 3-In-1 Beverage System Giveaway
Hey Averie! After you sent me that brownie email, I went back and reviewed my go-to brownie recipe, I’m totally intrigued by yours now though! I’m glad you mentioned my related recipe recaps – sometimes I feel like they go unnoticed. But I love how you feature yours and it brings old recipes back to life! the top layer of these was definitely my favorite!
What a delightfully decadent treat! Your peanut butter cup crunch brownies look absolutely scrumptious!
Thanks April! They are surely decadent.
Sally, these look decadent!
Jen @ Savory Simple recently posted..Blueberry Buttermilk Cookies
Yum! I love that delicious crunchy top as the “hat” for these super fudgy brownies. I’m with you–butterscotch and blondies all the way, though I *did* have a brownie hankering last night and it *did* roll over into this morning, so methinks I’m making your homemade fudge brownies tonight for dessert. Blondies are awesome, but freshly baked, super fudgy brownies? Those are just killer!!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..Deep Dish Oatmeal Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
you have to make these fudge brownies… even if you don’t layer them with the pb cups and peanuts and pb/chocolate krispie “hat” (hahaha love it)… they are so rich and fudgy on their own! You’d love them Hayley
These are probably in my top 5 fave desserts ever. I posted a recipe a few months ago and despite not having pb cups like yours do, they are incredible! You are right about that top layer….the best! Ok now I need to make these again – but with pb cups this time!
Back For Seconds recently posted..Strawberry Lemonade Cookies and *Link Party*
definitely a top 5 dessert for me too, Stephanie! You have to try them with pb cups next time. The little pb cup surprise in each bite is to die forrrrrr.
Um, wow! I don’t know if I really have any other words for these! I love a variety of textures and especially a good crunch, so I would love these!
Mercedes recently posted..Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting (Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls)
I love a ton of texture too.. I couldn’t keep my hands off of these as I was cutting them into squares. you’d love these mercedes!
Love all of the flavors and textures!! I think a run to the grocery store is in order. . .
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction recently posted..Raspberry and Cinnamon Almond Swirled Muffins
Ummm yes. you need to drop everything you’re doing and go make these NOW! You’d love them Jessica
OMG! Sally, this is pure torture. These look amazing. Pure genius, evil genius maybe, but definitely genius
Laura Dembowski recently posted..Peach Crumb Bars
Your brownie goodness kills me. I would eat the whole pan of these and then die of happiness.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..PB & Nutella Sandwich Cakes
Mmmm I made these once! “Better than crack brownies”…. they definitely lived up to their name
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Summertime Chopped Salad
So many wonderful textures and flavors! These look awesome Sally.
Peanut butter and chocolate is my favorite combo! Seriously, just when I think you can’t come up with a better recipe – you do
Thanks for sharing, Sally!
Hey Adrienne!! Thanks for the compliment
Oh my goodness, your treats + sweets seriously get better every day. Peanut butter + chocolate = heaven, + these look AMAZING!
amy @ fearless homemaker recently posted..cherry limeade slushies
aww thanks Amy! I feel the same way about you and all of your yummy drink recipes
Nice to meet you, Sally. I found your site through Haley at The Domestic Rebel. These brownies look delicious and I’m glad the attendees at the barbecue loved them too!
DB-The Foodie Stuntman recently posted..Spicy Beef and Sausage Ravioli with Roasted Tomato Onion and Garlic Marinara
Hi there! If you’re a reader from Haley’s blog, you must have great taste! Thanks so much for stopping by
Oh my, these are way too decadent, in the best way possible. I’m breaking out my stretchy pants for these babies. You’ve outdone yourself yet again!
Rachel recently posted..Roasted White Peach Crisp for Two
Hahaha Rachel that made me laugh. Yes to the stretchy pants, pleeeeeeease!
Is this real life????? Those look aaaaaaaamazing.
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted..Roasted Macadamia Butter
Ari! I love your site! Thanks for visiting… these brownies are DEF amazing
i definitely must make this because these are MADE FOR ME! i’m a huge choc-pb-holic!!
Julie @ Table for Two recently posted..Oreo Cheesecake Cookies
Oh my gosh!!!! I am drooling all over the place. You just combined my favorite things!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. recently posted..Caprese Pizza with Balsamic Reduction Sauce
Oh wow…those do look incredible and addicting! I am saving that recipe in my file right now!
luv what you do recently posted..Will Hike for Pizza
I’ve made these brownies and you and your critics do not exaggerate – they are awesome!!
Anna @ hiddenponies recently posted..DOUBLE CHOCOLATE WAFFLES
I’m glad you’ve made them before, Anna! It would be a crime for one not to taste how good they are
These are even better than better than crack! Ahhhh yummmy!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie recently posted..Pineapple Muffins with Coconut Streusel
Oh my word, look at all that sugary goodness! Those brownies looks almost too good to eat…almost
RavieNomNoms recently posted..Thursday Tidbits
*almost* too good to eat is right
I’ve never had these or anything like them. You made them look magical, though. I keep scrolling up and down, up and down. They look SO good!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking recently posted..Healthier Blueberry Frozen Yogurt
OMG – I did not need to see these right now! I don’t really mean that. I’m lusting after these so badly Sally! You’ve outdone yourself. I’ll be dreaming of them!
Reeni recently posted..Zucchini Biscuit Pie
Yes, pb cups are absolutely necessary in almost every treat!!! You are my pb treat girl…I can always count on you to deliver an awesome decadent goodie!!! I love that you silently put the bars on the table at the bbq and then just listened. Haha totally something I would do too:-)
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted..Carrot Cake Cookies
Nice recipe. I love a simple brownie recipe which is easy for the kids
I also like the below brownie recipe.
http://www.wascene.com/food-drink/perfect-chocolate-brownie-recipe/
Thanks for sharing,
Kelly
Thanks Kelly-Anne!! The link to those brownies… they look so fudgy and thick!
oh my god those brownies….
Sam Ana recently posted..Saté
I just made your crack brownies and just read I have to wait 2 hours before diving into them?!? These look and smell aahhmazing!! Can’t wait to eat half the pan..err..I mean one
thanks for the great recipe!!
Samantha – yay! I love these brownies so much. Yes, the waiting time is the hardest part! I know you will lvoe them though – worth the wait!
OMG – These brownies look amazing! Can’t wait to try them.
Thanks Tammy! Let me know how you like them
They are decadent!
I made these last night, with my husband’s insistence. They are amazing!
Hi Tammy! I’m happy to hear that. These decadent brownies will always be one of our favorites.
Lady, if you could overnight me a dozen of these puppies I would be very grateful! Yum!
a farmer in the dell recently posted..tamari ginger vegetable quinoa bowls
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