Fudgy Salty Peanut Butter Brownies

1 box brownie mix ( or use your favorite brownie recipe)
1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

1 c. creamy peanut butter (don't use old-fashioned or natural)
1/4 c. unsalted butter, room temp.
1 c. powdered sugar
1/8 t. sea salt
1 1/4 T. milk
1 t. vanilla
1 1/2 c. salted cocktail peanuts (chop optional)

1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
5 T. unsalted butter, room temp.

Make brownies according to directions, adding in chocolate chips.

Line the bottom and sides of your 9x13 baking pan with parchment or foil. You will want to leave about 4" of overhang on the 2 opposite sides. These serve as your handles to remove the brownies from the pan in 1 piece, so make sure that there is enough of the overhang for you to have a solid grip. Grease the parchment or foil well. Bake as directed.
Let them cool completely on a rack. While the brownies are cooling make the buttercream and ganache.
Mix peanut butter and butter until totally blended. Slowly add powdered sugar and salt. Mix well and scrape sides of bowl. Add milk and vanilla; mix until fully blended. Dollop the peanut butter buttercream in heaping spoonfuls on top of cooled brownies. Spread over the surface. Scatter the peanuts evenly over buttercream, pressing down firmly into buttercream.
Melt chocolate chips and butter together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Allow to cool slightly for 10 minutes, then pour evenly over the peanut butter layer. Smooth out with a butter knife, making sure to cover the peanut butter and peanuts completely.

Chill in fridge until toppings are set, 1 1/2 hours or so. Remove these delicious guys from fridge. Lift up on foil handles and place brownies on cutting board. Cut into squares.


by Sariah R.