Buckeye Brownines

I love desserts and chocolate, but I prefer to have my chocolate made into something like cake or brownies. I already have my favorite brownie recipe that I've been relying on since I first started baking. Nothing tops it. I don't know why either. I've tried lots and lots of variations and new brownie recipes, but this is my fall back. The consistency is just what I expect and it's rich, but not too much, and the texture is chewy but not too gooey. Does any of that make any sense?

Anyway, getting back to my initial review......this new brownie recipe I found called for a boxed mix and that is one of my pet peeves. I hate brownie mixes....they never taste the way I want. So it was natural for me to use my favorite recipe for brownies and then use their yummy topping.

These brownies were a big hit at my house. I have a bunch of peanut butter lovers here and they all raved and praised this new development. So, I'm sure they'll be requested again. I got this recipe from a Gooseberry Patch mailer and I enjoy most of their stuff, so I was pretty sure this would be sure bet as well.

Buckeye Brownies

Brownies:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
12 tablespoons dutch processed cocoa
1 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan, melt butter and chocolate. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool.

Topping:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup plus 6 tablespoons softened butter, divided
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Mix until smooth and spread evenly onto cooled brownies. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

In a microwave-safe bowl, add 6 tablespoons butter with chocolate chips. Microwave on high for one minute and stir. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, stirring after each time, until mixture is smooth and combined.

Carefully pour chocolate mixture over the top of the peanut butter mixture (Too much spreading will combine the peanut butter mixture and chocolate together) and place back in the fridge to cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow chocolate to set.