Triple-Tier Brownies

PhylPhyl's Note:

Warning. This could be addictive, and you don't need a large square. I found this recipe in Quick Cooking, and co-workers gobbled it up and asked for the recipe -- so I thought I would post it here for others to try. Cooking time includes cooling time.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 28 bars

• 20 ounces fudge brownie mix (or size required for 13x9-inch size pan)
• 11 ½ ounces milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 3 cups crisp rice cereal
• 16 ounces cream cheese frosting
• 1 cup salted peanuts , chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare and bake brownie mix according to directions, using a greased 13 x 9" baking pan. Cool on a wire rack.
2. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the brownies.
3. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
4. In a large saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Cook over LOW heat for approximately 4-5 minutes or until blended, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in cereal. Spread over the cream cheese frosting and chopped peanuts.
5. Chill for 30 minutes or until set before cutting.
6. Store in refrigerator.
7. NOTE: I used a dark chocolate fudge brownie mix, and I also had only half of the milk chocolate chips required so I used semi-sweet chips for the remainder.