Triple-Layer Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

"2009 Christmas with Southern Living"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 49mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Yields: 24 brownies

ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 7 (1 ounce) semisweet baking chocolate squares, divided and chopped
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 (1 ounce) semisweet baking chocolate squares
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1⁄3 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°; line a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch pan with aluminum foil, allowing foil to extend over ends of pan; set aside.
2. Melt 1 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat; remove pan from heat.
3. Add in 6 ounces chopped chocolate, and let stand 5 minutes; stir until smooth; transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4. Add 2 cups sugar to melted chocolate mixture; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.
5. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended; add vanilla.
6. Add flour; beat on low speed just until blended; stir in 3/4 cup peanuts.
7. Spread batter into prepared pan; bake for 30-34 minutes (wooden pick will not test clean).
8. Remove to a wire rack, and cool completely.
9. Meanwhile, beat peanut butter and 1/2 cup butter in a bowl at medium speed until blended.
10. Add powdered sugar; beat until blended.
11. Spread over cooled brownies.
12. Melt 8 ounces chocolate squares and remaining 1 ounce chopped chocolate in a small glass bowl according to microwave package directions; stir in corn syrup.
13. Spoon dollops of melted chocolate over peanut butter layer; spread gently to cover peanut butter layer.
14. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup peanuts, if desired.
15. Cover and chill 2 hours or until set.
16. Use foil to lift brownies out of pan; peel foil away from sides of uncut brownies; cut into bars.