Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

I should probably start this post off with a warning of sorts. The following recipe is not only incredibly delicious, they are also somewhat addicting (just ask my parents!) and insanely unhealthy. Sounds perfect don't you think?
I made these brownies about a week and a bit ago, maybe longer. I seem to be losing track of time. Scott had to stay up late one night studying so I thought I would make him some brownies, not only to pass the time but to cheer him up a bit. I must admit, they were probably more for me than for him. He's not the biggest chocolate fan (and yet I still married him?!?) but chocolate and peanut butter is one of my absolute FAVORITE combination of foods. It appears I'm not alone in this either. I wonder if genetics could be involved. After Scott's test the next day, we went to visit our parents for the weekend. I didn't want to leave them while they were still fresh so we brought them with. Let me just say that it is a very good thing that we tried a brownie before we left. My parents gobbled these bad boys up quicker than you could say "Holy macaroni, those look good!"
They are very rich and sweet so if you do try them, only have a small piece. Unless of course you are trying to force yourself into a sugar coma.

If you're ready for it, here it is. The recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies. They have a layer of brownie, peanut butter frosting, topped with chocolate ganache.  Happy Baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies 

Makes one 9x13 pan

Ingredients


Brownies
6 squares of semi-sweet chocolate
3/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour

Peanut Butter Frosting
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup softened butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1-3 tablespoons of milk (as needed)

Chocolate Ganache
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a heat-proof bowl, over low heat, melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate together. Stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and add to bowl of stand mixer.

2. Stir sugar into chocolate until blended. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Mix well.

3. Add flour and mix until well-blended. 

4. Spread brownie batter to greased 9x13 pan. Bake 30 minutes. Cool brownies completely before adding peanut butter frosting. (While waiting, I got to enjoy a beautiful sunset!)

5. To make the peanut butter frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer, beat peanut butter, eggs and powdered sugar until smooth. The frosting should be fairly thick, but add 1-3 tablespoons of milk if needed in order to spread frosting over brownies.

6. Place chocolate chips in heat-proof bowl. Heat heavy cream in small sauce pan over medium heat until it begins to boil. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips. Whisk together until chocolate is completely melted. 

7. Allow ganache to cool for 10-15 minutes before spreading over peanut butter frosting and brownies. Place brownies in fridge to cool for at least 1 hour.

Hopefully you enjoy these brownies!

Always love.