Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars

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(from EmilyAnn’s recipe box)

Don’t overcook the brownie! Made for Mark and Rick Xmas 2012

Source: Family Circle Magazine

Categories: Dessert

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 box (18.2 ounces) brownie mix
  • 1/2 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • Whipped cream, chopped peanuts, chocolate-peanut butter candies and caramel sauce, to garnish

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line pan with foil, allowing sides to overhang; spray foil.
  2. In small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Mix in melted butter. Press crumb mixture into prepared pan. Bake until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

  3. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for cakelike brownies (adding 1/4 cup water, 1/3 cup oil and 3 eggs). Fold in chopped nuts. Pour batter into crust-lined pan. Return to 350 degrees F oven; bake until brownie is just set and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

  4. With electric mixer in medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter and confectioners sugar; beat until just blended (it will look lumpy). Add milk; beat lightly to loosen mixture. In separate bowl, whip 1 cup of the cream and gently fold into peanut butter mixture. Spread mousse evenly over cooled brownie. Refrigerate 1 hour.

  5. Heat remaining 1/2 cup cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just boiling. Remove from heat; add corn syrup and chocolate chips. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour glaze over chilled mousse and spread to cover completely. Return to refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

  6. Run a small knife around inside of pan and lift out brownie. Heat knife under hot running water and trim edges. Slice brownie, rinsing knife after each cut, into 5 strips about 1-1/2 inches wide. Cut each strip into 5 pieces about 1-1/2 inches square. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with whipped cream, nuts, candy and caramel sauce.

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