Better-Than-Crack Brownies.
Indulging in a rich, fudgy brownie is an experience that many of us cherish. But what if I told you there’s a way to elevate those brownies to an entirely new level? Enter the Better-Than-Crack Brownies. These decadent squares are not just your average dessert; they are a combination of flavors and textures that create an irresistible treat. With a base of boxed brownie mix and a medley of toppings like creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and gooey chocolate chips, these brownies are bound to become a household favorite.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy brownie, only to be greeted by the delightful crunch of Rice Krispies and the creamy richness of peanut butter. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, birthday parties, or simply when you want to indulge in something truly special. Trust me—you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Why This Better-Than-Crack Brownies. Stands Out
What sets the Better-Than-Crack Brownies. apart from the rest? Here are a few reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy elements creates a flavor profile that is both classic and innovative.
- Textural Delight: The fudgy brownie base paired with the crispy Rice Krispies and crunchy peanuts provides a satisfying contrast in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Using a boxed brownie mix means you can whip these up in no time, making it an accessible treat for everyone.
- Customizable: With a few easy swaps, you can make this dessert suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
What to Buy
Before you get started on your Better-Than-Crack Brownies., here’s a shopping list to ensure you have everything you need:
- 1 box of brownie mix (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts (or add sea salt if unsalted)
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Equipment Breakdown
To make your baking experience seamless, gather the following equipment:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Spatula: To mix and spread the brownie batter.
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the peanut butter and butter together.
- Oven Mitts: Safety first when handling hot pans!
Better-Than-Crack Brownies.: From Prep to Plate
This recipe is straightforward, making it easy for both beginner and seasoned bakers to enjoy. Follow these simple steps for your Better-Than-Crack Brownies.:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, prepare your boxed brownie mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the greased or lined baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the creamy peanut butter and butter for about 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Drizzle half of this mixture over the brownie batter.
Step 5: Sprinkle on the Goodies
Top the brownie batter with the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, salted peanuts, and milk chocolate chips. Drizzle the remaining peanut butter mixture over the top, and then sprinkle the Rice Krispies cereal evenly across the surface.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the brownies are set in the middle. You can use a toothpick to check for doneness— it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you or someone you’re baking for has dietary restrictions, here are some easy swaps you can make:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brownie mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the milk chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Nut-Free: Omit the peanuts and Reese’s cups, and substitute with sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture.
- Vegan: Choose a vegan brownie mix and follow the dairy-free substitutions.
Don’t Do This
To ensure your Better-Than-Crack Brownies. turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Don’t overmix the brownie batter; this can lead to dense brownies.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; cutting them too soon can result in a messy situation.
- Don’t substitute ingredients without considering their properties; for example, using a different type of nut butter might affect the final texture.
- Don’t bake for too long; you want them to be fudgy, not dry!
Storage Pro Tips
Now that you have a batch of delicious Better-Than-Crack Brownies. on hand, here’s how to store them properly:
For optimal freshness, store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them! Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, but keep in mind that it may change the flavor profile slightly.
What if I don’t have Rice Krispies?
You can substitute Rice Krispies with any crispy cereal or even crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain freshness.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. You want them to be fudgy, not completely dry.
Explore More
If you loved making Better-Than-Crack Brownies., check out these other fabulous recipes:
- Sally’s Baking Addiction: Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Pinch of Yum: No-Bake Energy Bites
- Minimalist Baker: One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
Before You Go
Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey to create Better-Than-Crack Brownies. Each bite is a testament to the joy of baking and the pleasure of sharing sweet treats with loved ones. I hope these brownies bring a smile to your face and become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!
Better-Than-Crack Brownies.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Prepare your boxed brownie mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into the baking pan.
- Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the creamy peanut butter and butter for about 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Drizzle half of this mixture over the brownie batter.
- Step 5: Top the brownie batter with the chopped Reese's, salted peanuts, and chocolate chips. Drizzle the remaining peanut butter mixture over the top, and sprinkle the Rice Krispies evenly across the surface.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the brownies are set in the middle.
- Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool for at least 15 minutes, then cut into squares.
Notes
- For gluten-free brownies, use gluten-free brownie mix.
- To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
