Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites

With their multiple decadent layers, these brownies are my family's absolute favorite.

Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites

Average Rating: 5

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 1 hour + chilling Bake: 20 min. + cooling
YIELD: 4 dozen.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter, cubed and softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • CANDY BAR TOPPING:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup marshmallow creme
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts, divided
  • 40 caramels
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1-1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-in. baking pan with foil, letting ends extend up sides; coat foil with cooking spray.
  • 2. Microwave butter, sugar and water on high just until mixture comes to a boil, 3-4 minutes; stir until blended. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Whisk in eggs, 1 at a time, stirring well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla. Stir in flour and baking powder.
  • 3. Spread into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes. Cool 30 minutes.
  • 4. For topping, combine sugar, butter and milk in a large saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly, over medium heat. Boil 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in marshmallow creme, 1/4 cup peanut butter and vanilla; pour over brownies. Sprinkle with 2 cups peanuts.
  • 5. In a small saucepan, combine caramels and water; cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until blended. Pour over peanuts.
  • 6. Microwave chocolate chips on high until softened, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining peanut butter until smooth; pour over caramel layer. Chop remaining peanuts; sprinkle on top. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  • 7. Lifting with foil, remove brownies from pan. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 212 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.