Double Decker Banana Cookie Brownie Bars

Here we go with the bananas again.  Surprising isn't it, how many banana recipes keep popping up even though I don't like them?  Yeah.  What's a girl to do?  Hopefully you all love banana baked goods and so will thoroughly enjoy these little treats.  A banana cookie layer topped with a super fudgy banana brownie, studded with peanut butter cups and topped with a chocolate peanut butter chocolate layer.  Only want the cookies?  Or only feeling like eating brownies?  Just make one or the other and reduce the cooking time.

Double Decker Banana Cookie Brownie Bars

Cookie Layer:

1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup butter flavored shortening

1 overripe banana, mashed

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 large egg

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup chopped peanut butter cups candy

Brownie Layer:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

1 medium banana, mashed

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup (2 1/2 ounces) cocoa powder

2/3 cup (3 ounces) all purpose flour

1 cup chopped peanut butter cups candy

Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer:

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 Tablespoon light corn syrup

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Grease a 9x13 pan. Set aside

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, shortening, and mashed banana.  Beat well until light and smooth.  Add the vanilla and egg, and beat well until incorporated.  Beat in the flour, salt, and baking soda until just combined.  Stir in the chopped peanut butter cups.  Press into the prepared pan and set aside while you make the brownie layer.

For the brownie layer, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.  Whisk in the sugar and salt, then whisk in the eggs, banana, and vanilla extract.  Stir in the cocoa powder and flour until completely combined.  Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.  Pour the batter over the cookie dough layer in the prepared pan.  Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.  Remove from the oven and set on a cooling rack.

For the chocolate peanut butter topping, melt together the chocolate chips, peanut butter and corn syrup, either in the microwave or on the stovetop, until smooth.  Pour the chocolate mixture over the top of the brownies and spread evenly.  Let cool completely before cutting and serving.  Makes one 9x13 pan of brownies.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy