Brownie Batter Peanut Butter Cup Bars

I had planned to make a recipe the other day using peanut butter cups.  So, I made a trip to the store just to get peanut butter cups.  When I went to make the recipe, though, it just wasn't coming together in my head the way I had originally planned.  So, the question became what can I make using these peanut butter cups that I made a special trip to the store for?  This is what I came up with: Chocolate chip blondies stuffed with peanut butter cups, topped with brownie batter frosting.  Yeah, I definitely vote for plan B!  These bars are incredible!  My oldest Hungry Puppy wanted seconds (too bad I'm a mean Cardamommy and said no...), and probably would have gone for thirds as well!  

Brownie Batter Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Peanut Butter Cup Bars:
1 1/2 sticks butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
9 full size Peanut Butter Cups

Brownie Batter Frosting:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup dry brownie mix
1 Tablespoon dark cocoa powder (or substitute regular cocoa powder)
2 Tablespoons milk

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Lightly spray a 9x9 inch square pan with cooking spray.  Take a 9 inch wide piece of parchment paper (just tear a piece off from the roll that will fit inside the 9x9 inch pan one way, and overhang the sides the other way) and place inside the lightly greased pan.  The parchment paper should fit the pan perfectly one way and overhang the sides the other way (to use as handles to remove from the pan later on).  Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.  Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until completely incorporated.  Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and whisk until just combined.  Sir in the chocolate chips.  Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Evenly place the peanut butter cups on top of the batter.  Spoon the remaining batter over the peanut butter cups, and smooth the top.  

Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and golden brown (a toothpick inserted in the center may not come out clean at this point, the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.  This will prevent them from being dry).  Remove the bars from the oven and let cool completely on a cooling rack.

For the brownie batter frosting, beat together the butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the milk until smooth.  Beat in the dry brownie mix and the cocoa powder.  Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk, and beat until smooth.

When you are ready to frost the bars, using the parchment paper as handles, lift the bars out of the pan and set on a cutting board.  Spread the frosting over the top of the bars.  Makes 16 bars.

Enjoy! -Cardamommy