Brownies are one of those universally-loved treats, perfect for almost any occasion.  On a recent trip to visit some friends I was making “anything chocolate” for a birthday dinner and came up with this elevated version of brownies.  The great part is that you don’t have to be a master baker to delight your friends and family.  Your favorite box mix gets dressed up with the addition of a rich layer of dark chocolate ganache and homemade peanut butter buttercream frosting – wow!

PEANUT BUTTER & CHOCOLATE GANACHE BROWNIES

Ingredients

• 1 Box Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix

Chocolate Ganache

• 12 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate Chips
• 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
• 1 Tbs. Strong Fresh-Brewed Coffee

Peanut Butter Buttercream

• 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 1 Box (15 oz.) Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla
• 1/4 Tsp. Salt

Instructions

• Prepare box mix brownies according to directions in a 13×9 pan.  I like using dark chocolate brownies, but milk chocolate would work well too.  Avoid buying anything with chocolate chunks or chips because the ganache is rich enough on its own.
• Allow brownies to cool.
• Over a double boiler, or in a metal bowl over a simmering pot of water, combine all ganache ingredients.
• Stir occasionally for 10-15 minutes until chips melt and mixture becomes smooth and is fully combined.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
• Pour cooled ganache over baked brownies.  Use a spatula to spread evenly across the pan.
• Place in refrigerator.
• In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt.  Mixture should be smooth and fluffy.
• Add 1/4 of the powdered sugar and mix well.  Continue adding fourths of all powdered sugar until fully combined.  Mixture will be thick.
• Add half of the milk and mix until frosting becomes thinner.  You can continue to add as much milk as needed to make frosting light and spreadable.  Buttercream is usually fairly thick and this will be a little bit more so because of the peanut butter.
• Remove brownies from fridge and spread frosting evenly over the entire pan.  Depending on your taste, you make only want to use 3/4 of the frosting mixture.  if you like a lot, then use it all!
• Cover pan and store brownies in refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Use a sharp knife to cut ample squares and serve.

These were a huge hit this weekend and for good reason!  They’re super-rich and decadent and everyone will think you’re a baking wizard.  Taking the guesswork out of the brownies themselves with a box mix keeps this easy.  Give them a try and let me know how much you and your family love the chewy deliciousness.  Dig in!