Peanut Butter Rice Krispie-Topped Brownies

So I've moved halfway around the world, started pastry school...and baked nothing. We are supposed to begin the actual baking portion of the course today, with bread, so that should be interesting. And even though I haven't baked anything in the past week, as promised I am here to deliver on what I stand behind as the most delicious dessert of 2011 (still in competition with this key lime tart, but as they are so different I shall allow them to remain on a pedestal together). I present to you: Peanut Butter Rice Krispie-Topped Brownies. OK, so I'm not good at naming. 

But please don't hold it against these unbelievable, addictive, mouth-watering bar cookies. If you could write down every characteristic you would want a dessert to have -these would fit the bill. Rich, light, chewy, creamy, crispy - yes, they manage to be all these at once, and I have witnesses!

Just about everyone I shared these with - which managed to include family, coworkers and one very lucky friend :) - was completely enamored with them. One even said that "epic is an understatement" in describing them. You heard it here first. 

Anyway, in case it isn't clear by now, these ridiculously over the top cookies consist of a layer of ultra-incredible brownies topped with a chocolate peanut butter rice krispie coating. Intellectually, it is an intriguing combination, but oh my word when you take a bite it all makes sense. I promise. 

So, I've barely strung together a sentence in this entire post (clearly my English skills are fading fast outside of the country) but if you take one thing away from this post it is that you must make these as soon as possible, and quickly find friends and family to eat them or you will inhale them all yourself. The end. 

Tip of the Day: The brownie layer on these is thin, so before baking make sure to spread the batter evenly in the bottom of the pan with a spatula - you don't want some parts burned and others underbaked.

Recipe: 

Brownie layer:
5 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon coffee
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs plus one yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Crispy Topping:
6 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cups crisped rice cereal*


Melt together the chocolate and butter for the brownie layer and mix together until smooth. Add in the sugars and continue mixing until incorporated.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, and then the yolk, mixing after each addition until smooth. Add the vanilla and mix.
Add the flour, salt and cocoa powder, and mix until just combined - you may leave some small streaks of flour behind.
Pour in to a greased 9x13" pan, spread to coat the pan evenly, and bake on 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes, until just done (test with a toothpick).

While the brownie layer is cooling, melt together the chocolate and peanut butter and mix until combined. Add in the cereal and stir until completely coated.
Spread on top of the brownie layer (can still be warm) evenly. Chill until set, about 30 minutes to an hour.

*Members of my family have made fun of me in the past for buying generic brand Rice Krispies, mostly because they usually have hilarious names like "Fun Crispy Rice!" Regardless, this is one place I wouldn't splurge - the store brand is completely identical, but hey - it's your cash.