Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed S'mores Brownies

Excuse the messiness of these photos. I'm just trying to show real life here...I mean...s'mores and melty peanut butter cups are messy. Any of you who have children (or remember being children) should be plenty aware of this fact. All things considered I think I did the best that could have been expected. Plus....I mean....messy and gooey looks kinda yummy, ya know?

Now...before I get into the transcendent experience that is eating one of these brownies...I need to give you guys a heads up! I'm going to be out in Texas Wednesday-Monday to go to my brother's graduation from basic training for the airforce. Sooo I'm not going to be able to post this Wednesday or next Monday. I KNOW-I'm sorry! But I figured...at least I'm leaving you with something completely over the top amazing to keep you all satisfied until I get back. So, hopefully these brownies will help me earn your forgiveness. I mean-look at these photos. We're cool.

When I made these delicious brownies I instagrammed them. And was told by one of my husband's coworkers that she needed one. And I thought to myself "These are really rich, and this did make a huge pan of brownies...I could probably share." So I told her I'd send some in with Michael the next day. And apparently she told everyone because I shortly thereafter got a text from him saying, "So I guess I'm bringing dessert tomorrow?"

They were excited :D And I sent the brownies. And they were devoured. But poor Jess (the original coworker who commented) wasn't there the rest of the week and got no brownies! So she's been pouty about it. I can't really blame her. These are DARNED GOOD.

Allow me to e'splain to you these magical brownies. They have a thick and buttery graham cracker crust. Nomnom. Then they have a very dense and very chocolate brownie layer. Mmmhmm. THEN they have peanut butter cups and melty dark chocolate barks layered on top of that. OMIGOSH. And theeen there are toasted marshmallows on top. YESYESFORREALSIESYES.

In summation-these are insanely gooey and decadent and rich and pretty much what dreams are made of. You need them. I need them. We all need them.

Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed S'mores Brownies

From Melanie Makes

Makes one 9"x13" pan.

Ingredients:

Crust-

• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs (I make mine by blending graham crackers in a food processor but you can also put them in a ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin.)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup butter (or 12 tbsp. or 6 oz.), melted

Brownies-

• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup butter (or 12 tbsp. or 6 oz.), melted
• 2 tbsp. hot water
• 1 and 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 12 peanut butter cups
• 1 dark chocolate candy bar (about 3-4 oz.)

Marshmallows-

• Approx. 15-20 oz. jet puffed marshmallows (I used about 69 marshmallows)

Preparation:

Crust-

• Preheat oven to 350F degrees and grease a 9"x13" pan.
• In a bowl stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and butter until evenly combined and moistened. 
• Press into the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake 12-14 minutes until set and beginning to brown around the edges.

Brownies-

• In a large bowl mix together cocoa powder, melted butter, and hot water.
• Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated.
• Spread in an even layer on top of baked graham cracker crust.
• Press peanut butter cups into the brownie batter in three rows of four.
• Break candy bar into pieces and place in all the gaps around and in between the peanut butter cups.
• Bake 18-20 minutes, until set.

Marshmallows-

• After removing brownies, turn oven to broil. 
• Place marshmallows on top so that they adhere to the warm brownies, until the entire top is covered.
• Broil for a few minutes, until they're the level of toasted you prefer (I like them golden brown)-keep a close eye to avoid burning!
• Let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

THE MELTY CHOCOLATE KILLLLS ME.