These Brownie Points for These Bars! offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert, transforming its rich and decadent flavors into an easy-to-eat bar format. A fudgy, crumbled brownie base creates a deeply chocolatey foundation, topped by a smooth and subtly tangy cream cheese layer that provides a welcome contrast. Next comes a light and airy chocolate mousse, adding a delicate sweetness and creamy texture. The bars are finished with a satisfyingly crunchy layer of chocolate-coated rice krispies, offering a playful textural element in every bite.

The final flourish comes with a generous drizzle of bourbon peanut butter caramel sauce upon serving. This luscious topping introduces warm, nutty, and slightly boozy notes that beautifully complement the rich chocolate and creamy layers of the bars. Perfect for make-ahead entertaining or a special treat, these Brownie Points for These Bars! are a dream for chocolate lovers seeking a unique and utterly delicious dessert experience.

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Brownie Points for These Bars!

Decadent layered dessert bars featuring a rich crumbled brownie base, a smooth and slightly tangy cream cheese layer, a light and airy chocolate mousse, a crunchy chocolate rice crispy topping, and a luscious bourbon peanut butter caramel drizzle upon serving.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword Bourbon, Brownie, Caramel, Chocolate, Cream cheese, Dessert bars, Mousse, Peanut butter

Prep Time 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 12 Bars

Author Chef Cameron

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Mousse Layer:

• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream chilled

For the Brownie Crust:

• 1 box brownie mix
• 1/4 cup chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers crushed, optional

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crunchy Chocolate Layer

• 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup crispy rice cereal adjust to your liking

For the Bourbon Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream warmed
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 Tbsp bourbon optional, but recommended!
• 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Mini marshmallows toasted if desired
• Extra melted chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the Brownie Base:

• If using homemade brownies, bake them according to your recipe in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Let them cool completely.
• Once cooled, crumble the brownies evenly into the bottom of the same 9×13 inch pan (or a different pan lined with parchment paper for easier removal).
• Press the crumbs down gently to create a compact base.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
• Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• Gently spread this mixture evenly over the crumbled brownie base and let chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour

Prepare the Chocolate Mousse:

• In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), melt the chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until smooth.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a separate clean bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until no white streaks remain.
• Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and fold until just combined.
• Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is firm.

Prepare the Crunchy Chocolate Rice Crispy Topping:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
• Once smooth, gently stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
• Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled chocolate mousse layer.
• Gently press down to create a somewhat even surface.

Chill the Bars:

• Refrigerate the entire pan of bars for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate rice crispy topping to set.

Prepare the Bourbon Peanut Butter Caramel Drizzle:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, without stirring, until it turns a deep amber color (about 5-10 minutes). Watch carefully.
• Remove from heat and carefully pour in the warmed heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
• Stir in the butter until melted. Add the peanut butter and stir until smooth. Stir in the bourbon and salt.
• Let cool slightly.

Serve:

• Once the bars are well-chilled, cut them into squares.
• Drizzle generously with the bourbon peanut butter caramel sauce just before serving.
• Optional: Garnish with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt.

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