Indulgence Redefined: The Ultimate Outrageous Snickers Brownies
Brownies have long been a favorite dessert that offers a delightful balance of sweetness, richness, and fudgy texture. However, these Outrageous Snickers Brownies take that classic dessert to the next level by combining the irresistible flavors of a Snickers candy bar with a rich, fudgy brownie base. Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of creamy nougat, smooth caramel, roasted salted peanuts, and a luscious chocolate topping, all atop a decadent brownie foundation. It’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive holiday gathering.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Brownies, Candy Bars, Indulgent Treats
- Method: Baking, Layering, Melting, Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 box of brownie mix (baked in a 9×9-inch pan and cooled)
Tip: Ghirardelli’s brownie mix is an excellent choice for these brownies. It creates a rich, fudgy texture that perfectly complements the layers that follow. Follow the instructions on the box, using eggs, oil, and water to prepare the batter.
For the Nougat Layer:
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 cup peanut butter
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 ½ cups Kraft Premium Caramel bits (or unwrapped caramels)
- 1 tablespoon milk (or heavy cream of choice)
For the Peanut Layer:
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts (or salted peanuts, or any nuts of choice)
For the Candy Bar Chocolate Layer:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (1 cup milk chocolate chips + ½ cup dark chocolate chips)
- ⅓ cup peanut butter (or almond butter, if preferred)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by preparing the brownie mix according to the instructions on the package. Use a 9×9-inch baking pan for the perfect thickness. Be sure to follow the measurements for eggs, oil, and water to ensure the best texture for the brownies. Bake the brownies as directed, and once they’re done, allow them to cool completely. It’s important that the brownies are fully cooled before you add the next layers, as warm brownies may cause the layers to melt or mix together.
Step 2: Make the Nougat Layer
While the brownies are cooling, begin preparing the nougat layer. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the marshmallow fluff and peanut butter. Use a rubber spatula or a hand mixer to blend the two ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. If the marshmallow fluff is too sticky or hard to stir, you can microwave the mixture for about 10–15 seconds to soften it, making it easier to blend. Once the nougat is smooth and well-combined, spread it evenly over the cooled brownie base. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring that the nougat layer is spread evenly to the edges of the brownies.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer
Next, prepare the caramel layer. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the caramel bits with the milk or heavy cream. Microwave the mixture for about 1 minute, then whisk it together. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Once the caramel has reached a silky consistency, pour it evenly over the nougat layer, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Layer
Before the caramel sets, immediately sprinkle the dry roasted peanuts over the caramel layer. Press the peanuts gently into the caramel to ensure they stick. The peanuts add a delightful crunch to the brownies, which contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the caramel and nougat. You can use salted peanuts for a savory kick, or opt for unsalted peanuts if you prefer a more neutral flavor. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the peanuts with crushed pretzels for a crunchy, salty alternative.
Step 5: Make the Candy Bar Chocolate Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate and peanut butter are completely melted and smooth. Once the chocolate mixture is ready, pour it over the caramel and peanut layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface. The smooth, glossy chocolate layer adds a luxurious finish to these brownies, and the peanut butter in the mixture enhances the overall flavor, making it even more indulgent.
Step 6: Let the Layers Set
Once all the layers are assembled, allow the brownies to cool and set completely. This may take a couple of hours at room temperature, but for quicker results, you can refrigerate the brownies for about 30 minutes. Once the layers are firm and set, you can cut the brownies into squares. Use a sharp knife for clean, even cuts, wiping the knife between cuts to prevent the layers from sticking.
Notes
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your brownies depends largely on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips, peanut butter, and caramel bits to get the best results. The richness of the chocolate and the creaminess of the peanut butter will make a big difference in the final taste.
- Let Each Layer Set: Be patient and let each layer set before adding the next. This will help maintain clean layers and prevent them from mixing together. It’s worth the wait to get the perfect brownie bars!
- Microwave for Easy Mixing: If you find that the marshmallow fluff or caramel is too sticky or thick, a brief stint in the microwave will make them easier to work with.
- Cutting Tips: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to keep the layers neat and tidy. If the brownies are too soft, refrigerating them for a few hours can help firm them up for easier slicing.