Peanut Butter Fudge Pretzel Brownies

Pretzel Crust

1 ¾ cups crushed pretzel pieces

6 tablespoons butter, melted

Brownies

½ cup butter, softened

1 ½ cups sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

⅔ cup chocolate chips

Peanut Butter Ganache

1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter

⅓ cup powdered sugar

Method

Preheat oven to 350*F. Line an 8x8-inch pan with foil, and spray with cooking spray. Set aside. 

Combine pretzel pieces and melted butter in a small bowl until moistened. Press pretzels into the prepared pan, forming a crust. 

To prepare brownie batter, beat butter and sugar with mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. On medium speed, add flour, salt, and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Using a spatula sprayed with nonstick spray, evenly spread brownies on top of pretzel crust. (This might be a bit tricky - it might help to spray your fingers with cooking spray and spread by hand.) Bake in preheated oven 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted 1-2 inches from the edge comes out clean. 

When brownies are almost done, melt peanut butter in the microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Once melted, stir in powdered sugar and mix until no lumps remain. When brownies are finished, remove from the oven and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours; cut into bars and serve.

http://lifeinbeantownusa.blogspot.com/2011/08/fun-filled-weekend-new-brownie-recipe.html