Death By Chocolate Crunch Bars with Brownie Base and Cereal Topping
Indulgent layered dessert bars featuring a fudgy brownie foundation topped with rich chocolate frosting, peanut butter candies, and a crunchy cereal mixture bound with melted chocolate and peanut butter. The Count Chocula cereal adds playful sweetness and satisfying crunch to every bite. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need an over-the-top chocolate dessert that feeds a crowd. The combination of textures from chewy brownie to creamy frosting to crunchy topping creates an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
- water, called for on brownie mix box
- vegetable oil, called for on brownie mix box
- eggs, called for on brownie mix box
- 1 cup Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Chocolate Frosting, from 1 tub (16 oz)
- ½ cup peanut butter candy, in a crunchy shellchopped peanuts1:1nutdairy-freeadds peanuts
Different texture but maintains peanut flavor
- 3 ½ cups Count Chocula cerealCocoa Puffs1:1sweet
Similar chocolate flavor profile
- ⅝ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ⅓ cups semisweet chocolate chips, 8 oz
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan) and line 9-inch square pan with foil, spraying cooking spray on bottom only of foil
- 2
Make and bake brownies as directed on box for 9-inch pan, then cool completely for about 1 hour
- 3
Frost brownies with frosting and sprinkle with peanut butter candies, then refrigerate while making cereal mixture
- 4
Measure 3 cups of cereal in medium bowl and set aside
- 5
Melt peanut butter and chocolate chips in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly
- 6
Pour melted mixture over cereal in bowl, stirring until evenly coated
- 7
Spread coated cereal mixture over frosted brownies
- 8
Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cereal, slightly pressing on top
- 9
Refrigerate about 1 hour or until set before cutting into 4 rows by 4 rows
Tips
Cool brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean layers that hold together when cut.
Press the final cereal layer gently to help it adhere without crushing the cereal pieces underneath.
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to achieve neat bar edges through all the layers.
Good to Know
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 1 week or at room temperature for 3 days.
Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Cut into squares just before serving for cleanest presentation.
Common Mistakes
Don't frost warm brownies or the frosting will melt and create messy layers.
Don't skip refrigeration time or bars won't hold their shape when cut.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Different texture but maintains peanut flavor
General Alternatives
Similar chocolate flavor profile
FAQ
Can I use homemade brownies instead of box mix?
Yes, use any 9-inch square brownie recipe. Just ensure they're completely cooled before adding frosting and toppings.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 1 week or at room temperature for 3 days for best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before serving.