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Recipes that Reinvent the Basic Brownie

Sexy Smooth Cheesecake Butterscotch Brownies

Lately, I’ve been craving brownies. Not sure why, but I can’t get this bake sale favorite out of my mind. Growing up, my mom would add raisins to the batter. The result was brownies that tasted like a chocolate covered raisin. It was such a treat when she made them.

Watching my mom in the kitchen was where I first learned to play with my food. A basic recipe can be reinvented into something just as special.

If you love butterscotch, brownies, and cheesecake, Monica H.’s (Michigan City, IN) Sexy Smooth Cheesecake Butterscotch Brownies are for you. You’ll taste all three flavors in every bite. Butterscotch ganache really makes this rich and decadent. The brownie itself is fudgy and melts in your mouth. So good!

“My mom and I were eating a peanut butter pie one [holiday] that someone brought over. We both agreed that the filling was great but thought the graham cracker crust was kind of boring,” explains June Neal (Middlesboro, KY). “I decided to experiment and came up with this recipe. My mom, along with the rest of my family, loved it and is now requested at every holiday.”

You can save June’s Fudge Brownie Peanut Butter Pie for the holidays, but I highly suggest “taste testing” it sooner. There’s a layer of flaky crust and then a fudgy brownie. On top is a cream cheese peanut butter mixture that’s so good I could eat it with a spoon. Fluffy whipped topping is the perfect final touch. This was a hit in the Test Kitchen and will be at your house too.

“I wanted to make something for my friends birthday and she loves chocolate and peanut butter so I made this Peanut Butter Custard Brownie Pie,” shares Lora DiG (Staten Island, NY). “[It’s] very good and dangerous; tastes just like a Snicker’s bar.”

Lora is right this one does remind me of one of my favorite candy bars. The filling in this pie is really creamy. And she made the brownies into a crust for the pie. Who doesn’t love a brownie crust?! Yum!

Debra Russell (Hartselle, AL) coarsely chops brownies and adds them to the filling of her Brownie Cheesecake. OMG … it’s the epitome of chocolate. Sweet and creamy, this treat will be the highlight of any meal.

Lisa Winget Betz (North Fond du Lac, WI) made it for her family and they loved it. “This is seriously one of the best desserts I have ever made,” thought Lisa. “[I] will definitely make this again and again!” I highly suggest giving this a try.

“I made these to take to work and got rave reviews,” shares Kelly Lollman (Madison, NY). These got two thumbs up in the Test Kitchen too.

The brownies serve as a base for the yumminess on top for her Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies. The cheesecake is tangy and sweet. Kelly’s icing, though, is over the top. Marshmallow fluff lightens it up and chocolate goodness. These are decadent and delicious.

Jazz-up basic brownies and create something special. And don’t forget to share the recipe! Happy Pinching!