Peanut Butter Topped Secret Ingredient Brownies

Thanks to the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program and Kelloggs for sending me these:

 I LOVE bran so you can imagine my excitement!!  I am trying to get more fiber in the diet of all my family members, which is not an easy task.  So I decided to attempt to sneak a little fiber in. The best place to start: DESSERT!  I found this brownie recipe on all-bran.com.  I was amazed at how many things you can make using bran cereal. 

Peanut Butter Topped Bran Brownies

adapted from All-Bran.com
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup All-Bran Original or All-Bran Buds
1 1/3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix butter, sugar and cocoa together.  Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add cereal, flour and salt gradually.  Mix well.  Spread into a greased 9 x 13 pan. 

Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

I cooked mine 35 minutes and it was too long. The edges were a little crisp. 

30 minutes would of been perfect.

Peanut Butter Topping

Melt 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter in the microwave. Just until it is pourable.  Watch closely because it will burn easy.  It only takes about 20-30 seconds. 

Drizzle it over the top of the brownies.

If desired add cut up peanut butter cups on top.  Allow to set up!

THE VERDICT:  My oldest daughter saw me add the Bran and even though she promised not to tell.  She blabbed to the whole family.  So the element of surprise was out.  Dang it!!  I will be trying more things!! As for the brownies I loved them and with most brownies they tasted better after 24 hours.  Everyone agreed on that fact!  I will try them again this time making them when everyone is gone.  I would love to see if they really notice the bran, when then do not know it is there.

*The original recipe makes a 8 x8 size pan so I doubled the recipe. 

*I got the topping idea from Me & My Pink Mixer.  She made the most adorable and delicious looking Peanut Butter Brownie Bites .  I have tried it on regular box brownies. What is not to love about a peanut butter and chocolate combination!!

Check out: Tuesdays at the Table and Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays!

~Tiffanee