Midnight Snack Box Brownies

Midnight Snack Box Brownies

When late-night cravings hit, these Midnight Snack Box Brownies are the ultimate answer. Seriously, it is the cure for sweet and salty cravings! Packed with layers of sweet, salty, crunchy, and fudgy goodness, they’re the kind of dessert that feels like it was dreamed up during a midnight raid on the pantry – and that’s exactly their charm! From rich chocolate brownie batter to swirls of peanut butter, dulce de leche, and a finishing crunch of pretzels, every bite is a surprise of textures and flavors that keeps you going back for more.

  • Easy
  • 101 mins
  • 9 servings

Uses: Pure Vanilla Extract, Gourmet Baking Cocoa

Occasions: Valentine's Day, Fall

Directions

  1. Combine the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and cornflake crumbs.
  2. Spread into a 9 in square onto a parchment or silicone pad lined sheet tray. Freeze for 30 mins, minimum.
  3. Melt the butter and sugars in a pot until bubbly; add in the cocoa powder.
  4. Allow to cool for 5 – 10 mins.
  5. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time.
  6. Fold in the baking powder, salt, instant espresso, vanilla, and flour until slightly under combined.
  7. Add the milk chocolate chips and smoked almonds.
  8. Spread half of the batter into the bottom of a 9x9 in pan lightly greased and lined with parchment.
  9. Place the frozen slab of peanut butter on top; spread the dulce de leche on top of the peanut butter.
  10. Spread the remaining brownie batter on top into an even layer. Place the pretzels around the top of the brownies.
  11. Bake at 350 F for 45 – 50 minutes.

Recipe was prepared for Rodelle by Chef Aaron Davis. You can find him on Instagram at @chefaedavis.

The base starts with an indulgent brownie batter made from Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa, butter, sugar, eggs, and a splash of Rodelle Pure Vanilla. Instant espresso powder enhances the cocoa’s depth, giving the brownies an ultra-rich, fudgy flavor. To make them extra special, graham cracker crumbs and crushed cornflakes are folded into the mix, adding subtle crunch and nostalgic notes of childhood snack favorites.

The magic of these brownies comes in the layering. A portion of the brownie batter is spread into the pan, followed by a generous swirl of chunky peanut butter and glossy ribbons of dulce de leche. More peanut butter follows before the remaining brownie batter is smoothed on top. Finally, the brownies are crowned with mini pretzels, which bake into the surface to create a salty crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness beneath.

As if that weren’t enough, the batter also hides chopped smoked almonds and melty milk chocolate chips, adding both richness and a subtle savory note that keeps the brownies from becoming overly sweet. Every bite delivers something different: gooey caramel-like dulce de leche, nutty peanut butter, creamy chocolate, or a salty snap of pretzel. It’s indulgence at its finest, layered into one pan.

These Midnight Snack Box Brownies are perfect for sharing (though you may not want to). Bring them to parties, pack them into lunch boxes, or slice them thick for an after-dinner treat that doubles as comfort food. They’re the definition of over-the-top brownies, chewy, fudgy, crunchy, salty, and sweet all at once.

Whether you’re satisfying a late-night craving or baking up something show-stopping for friends, these brownies deliver. They’re fun, nostalgic, and wildly delicious and are the kind of dessert that feels like every snack you love has been tucked into one decadent bite.

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