Crunchy Brownie Bars Recipe

"These brownies are a family favorite, getting requested regularly. This makes a yummy dessert - granola bottom, soft brownie in the middle with homemade chocolate frosting on top. My mom is always the one to make this, but if I was making it, I would use canned frosting because I just love canned frosting. Either way, you won't be disappointed."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

CRUNCHY LAYER: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is preheating, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in oats and brown sugar. Add 3/4 cup melted butter and mix. Pat mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 glass or light colored metal baking dish coated in cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes. At this time, the crunchy layer will not be completely baked.

Step 2

BROWNIE LAYER: While the crunchy layer is in the oven, prepare brownies as directed on package. Eggs, oil and water amounts for BROWNIE LAYER are based on instructions on Duncan Hines Chewy brownie package (follow the directions if they are different on the box). Combine brownie mix, eggs, water and oil in a mixing bowl, then spread over the crunchy layer after it comes out of the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes for fudgy style or 35-40 minutes for cake-like (do not overbake).

Step 3

FROSTING: Either frost cooled brownies with canned frosting OR follow these instructions to make home-made frosting. Wait to make frosting until brownies are cool! In a small saucepan on the stove, melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and immediately add powdered sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of hot water. Stir until smooth, adding remaining tablespoon of hot water to make a soft, pourable frosting. Spread over brownies while frosting is still hot and let sit until frosting is firm to touch. Cut into bars and serve.