Fudge Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper or line it with foil and grease it very well with butter. Melt the butter in a large saucepan, over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add 2 cups of chocolate chips and stir with a wooden spoon until they have melted.

Remove from the heat, add the sugar and stir to combine. Add the vanilla and then whisk or stir in the eggs, one at a time. When the mixture is smooth and shiny, slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixture in the saucepan.

Stir in ¾ cup of chocolate chips. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes, just until an inserted toothpick shows moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter. Beat with an electric mixer (with the wire whisk attachment if possible) until thoroughly combined.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. The frosting should be thick, creamy, and spreadable. If it becomes too thick to easily spread, add a tablespoon of cream or milk and beat again, adding additional liquid only if necessary.

Gently spread the frosting over the completely cooled brownies and chill for 1-2 hours until firm. Slice into bars. Store the remaining brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.