Four-Layer Caramel Crunch Brownies

In a medium saucepan combine unsweetened chocolate and 1/2 cup butter. Cook and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over edges of pan. Grease foil; set pan aside.

For brownie layer, stir 1 cup of the sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon after each addition just until combined. Stir in vanilla. In a small bowl stir together flour and baking soda. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture; stir just until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until edges start to pull away from sides of pan. Cool on a wire rack.

For caramel layer, in a large microwave-safe bowl combine caramels, 2 tablespoons of the evaporated milk, and the water. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) about 3 minutes or until caramels are melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in rice cereal. Spread caramel mixture evenly over brownie layer in pan, spreading to edges. Place pan in freezer while preparing nougat layer.

For nougat layer, in a medium saucepan combine the remaining 1 1/4 cups sugar, the remaining evaporated milk, and the 1/3 cup butter. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring constantly; reduce heat to medium. Boil at a moderate, steady rate without stirring for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large heatproof bowl combine marshmallow creme and peanut butter. Remove cooked nougat mixture from heat. Gradually whisk cooked nougat mixture into marshmallow creme and peanut butter until combined. Pour marshmallow mixture over caramel layer, spreading to edges. Place pan in freezer while preparing chocolate layer.

For chocolate layer, in a small saucepan cook and stir semisweet chocolate pieces, 3 tablespoons butter, and 1/3 cup whipping cream over low heat until melted and smooth. Pour chocolate mixture over nougat layer, spreading to edges. Cover loosely and chill for 2 hours. Using the edges of the foil, lift uncut brownies out of pan. Cut into brownies. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.