These Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Bars combine rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy peanut butter layer, all topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. The perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter makes these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavors
- Fudgy, chewy texture with a creamy topping
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Great for parties, gatherings, or an indulgent dessert
- Can be made ahead and stored for later
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
- Chocolate chips
Directions
- Prepare the Brownie Layer: Preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Melt the butter and mix it with granulated and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, then stir in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake until set. Let it cool completely.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Pour it over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly, then spread over the peanut butter layer.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to allow the layers to firm up.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels to the peanut butter layer.
- Double Chocolate: Mix chocolate chips into the brownie batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Salted Caramel Addition: Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate ganache before chilling.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual bars in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer them warm, microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of homemade batter?
Yes, you can use a boxed mix to save time, but homemade brownies provide the best flavor and texture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What kind of peanut butter works best?
Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth layer, but natural peanut butter may cause a slightly looser texture.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, dark chocolate provides a richer, slightly less sweet taste.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, even slices.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, crushed peanuts, sea salt, or mini chocolate chips make great additions.
Do I have to chill the bars before serving?
Yes, chilling helps the layers set properly for the best texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Can I store them at room temperature?
For short-term storage (up to a day), you can keep them at room temperature, but refrigeration is best for longer storage.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Bars are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make, store well, and can be customized to suit different preferences. Whether for a party or a personal treat, these bars are sure to be a hit.
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Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Bars are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. Fudgy brownies topped with a rich peanut butter layer and crunchy topping make them irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make Brownies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt. Pour into a pan and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Spread over brownies.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed peanuts and peanut butter cups, then drizzle melted chocolate.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Let brownies fully cool before adding the peanut butter layer.