Calling all chocolate and peanut butter lovers! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are the ultimate indulgence. With a fudgy brownie base, a creamy peanut butter layer, and a silky chocolate ganache topping, these bars are rich, decadent, and impossible to resist. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a special treat at home, this recipe is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Decadent: Layers of chocolate and peanut butter create a dessert that’s pure bliss.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Perfect for Sharing: These bars are ideal for parties, gifts, or family gatherings.
Customizable: Swap out ingredients or add toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients Breakdown

Brownie Layer:

Unsalted Butter & Semi-Sweet Chocolate – Creates a rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor.
Granulated & Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and keeps the brownies moist.
Eggs – Help bind the ingredients and give structure to the brownies.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour & Cocoa Powder – The dry ingredients that give the brownies their perfect texture.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Peanut Butter Layer:

Creamy Peanut Butter – Adds a smooth, nutty contrast to the fudgy brownie.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and slightly thickens the peanut butter layer.

Ganache Topping:

Heavy Cream – Helps create a silky-smooth ganache.
Dark Chocolate – Adds a rich and slightly bitter contrast, balancing the sweetness.

Tips and Tricks

Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Fold the dry ingredients gently to keep the brownies fudgy.
Let the Ganache Set: Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before pouring it over the brownies.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed peanuts, sea salt, or chocolate shavings on top for extra flair.

Variations and Customizations

Nut-Free Option: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the brownie base.
Extra Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a double chocolate experience.
Marshmallow Swirl: Add a layer of marshmallow fluff between the brownie and peanut butter layers.

Pairing Suggestions

Milk or Coffee: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are a dream for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! With a fudgy brownie base, creamy peanut butter layer, and rich dark chocolate ganache, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
Melt the Chocolate & Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of butter and 8 oz of semi-sweet chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour in the melted chocolate mixture, whisking until well combined.
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and gently fold until just combined.
Assemble the Brownie Layers:
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter.
Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and gently spread to cover the peanut butter layer.
Bake the Brownies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Prepare the Ganache:
While the brownies are baking, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Top with Ganache:
Once the brownies are baked and slightly cooled, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly. Allow the ganache to set before slicing.
Serve:
Once set, cut the brownies into 12 bars and enjoy the rich, decadent layers of chocolate and peanut butter.

Notes

For a gooier texture, slightly underbake the brownies by reducing the cooking time by 5 minutes.
These bars are perfect for holiday gift-giving or bake sales.
Experiment with different nut butters or toppings to create your own signature version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American