Description
Delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars with a rich brownie base, creamy peanut butter layer, and smooth chocolate topping.
Ingredients
- 7 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1⅔ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 7 oz chocolate, chopped
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9 × 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the chocolate and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the brownie batter: Whisk the sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients: Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownie base to cool completely.
- Make the peanut butter layer: Beat the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until thick, smooth, and spreadable.
- Layer the filling: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the completely cooled brownie base. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Prepare the chocolate topping: Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let stand for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Finish the bars: Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer. Spread evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until all three layers are firm.
- Slice and serve: Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 bars using a warm, clean knife.
Notes
- Let the brownie base cool completely before adding the peanut butter layer.
- Use creamy, conventional peanut butter for a smooth and stable filling.
- Avoid overheating the chocolate to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Warm your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for clean layers.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts or a little flaky salt over the chocolate topping before chilling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg