The Perfect Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Peanut butter brownie bars combine two beloved flavors into a sinfully delicious dessert that promises pure bliss.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts will find themselves mesmerized by this irresistible sweet treat.

The rich, fudgy base provides a luxurious foundation for the smooth, creamy topping that crafts an ordinary brownie into an extraordinary experience.

Intense flavors dance across your palate with each carefully crafted bite, creating a symphony of decadence.

Dense and indulgent, these bars offer a perfect balance between deep chocolate notes and nutty undertones.

Texture plays a crucial role in making this dessert a standout, with its velvety layers and sublime contrast.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that elevates simple ingredients into a spectacular culinary masterpiece.

How to Make Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, creating overhanging sides for easy brownie removal.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

Melt chocolate and butter using a double boiler or microwave. Stir until smooth, then whisk in cocoa powder until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Oil
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Gently fold in the cooled chocolate mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Fold flour and salt into the chocolate batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Brownie Layer

Bake for 20-22 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 6: Prepare Peanut Butter Filling

• Softened butter
• Peanut butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Spread the filling evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate with a small amount of oil. Pour over the chilled peanut butter layer and spread evenly. Return to refrigerator until completely set.

Step 8: Serve and Store

Lift the brownies out of the pan using parchment paper. Slice into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

• Prevent Dry Brownies: Check brownies at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking, ensuring a moist and fudgy texture by using a toothpick test.
• Smooth Peanut Butter Layer: Soften butter and peanut butter to room temperature for easier mixing and a creamy, lump-free filling.
• Chocolate Topping Technique: Use a gentle, even hand when pouring chocolate to create a smooth, glossy finish without streaks or uneven coverage.
• Pan Preparation Trick: Use parchment paper with overhanging sides for easy brownie removal and clean, precise cutting of bars.
• Chill for Perfect Layers: Allow each layer to set completely in the refrigerator, creating distinct and well-defined brownie bar sections.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store the peanut butter brownie bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 5 days for maximum freshness and flavor preservation. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption from other refrigerator items.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious texture and taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying for the best results.
• Reheating: Bring refrigerated bars to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Best Drinks to Enjoy with Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

• Pair with Creamy Cold Milk: The rich, fudgy chocolate and peanut butter combination finds its perfect match in a chilled glass of whole milk. The smooth, cool liquid cuts through the dense sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing experience.
• Complement with Bold Espresso: A shot of strong espresso provides a robust contrast to the sweet brownie bars. The coffee's intense flavor profile elevates the chocolate and peanut butter notes, making each bite more complex and exciting.
• Match with Vanilla Bourbon Cocktail: A smooth bourbon-based cocktail with vanilla undertones beautifully enhances the dessert's decadent flavors. The subtle warmth of the bourbon and the vanilla notes harmonize wonderfully with the rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
• Serve with Raspberry Sorbet: A tart, bright raspberry sorbet offers a palate-cleansing counterpoint to the heavy, indulgent brownie bars. The fruity, light sorbet provides a refreshing contrast that prevents the dessert from feeling too rich.

Fun Twists on Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

• Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Replace peanut butter filling with almond butter, adding chopped roasted almonds on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Salted Caramel Brownie Bars: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between chocolate and peanut butter layers for a rich, indulgent upgrade.
• Espresso Chocolate Version: Mix instant espresso powder into the brownie batter and sprinkle dark chocolate-covered coffee beans on the final chocolate layer for a sophisticated coffee kick.
• No-Bake Protein Modification: Swap traditional ingredients with protein powder, use Greek yogurt instead of butter, and add chia seeds for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.

Peanut Butter Brownie Bars: A Sweet and Nutty Dessert

• Elevate Decadent Dessert Experience: These peanut butter brownie bars combine rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a luxurious layered treat that transforms ordinary dessert into an extraordinary indulgence.
• Master Quick No-Fuss Technique: The recipe requires minimal baking skills, uses simple microwave or double boiler melting methods, and delivers professional-looking results with minimal effort and basic kitchen equipment.
• Capture Irresistible Texture Contrast: Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, fudgy brownie base, silky smooth peanut butter filling, and glossy chocolate topping that creates an exciting sensory experience for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
• Enjoy Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars can be prepared in advance, store easily in the refrigerator, and serve as a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings without last-minute stress.

Must-Have Ingredients for Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

• Bittersweet Chocolate: Rich flavor foundation with deep chocolate notes, choose high-quality chocolate for best results.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and richness, helps create smooth chocolate mixture.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances chocolate intensity and deepens color of brownies.

• Large Eggs: Binding agent that creates structure and helps brownies hold together.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps keep brownies soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.

• All-Purpose Flour: Main structural component of brownie base.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates creamy base for filling.
• Peanut Butter: Provides rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize filling.

• Chocolate: Creates smooth, glossy final layer.
• Neutral Oil: Helps chocolate become more fluid and shiny for coating.

Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Peanut butter brownie bars deliver rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in perfect harmony. Layers of intense chocolate and nutty sweetness create an irresistible dessert experience that will delight chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) dark chocolate
• 18 milliliters (0.6 fluid ounces) neutral oil
• 2 large eggs
• 120 grams (4.2 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) all-purpose flour

Topping Ingredients:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) creamy peanut butter
• 30 grams (1 ounce) powdered sugar

Garnish Ingredients:

• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) additional chopped dark chocolate for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (180°C). Carefully coat a 9×5-inch (23×13 centimeters) loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, then line with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for effortless removal.
2. Create the chocolate base by gently melting high-quality dark chocolate and unsalted butter using a double boiler or microwave, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder and mix thoroughly.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk large eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a thick, creamy texture. Gradually incorporate the cooled chocolate mixture, blending until completely integrated.
4. Gently fold all-purpose flour and fine sea salt into the chocolate batter, ensuring no dry pockets remain. Transfer the smooth batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
5. Bake the brownie layer for 20-22 minutes, watching carefully to maintain a fudgy center. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 1 hour.
6. Prepare the creamy peanut butter filling by combining softened unsalted butter, smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip until achieving a light, fluffy consistency that spreads easily.
7. Spread the peanut butter filling uniformly across the cooled brownie base, creating a consistent layer. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to set and firm the filling.
8. Melt additional dark chocolate with a small amount of neutral cooking oil, stirring until glossy and smooth. Pour the chocolate glaze over the chilled peanut butter layer, tilting the pan to ensure complete and even coverage.
9. Return the pan to the refrigerator and allow the chocolate topping to set completely, which typically takes 30-45 minutes. Once firm, lift the entire dessert out using parchment paper edges.
10. Using a sharp knife, slice into precise rectangular bars. Store the peanut butter brownie bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for optimal texture and freshness.

Notes

• Chocolate and peanut butter create a decadent dessert experience that feels like pure indulgence.
• Chilling between layers helps develop rich, distinct textures and prevents messy mixing.
• Homemade bars taste significantly better than store-bought versions with fresher ingredients and controlled sweetness.
• Using parchment paper ensures effortless removal and perfect slice presentation every single time.
• Double boiler method prevents chocolate from burning and maintains smooth, glossy consistency for professional-looking results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg