Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. This dessert has become popular among chocolate lovers for its gooey texture and indulgent taste. What makes these bars special is the perfect blend of sweetness and a slightly salty flavor from the peanut butter, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars at home offers numerous benefits. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring fresh and high-quality products. Secondly, the taste is undeniably better than store-bought options, as these bars come straight from your oven and can be enjoyed warm! Additionally, it’s a cost-effective way to indulge your sweet tooth without breaking the bank. Plus, homemade treats are a great way to share love and joy with family and friends.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
Creating these delicious bars is straightforward and fun. The preparation involves melting chocolate and butter, mixing wet and dry ingredients, and layering the peanut butter mixture for a flavorful twist. This easy-to-follow recipe will have your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate baking, making it worth every moment!
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and fold until just combined.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer and gently spread it to cover.
🔟 Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
1️⃣1️⃣ While the brownies are baking, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
1️⃣2️⃣ Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth to create a ganache.
1️⃣3️⃣ Once the brownies are baked and slightly cooled, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly.
1️⃣4️⃣ Let the ganache set before slicing into bars.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve
These brownie bars are best served warm, allowing the gooey chocolate and peanut butter to shine. You can cut them into squares and serve them on a dessert platter. For an extra touch, consider topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee to complementary flavors!
How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
To keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 3 months, but be sure to let them thaw before enjoying!
Tips to Make
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies moist.
- For a richer taste, consider swapping the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean edges.
Variation
You can customize your Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. For a fun twist, try incorporating crushed Oreos or toffee bits into the batter. If you’re looking for a healthier option, replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
FAQs
-
How long do Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars last?
These bars will stay fresh for 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator. -
Can I substitute an ingredient in Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars?
Yes! You can swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter, and use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version. -
What can I serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars?
Pair them with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for a delicious contrast!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter for melting
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped for the brownie batter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar for sweetness
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed for moisture
- 4 large eggs for binding
- 2 tsp vanilla extract for flavor
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for structure
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder for extra chocolate flavor
- 1/2 tsp salt to balance sweetness
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter for the filling
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar to sweeten the peanut butter
Ganache Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream for the ganache
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped for the ganache topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and fold until just combined.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Peanut Butter Layer
- In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer and gently spread it to cover.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Making Ganache
- While the brownies are baking, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth to create a ganache.
Finishing Touch
- Once the brownies are baked and slightly cooled, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Let the ganache set before slicing into bars.
