Irresistibly Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bars: A 30-Minute Indulgence You Can’t Resist!
introduction
If you’re a fan of sweet treats, you’ve landed in the right place! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines two of the most beloved flavors in the dessert world: rich chocolate brownies and creamy peanut butter. These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to make, and they come together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing friends and family!
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why make this recipe
These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are a dessert dream come true. Not only do they have the fudgy goodness of chocolate brownies, but the layer of peanut butter added on top elevates them to a whole new level. If you love creamy textures and rich flavors, this recipe is for you. They’re ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy dinner party. Plus, you can whip them up quickly, making them perfect for any last-minute sweet cravings. Who can resist a treat like this?
how to make Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
Let’s get started on making these delightful bars! Follow along with the simple steps below.
Ingredients:
- 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 40 grams (1/2 cup) cocoa powder, sifted
- 35 grams (1/4 cup) plain flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 60 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 250 grams (1 cup) smooth peanut butter, room temperature
- 65 grams (1/2 cup) icing sugar or powdered sugar
- 150 grams (1 cup) good quality dark chocolate, pieces
- 20 grams (1/2 cup) Rice Bubbles or Rice Krispies
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil, optional
Directions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 180 C (350 F) for standard ovens or 160 C (320 F) for fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with baking or parchment paper, making sure that two sides overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Gently whisk everything together until combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, along with the egg yolk. Then, mix in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake the brownies for about 25-30 minutes. Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan. If you’re making them ahead, cover and store in the fridge.
- For the peanut butter filling, combine softened butter and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
- Gradually add the icing sugar and mix until smooth. Spread this creamy peanut butter mixture over your cooled brownies.
- To prepare the chocolate topping, melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Stir in the rice cereal until well coated. If desired, add oil for extra shine.
- Pour the chocolate-cereal mix over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly. Chill in the fridge or freezer for at least two hours until firm.
- When ready to serve, use a hot knife to slice the bars into your desired pieces for serving!
how to serve Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are fabulous on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They’re also perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Whether you cut them into small squares or larger chunks, they’re sure to be a hit!
how to store Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
To keep these delicious bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long with all the yummy flavors in each bite! If you’d like, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
- For the best texture, don’t over-mix the brownie batter. Stir until just combined, and you’ll end up with fudgy brownies.
- If you like a stronger peanut butter flavor, feel free to increase the amount of peanut butter in the filling.
- Make sure your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
variation
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can try adding crushed nuts on top or even using milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter twist. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips in the brownie batter before baking.
FAQs about Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the filling. Just keep in mind that it might alter the smooth finish of the top layer.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for that fudgy texture.
Can I make these bars vegan?
You can adapt this recipe by using vegan butter and egg substitutes such as flax eggs or applesauce for the eggs. Also, ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.
Now that you have all the details to create these delightful Peanut Butter Brownie Bars, gather your ingredients and get started! You won’t regret it. Happy baking!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistibly Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bars combining rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 200 grams caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 40 grams cocoa powder, sifted
- 35 grams plain flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 60 grams unsalted butter, softened
- 250 grams smooth peanut butter, room temperature
- 65 grams icing sugar or powdered sugar
- 150 grams good quality dark chocolate, pieces
- 20 grams Rice Bubbles or Rice Krispies
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for standard ovens or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with baking or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Gently whisk until combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, along with the egg yolk. Mix in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- For the peanut butter filling, combine softened butter and peanut butter in a bowl and beat until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar and mix until smooth.
- Spread the creamy peanut butter mixture over the cooled brownies.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Stir in the rice cereal and optional oil.
- Pour the chocolate mix over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly. Chill in the fridge or freezer for at least two hours until firm.
- Slice into bars with a hot knife when ready to serve!
Notes
For a richer peanut butter flavor, increase the amount of peanut butter in the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: peanut butter, brownies, dessert, chocolate, easy recipes