Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe

Irresistible Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Decadent chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in these irresistible peanut butter brownie bars that melt in your mouth.

Rich, fudgy layers create a dessert guaranteed to stop conversations at any gathering.

The dense brownie base provides a perfect canvas for swirls of smooth peanut butter goodness.

Intense chocolate notes dance with nutty undertones, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that balances sweetness and depth.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans will absolutely adore this simple yet spectacular treat.

These bars deliver pure indulgence in every single slice.

Store Brownie Bars Without Drying Out

  • Fridge-Friendly Treats: Store these delightful bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them chilled to maintain their perfect texture and taste.
  • Freezer Magic: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months, ready for a quick sweet indulgence.
  • Quick Serving Tip: Remove bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly and enhance their creamy peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the entire batch up to 3 days in advance, storing in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for parties, potlucks, or unexpected dessert cravings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

For Chocolatey Base:
  • Dark Chocolate: Rich, decadent chocolate that creates deep flavor and smooth texture; choose high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for intense taste.
  • Neutral Oil: Helps bind ingredients and ensures moist, tender brownies; opt for light-tasting oils like vegetable or canola for seamless blending.
For Binding and Moisture:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy protein-packed spread that adds nutty richness and helps hold bars together; select natural, unsweetened peanut butter for pure flavor.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help ingredients combine smoothly; fresh, room-temperature eggs create better texture.
For Sweet and Flavor Enhancement:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crispy brownie edges; use granulated white sugar for consistent results.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor profile and complements chocolate and peanut butter; choose pure vanilla extract for best taste.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and thickness for brownie bars; sift to prevent lumps and ensure even mixing.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and provides rich color; use unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa for best results.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavor notes; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Equipment You’ll Need for Brownie Bars

  • Double Boiler or Microwave: Essential for melting chocolate and butter smoothly.
  • Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Key for baking and shaping the brownies perfectly.
  • Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean baking.
  • Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining ingredients and preparing different layers.
  • Whisk: Great for blending eggs, sugar, and creating smooth mixtures.
  • Spatula: Helps in folding batter and spreading layers evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Knife: Used for slicing bars after chilling.

Making Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

  • Chocolate Foundation Layer

Warm up your kitchen and grab your favorite baking pan. Line it with parchment paper that drapes over the sides like a cozy blanket. Melt rich chocolate and creamy butter together until they become a silky, glossy mixture that looks like liquid velvet.

  • Batter Magic

Whip eggs and sugar into a cloud-like foam, blending in smooth vanilla and golden oil. Gently fold this airy mixture into your melted chocolate, creating a batter that promises pure indulgence. Pour this decadent blend into your prepared pan and send it into the oven’s warm embrace.

  • Peanut Butter Clouds

While your chocolate base cools, whip together a dreamy peanut butter filling that’s light as a cloud. Blend until it’s so fluffy it practically dances in your mixing bowl. Spread this creamy layer over your cooled chocolate base like a soft, luxurious blanket.

  • Chocolate Finale

Drizzle a final layer of melted chocolate over your creation, letting it cascade and settle into a smooth, glossy finish. Chill until the layers set into a harmonious, mouthwatering treat that begs to be sliced and savored.

Texture Tips for the Best Brownie Bars

  • Swap out regular cocoa powder for dark cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Replace peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a unique twist that keeps the creamy texture intact.
  • These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 weeks. Wrap individually in plastic wrap for grab-and-go treats anytime.
  • For extra fudgy brownies, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes and ensure you don't overmix the batter when combining ingredients.
  • Sprinkle crushed peanuts, sea salt, or drizzle caramel on top to elevate the visual appeal and add unexpected crunch.

Serving Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

  • Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning dessert display by arranging these brownie bars on a decorative wooden board with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
  • Sweet Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or a rich espresso to complement the decadent chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a homemade gift that will make friends and family smile. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just because.
  • Brunch Star: Add these brownie bars to a weekend brunch spread, cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces to create an irresistible dessert option that guests will love grabbing between savory dishes.
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Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe

Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Indulgent peanut butter brownie bars bring together rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a delectable dessert. Layers of intense flavors create a luxurious treat you’ll crave long after the last crumb disappears.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 120 grams (4.2 oz) granulated sugar
  • 100 grams (3.5 oz) dark chocolate
  • 100 grams (3.5 oz) creamy peanut butter
  • 50 grams (1.8 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 50 grams (1.8 oz) additional chopped dark chocolate for drizzling
  • 30 grams (1 oz) powdered sugar
  • 18 milliliters (0.6 fl oz) neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
  2. Chocolate Base Creation: Melt dark chocolate and butter using double boiler or microwave until smooth. Integrate unsweetened cocoa powder, stirring until uniform.
  3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually blend in cooled chocolate mixture, ensuring complete incorporation.
  4. Batter Assembly: Fold flour and sea salt into chocolate mixture, maintaining a smooth consistency. Transfer batter to prepared pan, leveling surface with a spatula.
  5. Brownie Baking: Bake for 20-22 minutes, preserving a fudgy center. Cool completely at room temperature for approximately one hour.
  6. Peanut Butter Filling: Whip butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy. Create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  7. Filling Application: Spread peanut butter mixture evenly across cooled brownie base. Refrigerate 20-30 minutes to set filling.
  8. Chocolate Glaze Topping: Melt additional dark chocolate with neutral cooking oil until glossy. Pour over chilled peanut butter layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Final Chilling: Refrigerate to set chocolate topping completely, approximately 30-45 minutes. Remove from pan using parchment paper edges.
  10. Serving Preparation: Slice into precise rectangular bars. Store in airtight container in refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Notes

  • Chocolate Quality Matters: Select premium dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for richer, more complex flavor profile.
  • Prevent Dry Brownies: Do not overbake; remove from oven when center still appears slightly underdone to maintain ultimate fudgy texture.
  • Smooth Peanut Butter Tip: Use room temperature ingredients for seamless mixing and lighter filling consistency.
  • Glaze Perfection: Add neutral oil when melting chocolate to achieve glossy, crack-free chocolate topping that sets beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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