Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark Recipe

Irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Peanut butter cup brownie bark revamps ordinary dessert expectations into a spectacular sensory experience.

Crisp chocolate layers meld seamlessly with rich, creamy Peanut butter elements for an irresistible combination.

Sweet and crunchy textures dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Intense chocolate undertones complement the nutty, smooth Peanut butter essence perfectly.

Sophisticated yet simple, this bark elevates traditional brownie concepts into something extraordinary.

Homemade dessert enthusiasts will appreciate its effortless preparation and stunning presentation.

This delectable treat promises a mouthwatering adventure that satisfies intense chocolate and Peanut butter cravings.

Why Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark Is a Choco-Lover’s Dream

  • Create Effortless Decadence: This brownie bark transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert with minimal kitchen skills required, making gourmet treats accessible to everyone.
  • Texture Explosion: Experience a delightful contrast between crispy brownie edges, smooth chocolate ganache, and the soft, creamy peanut butter cups that provide an irresistible mouthfeel.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with just 25 minutes of baking time and minimal cleanup.
  • Customize Your Indulgence: The optional sprinkle of coarse salt adds a sophisticated touch, allowing bakers to personalize the dessert and elevate its flavor profile with a simple finishing technique.

Everything That Makes This Bark Crispy, Fudgy, and Rich

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and texture for the brownie bark.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Baking Soda: Helps with brownie rise and creates lighter texture.
Chocolate Components:
  • Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate base with deep flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts and melty texture.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Egg Whites: Creates light and airy brownie texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with brownie consistency.
  • Oil: Ensures moisture and tender crumb in the bark.
  • Vanilla: Adds depth and enhances chocolate flavor.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: For creating smooth chocolate drizzle.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps melt chocolate into silky ganache.
  • Peanut Butter Cups: Adds creamy, nutty flavor contrast.
  • Coarse Salt (Optional): Provides flavor enhancement and texture contrast.

How to Make This Brownie Bark with That Candy Bar Twist

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, spraying both top and bottom for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Baking soda

Whisk until well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Egg White Base

Beat egg whites until they become frothy and light.

Step 4: Create Brownie Batter

Mix into the egg whites:
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Oil
  • Vanilla

Blend on medium speed until smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Combine Batter

Gradually add the flour mixture while mixing on low speed. Gently fold in chocolate chips to distribute evenly.

Step 6: Spread Batter

Transfer batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly from edge to edge.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack while still in the pan.

Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Drizzle

Place chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Heat heavy cream until tiny bubbles form around the edges, then pour over chocolate chips. Cover with aluminum foil and let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 9: Create Chocolate Ganache

Whisk the melted chocolate and cream until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Add Chocolate Topping

Drizzle the chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled brownies.

Step 11: Decorate and Chill

Arrange peanut butter cups on top, gently pressing them into the chocolate. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Chill for 20 minutes to set.

Step 12: Cut and Serve

Carefully lift the brownie bark from the pan using parchment paper. Slice into squares with a large chef’s knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Step 13: Store and Enjoy

Store in a covered container in a cool, dry place. Best enjoyed within 36 hours, though still delicious as they soften.

Tips for Crisp Edges and Gooey Peanut Butter Centers

  • Spread with Precision: Use an offset spatula to evenly distribute the batter, ensuring a consistent thickness across the entire pan for perfect bark texture.
  • Chocolate Melting Magic: Create a smooth ganache by letting the hot cream sit on chocolate chips without stirring, allowing gentle heat to melt everything uniformly.
  • Slice Like a Pro: Wipe your chef's knife clean between cuts with a warm, damp towel to achieve crisp, clean edges without chocolate smearing.
  • Texture Temperature Trick: Let the brownies cool completely before adding chocolate drizzle to prevent melting and maintain distinct layers.
  • Storage Savvy: Keep bark in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to preserve crispness and prevent sticking.

Store This Sweet Treat the Right Way for Crunch and Cream

  • Refrigeration: Store your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Room Temperature: Keep the bark in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight for up to 2 days. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap for convenient grab-and-go snacking.
  • Reheating: Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore slightly melted chocolate texture. Avoid overheating, which can cause the bark to become tough or lose its delicate crisp edges.

Best Pairings for This Sweet and Salty Chocolate Bark

  • Smooth Sip Companion: Pair this decadent brownie bark with a cold glass of milk or a creamy iced latte to balance the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
  • Wine Lover's Delight: Choose a sweet port wine or a robust red like cabernet sauvignon to complement the dessert's intense chocolate notes and nutty undertones.
  • Coffee Enthusiast's Dream: Serve alongside a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to enhance the brownie bark's deep chocolate complexity and bring out its subtle sweetness.
  • Unexpected Refreshment: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful temperature contrast and add a smooth, creamy element to the crunchy bark texture.

Bark Variations That Keep Things Interesting Every Batch

  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Replace peanut butter cups with chopped almonds and drizzle with almond butter for a crunchy, protein-packed variation.
  • Dark Chocolate Cherry Bark: Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks and top with dried cherries for a sophisticated, tangy flavor profile.
  • Salted Caramel Blast: Incorporate caramel sauce between chocolate layers and sprinkle sea salt generously for a sweet-salty sensation.
  • Coconut Chocolate Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the batter and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired treat.
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Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark Recipe

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Peanut butter cup brownie bark delivers ultimate chocolate and peanut butter indulgence with crispy edges and rich interior. Chocolate lovers will savor this irresistible dessert that combines classic flavors in a simple, crunchy treat perfect for sharing.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (like King Arthur)

Chocolate and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients:

  • ½ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 16 peanut butter cups (chopped or whole)
  • Coarse salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 15×10-inch (38×25 centimeters) jelly roll pan or baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring both top and bottom are lightly sprayed for secure placement.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, salt, and baking soda using a whisk until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until they become light and frothy with soft peaks.
  4. Incorporate sugar, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the beaten egg whites, mixing on medium speed until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
  5. Gradually introduce the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly from edge to edge, creating an even layer.
  7. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack while still in the pan.
  8. Place chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl for the ganache preparation.
  9. Warm heavy cream over low heat until small bubbles form around the edges, then carefully pour over the chocolate chips. Cover with aluminum foil and let sit for 5 minutes to allow chocolate to melt.
  10. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until a smooth ganache forms, then drizzle evenly across the cooled brownie surface.
  11. Strategically arrange peanut butter cups on top of the ganache, gently pressing them to ensure they adhere. Optional: Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for added flavor complexity.
  12. Refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes to set the ganache and slightly firm the surface.
  13. Using the parchment paper, carefully lift the brownie bark from the pan. Slice into squares using a large chef’s knife, cleaning the blade between cuts to maintain clean edges.
  14. Store leftovers in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. Consume within 36 hours for optimal texture and flavor, though they remain enjoyable even as the texture softens.

Notes

  • Perfectly crisp edges meet soft, chewy centers in this decadent dessert that transforms classic brownies into an irresistible bark.
  • Chocolate and peanut butter create an epic flavor combination that feels like a luxurious candy bar meets homemade treat.
  • Melted chocolate drizzle adds elegant sophistication, turning simple brownies into a professional-looking dessert anyone can master.
  • Coarse salt sprinkle provides a surprising burst of flavor contrast that elevates the entire sweet experience.
  • Smooth ganache technique ensures silky chocolate coating that binds all ingredients into a cohesive, mouthwatering masterpiece.
  • Quick preparation and minimal cleanup make this recipe perfect for spontaneous baking adventures or last-minute dessert cravings.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: <2g
  • Cholesterol: <1mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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