Just made these incredible Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars! If you’re a chocolate lover, get ready to fall head over heels for these rich, gooey delights. Combining the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, these bars are the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a sweet treat for the family, or just want to spoil yourself, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
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 butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Directions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Mix Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Chocolate and Sugar Mixtures: Add the melted chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
Sift and Fold: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and fold until just combined.
Layer the Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter.
Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer and gently spread it to cover.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Make 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.
Finish: 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.
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? A: Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter taste, milk chocolate can be a great substitute.
Q: How should I store these bars? A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
Q: Can I freeze these brownies? A: Yes, you can! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q: What if I don’t have a microwave? A: You can melt the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler over medium heat.
Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter butter? A: Sure thing! If you like a bit of texture, chunky peanut butter will add a nice crunch.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are a dream come true for any dessert lover. Rich, gooey, and packed with the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, they’re perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly they disappear from the table!