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Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

Decadent layered bars featuring a rich brownie base, a creamy peanut butter layer, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for any dessert lover!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20 Bars

Ingredients
  

For the Brownie Layer:

  • - 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • - 1 cup granulated sugar
  • - 1 cup brown sugar
  • - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • - 4 large eggs
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • - ½ teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

  • - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • - ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • - 2 cups powdered sugar
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 2-3 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

  • - 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • - ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • - In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
  • - Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • - Add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • - Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • - Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
  • - In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • - Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well.
  • - Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is spreadable but not too thin.
  • - Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled brownies. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the ganache.
  • - In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling).
  • - Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
  • - Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy.
  • - Pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.
  • - Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until the layers are set.
  • - Once chilled, cut into squares or rectangles. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, wiping it with a warm, damp cloth between slices.
Keyword Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, Layered Brownies, Dessert Bars