Peanut butter brownie bars are an irresistible treat that tantalize your taste buds with their rich flavors and chewy texture. Imagine biting into a warm, fudgy brownie infused with creamy peanut butter, creating a delightful dance of sweetness and nuttiness in every mouthful. For more inspiration, check out this helpful cooking tips recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How long do Peanut Butter Brownie Bars last?
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
- What can I serve with Peanut Butter Brownie Bars?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These brownie bars evoke memories of cozy afternoons spent baking with friends, the air filled with laughter and the intoxicating aroma of melting chocolate. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet pick-me-up, they promise an experience that will leave you craving more. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious desserts recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These peanut butter brownie bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an indulgent flavor that everyone loves
- Visually stunning with their glossy finish, they look as good as they taste
- Versatile enough for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress at parties or family gatherings
I once brought these to a potluck, and let’s just say I left with empty hands and a lot of new friends.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is essential for that rich chocolate flavor; opt for high-quality cocoa for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is vital! Use regular sugar to balance the cocoa’s bitterness perfectly.
- Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and depth; light or dark works well depending on your preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients; sift it to avoid lumps for a smooth batter.
- Eggs: They provide structure; use large eggs for consistency in baking.
- Butter: Unsalted is preferred; melting it enhances the texture and flavor of your brownie bars.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy or chunky adds delightful richness; choose your favorite brand for the best taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip this step!
- Baking Powder: Just a pinch helps these brownies rise slightly while keeping them dense and fudgy.
- Salt: A little salt balances the sweetness perfectly; it’s like a secret ingredient!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt Butter and Peanut Butter Together: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Stir gently until fully combined, then remove from heat.
Add Sugars and Eggs**: Mix in granulated sugar and brown sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the mixture becomes glossy.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients**: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep those lovely chewy textures intact!
Pour Batter into Pan**: Spread half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. With the remaining batter, swirl in spoonfuls of additional peanut butter for extra flavor—your future self will thank you!
Bake Until Perfect**: Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. You want that gooey center, so don’t overbake!
Let these decadent peanut butter brownie bars cool before slicing into squares. Trust me; they’re worth every second of anticipation!
Enjoy sharing these treats with family or savoring them solo while binge-watching your favorite show.
You Must Know
- Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are not just a treat; they embody the perfect harmony of flavors
- The rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter make them irresistible
- These bars are great for sharing but even better for sneaking away with all by yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients first, then combine them with wet ingredients for smooth batter. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in almond butter or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Peanut Butter Brownie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them warm later, just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve fudgy brownie bars, avoid overmixing the batter
- Letting the bars cool completely enhances their flavor and texture
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates these treats to gourmet status!
Sharing my first experience making these Peanut Butter Brownie Bars is a cherished memory; my friends devoured them and dubbed me a “dessert wizard” that day!
FAQ
How long do Peanut Butter Brownie Bars last?
They can last up to one week if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture to your brownie bars.
What can I serve with Peanut Butter Brownie Bars?
Pair them with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Satisfy your sweet cravings with these decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bars. Rich, fudgy, and infused with creamy peanut butter, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo. Experience the delightful balance of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter until smooth; remove from heat.
- Mix in granulated sugar and brown sugar until well blended, then add eggs one at a time, whisking until glossy.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt; stir gently until just combined to maintain chewy texture.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Swirl in spoonfuls of additional peanut butter before adding the remaining batter on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean; avoid overbaking for gooey centers.
- Let cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bar (approximately 55g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg