Name: Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons; 6 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 3 large eggs; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces whipped topping; 1/4 cup melted chocolate bark (optional)

Print Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you adore the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These brownies are incredibly moist and fudgy on the inside, with a luscious peanut butter cream cheese topping that adds a smooth, dreamy contrast. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that deliver complex flavors you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There's a full white scalloped bowl filled with light beige flour in the top left, a white plate holding a rectangular block of pale yellow butter below it, and two white eggs placed near the center. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with dark brown chocolate chips in front, a small white bowl with amber-colored vanilla extract above it, and a glass container filled with rich brown cocoa powder. A large rectangular dark chocolate bar is placed near the upper right. Two small blue bowls with salt and baking soda are positioned throughout. At the bottom right, a light blue measuring spoon holds smooth orange peanut butter, and nearby, a white bowl contains soft white cream. A white bowl with powdered sugar sits near the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these brownies truly unforgettable. Each item in this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe has a role that enhances the texture, flavor, or appearance of the final dish, making sure every bite is pure magic.

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, sliced into tablespoons): Melts beautifully with the chocolate to create that decadent brownie base.
Semi-sweet baking bar (6 ounces, chopped): Adds a deep chocolate flavor that balances perfectly with peanut butter.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings out warm, sweet undertones that elevate the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Creates the structure for the brownies, keeping them perfect for cutting.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter evenly and ensures the right texture.
Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making these brownies irresistibly tender.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Boosts the cocoa intensity without overpowering.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the brownies rise just enough for a soft yet fudgy crumb.
Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors while balancing sweetness.
Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and add richness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Melt into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): A creamy, tangy base for the peanut butter topping.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the topping smoothly without graininess.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds that unmistakable nutty flavor that makes these brownies stand out.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Complements the peanut butter in the topping with a gentle sweetness.
Whipped topping (8 ounces): Lightens the cream cheese and peanut butter mix into a fluffy finish.
Chocolate bark (1/4 cup melted, optional): For drizzling over the top and adding a beautiful final touch.

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Melt Chocolate

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, then spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Next, melt together the butter and chopped semi-sweet baking bar using the microwave in short bursts, stirring often. This melt provides the rich, fudgy base of your brownies, so it’s important to get it perfectly smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt. These dry ingredients bring the right balance of sweetness, texture, and chocolate flavor that form the structure of your Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Chocolate Mixture

With the mixer on low speed, add your eggs one at a time, blending them fully before adding the next. Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for two minutes, scraping down the sides to ensure everything is incorporated. Slowly drizzle the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the batter on low speed until just combined. This slow addition helps keep the batter luscious and thick.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Bake

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute pockets of melty chocolate throughout. Press this dense, fudgy batter evenly into your prepared pan using your hands or a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is set and no longer glossy, with slightly puffed edges. If you want extra confidence, an internal temperature of 165°F indicates they are perfectly baked.

Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Topping

After the brownies have cooled completely on a wire rack, whip up the topping by beating the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until silky. Fold in the whipped topping slowly, ensuring the mixture is light and streak-free. Spread this luscious peanut butter layer evenly over the brownies and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Once chilled, use the foil to lift the entire block of brownies from the pan. Cut them into bars and, if you like, drizzle melted chocolate bark over the top for an elegant finish. These Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe treats are ready to wow anyone who takes a bite!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

The image shows a rectangular cake with one thick layer of light brown creamy frosting evenly spread over the top. The frosting has a smooth texture with visible swirls and soft peaks, giving it a slightly wavy pattern. The cake sits on a single sheet of light brown parchment paper, which contrasts with the white marbled surface beneath it. The sides of the cake are slightly uneven but covered completely by the frosting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is how customizable it is at serving time. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts for an added crunch, or scatter mini chocolate chips across the top for extra bursts of chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream or a handful of Reese’s Pieces also turn these brownies into a spectacular dessert centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries or sliced bananas also complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate layers, adding a fresh contrast to each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, consider cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and placing each on a decorative paper liner. You can also layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and crushed cookies for a show-stopping layered dessert. These Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe bars are as versatile as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover brownies tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy this fabulous Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies whole or cut into individual pieces. Wrap them well in plastic wrap followed by foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. When wrapped properly, they’ll last up to three months without losing their decadent flavor and creamy topping.

Reheating

To enjoy the brownies just like fresh, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer them warm, microwave single servings for about 15-20 seconds—but be careful not to overheat, so the peanut butter topping stays perfectly creamy and not runny.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture to the topping, giving a little extra bite. Just keep in mind the topping may be slightly less smooth, but it’s delicious either way.

Is it necessary to chill the brownies before serving?

Yes, chilling sets the peanut butter cream cheese topping so it holds its shape when sliced. It also helps the flavors meld together, making each bite more harmonious and satisfying.

Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate?

Yes, dark chocolate works wonderfully in this recipe and will provide a richer, slightly more intense chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

How can I make the brownies more fudgy?

To increase fudginess, slightly reduce the flour or bake for a couple of minutes less, just until the edges set but the center still looks slightly underdone. The chilling step also enhances the fudgy texture.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure all other ingredients, like baking soda and chocolate chips, are labeled gluten-free for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is a delightful treat that combines two fan-favorite flavors in one decadent dessert. From the fudgy chocolate base to the creamy peanut butter topping, each layer is crafted for maximum enjoyment. I encourage you to try making these brownies for your next get-together or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you do, this will be one recipe you come back to again and again!