Description
Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies feature a rich, fudgy chocolate base topped with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese frosting. These brownies combine the intense flavors of semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder with the smoothness of peanut butter, finished with an optional drizzle of melted chocolate bark for an irresistible treat perfect for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 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
Topping
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced butter and chopped semi-sweet baking chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Mix briefly to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Add Eggs: On low speed, add the eggs one at a time into the dry ingredients, mixing after each addition until incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the batter for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Reduce speed to low and gradually pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Spread Batter: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing. The batter will be very thick. Using your hands or a spatula, press the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is set, no longer glossy, and edges slightly puffed. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) indicates doneness. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Topping: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Incorporate the peanut butter and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain and the mixture is smooth.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the peanut butter cream cheese topping evenly over the cooled brownies. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Serve: Use the foil to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into 15 bars and optionally drizzle with melted chocolate bark. Serve plain or with extra toppings such as whipped cream, chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or Reese’s pieces. Enjoy!
Notes
- Microwaving the butter and chocolate in short intervals prevents burning and ensures smooth melting.
- Using foil to line the pan makes it easier to lift the brownies out for cutting.
- Allowing the frosting to set in the fridge enhances flavor and texture.
- Internal temperature for perfectly baked brownies is 165°F (74°C).
- Optional toppings provide extra texture and flavor customization.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
