Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe

Name: Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt

Published: June 10, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are incredibly easy to make, perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s hard to resist
Visually, they are a chocolate lover’s dream, with their rich color and glossy finish
Versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack or dessert, these bars fit any occasion perfectly

I remember the first time I made these bars; my friends couldn’t get enough! The laughter and joy were contagious as we devoured them together.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your brownies; sift it well for an airy texture.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor without added sugar. For more inspiration, check out this Oreo Chocolate Cake recipe.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; go for dark brown for extra caramel notes.
Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the final product.
Peanut Butter: Choose creamy peanut butter for smoothness or crunchy if you prefer some texture.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully; opt for pure extract if possible.
Baking Powder: This helps your brownies rise slightly while maintaining their fudginess.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your brownie batter. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the batter.

Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter until bubbly but not burnt. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until fully blended; it should look glossy and inviting.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time into the buttery sugar mixture while mixing vigorously. Then add in vanilla extract and blend until creamy and smooth.

Fold in Peanut Butter: Gently fold in creamy peanut butter into your batter until fully incorporated. You want those luscious swirls to remain visible for aesthetic appeal.

Pour into Baking Pan: Transfer your rich brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan evenly using a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay!).

Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove from oven and allow cooling completely before cutting into squares. This step can feel like torture but trust me, it’s worth it!

Enjoy Your Bars: Serve these decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bars with ice cream or just by themselves, either way, you’re in for a treat! refreshing mango yogurt pops.

You Must Know

Peanut butter brownie bars are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter
They are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and are easy to bake
The aroma of these bars wafting through your kitchen will have everyone lining up for a taste

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ones. This sequence ensures a smooth batter and even baking throughout.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular flour for almond flour for a gluten-free option. Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store your peanut butter brownie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to regain their gooey goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps the brownies fudgy and moist
Use high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor significantly
Let the bars cool completely before cutting them for clean edges and perfect squares

Sharing this recipe reminds me of the time I brought these peanut butter brownie bars to a family gathering. delicious fruit dip recipe I barely got a bite before they vanished, proving how irresistible they are!

FAQ

Can I use natural peanut butter in these brownie bars?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter adds a lovely flavor, though it may alter texture slightly.

How do I know when my brownie bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I freeze leftover peanut butter brownie bars?

Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

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