Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are the wonderfully decadent, impossibly delicious dessert you need in your life. A bottom layer of fudgey brownie, followed by a later of maple peanut butter, and then top with a layer of more chocolate and a healthy dusting of flaky sea salt. Try one and tell me its not heavenly.
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Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are the stuff of my dreams. They're simple to make, but are so divinely decadent you'll be astounded.
The brownie bar layer is very straight forward. That bakes. The peanut butter layer is easy to do as well. Those two layers go together and cool. While that part goes down, its onto the salted chocolate topping. Pour that over everything and let that cool and you'll have the most wonderful dessert ever. I mean it.
These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars are stuff of legend around here. Make them once and you'll see exactly why! Just don't forget a cup of hot coffee to go with!
ingredients
- Semi-sweet Baking Chocolate Bars
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Flour
- Peanut Butter
- Maple Syrup
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Avocado Oil
how to make brownie bars
The Brownie Bar
As with all of my recipes, this brownie bar recipe is full of flavor AND simple. And, if all you want is a fantastic brownie, just make this step. But, I'm feeling extra today so we're gonna add a couple of layers!
First, melt the butter and baking chocolate on low heat in a small saucepan (or slowly in the microwave) until you have a smooth chocolate mixture. Add this to a large mixing bowl.
Next, add the sugar to the mixing bowl and combine. Then mix in the eggs and vanilla to combine. Fold in the flour and chocolate chips and you have a brownie mix fit for a queen.
Throw this in a preheated 350° oven, in a 9x13 parchment lined baking pan, for about 25-30 minutes. Test it with a toothpick and make sure the toothpick comes away clean after removing from the oven.
Now, on to the next step of our brownie bar adventure!
The Peanut Butter Layer
Not that the brownie layer isn't enough, but why in the world would we stop there? We just gotta add a maple peanut butter layer to our peanut butter brownie bars! We must!
This step is super easy, so don't be intimidated. To a microwave safe measuring cup, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and avocado oil. Heat in the microwave on low, in 30 second increments. The idea here is to just warm and combine everything so that it's spreadable. No need to cook it until it bubbles.
Once the mixture is completely combined, pour over the brownie layer. Using an offset spatula, smooth the peanut butter mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
Now, we have our second layer of the Salted Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie bars complete. Put this in the fridge to cool off for about 30 minutes or so before we move on to step 3!
The Salted Chocolate Top Layer
One more layer until you can enjoy to most decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar you've ever had. And, once again, no worries. This step is super simple!
Grab that microwave safe measuring cup and add the chocolate chips and avocado oil. Again, into the microwave on low, 20-30 second increments until the chocolate is melted and the mixture smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate onto the cooled peanut butter brownie bars and spread. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Put the bars back into the fridge for the chocolate to set up just a bit.
Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a piping hot cup of coffee!
frequently asked questions
What type of peanut butter is the best?
I only use a peanut butter that is made from peanuts and salt. So many brands out there will add things like palm oil that are just bad news. Read your labels and verify you're using good quality nut butter for these Peanut Butter Brownie Bars!
Why do you use salt on sweet things?
Salt enhances the flavor of food. It sounds kind of strange, but I always add kosher salt to my desserts and finish the with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It make chocolate taste more chocolatey. The peanut butter will taste more peanut buttery. I can always tell when a dessert hasn't been salted. Do it. It makes a difference.
How do I store these brownies?
Store the brownies in the fridge. They will stay good for up to a week. When you're ready, remove them from the fridge and cut immediately. They cut better when cold. Enjoy them right away or let them come up to room temp just a bit.
Can I freeze these brownies?
You can freeze the brownie base for up to 3 months. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and then foil. I don't recommend freezing with the peanut butter and chocolate layer.
kitchen essentials
If you guys make these Peanut Butter Brownie Bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Recipe
Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 4 sqaures semi-sweet baking chocolate
- 2 sticks butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 16 oz jar peanut butter use a good quality, peanut only, peanut butter
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup avocado oil
Salted Chocolate Layer
- 1 12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
Brownie Layer
- Melt the butter and baking chocolate in a small saucepan on low heat (or slowly in the microwave) until you have a smooth chocolate mixture. Add this to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sugar to the chocolate mixture and combine. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Fold in the flour and chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour mixture into a parchment paper lined 9x13 pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350° oven 25-30 minutes. Or, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Peanut Butter Layer
- To a microwave safe measuring cup, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and avocado oil. Heat in the microwave on low in 30 second increments until smooth. The idea here is to just warm and combine everything so that it's spreadable.
- Once the mixture completely combined, pour over the bottom brownie later. Using an offset spatula, smooth the peanut butter mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
- Put this into the fridge to cool for about 30 minutes.
The Salted Chocolate Layer
- Grab that microwave safe measuring cup again and add the chocolate chips and avocado oil. Again, into the microwave on low, 30 second increments until the chocolate is melted and the mixture smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the cooled peanut butter brownie bars and spread. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Put the bars back into the fridge for the chocolate to set up just a bit.
- Enjoy with a cup of ice cold milk or a piping hot cup of coffee!
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Peanut Butter Brownie Bars and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links.
Rufus for Real is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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