Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut Butter Bars are a classic dessert that is easy to make! These triple-layered bars have brownies, peanut butter, and a delicious chocolate ganache.

If the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate makes your mouth water, be sure to try our Peanut Butter Mousse, Chocolate Cookies with Peanut Butter Frosting, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream.

My husband’s very favorite dessert is peanut butter cup brownies – I make them for all his favorite celebrations – his birthday, Father’s Day, occasionally on Valentine’s Day, etc. !

Last week I was playing around with a brownie recipe and ended up adding a peanut butter layer and a chocolate ganache… they were amazing!!!

So delicious, in fact, that my husband informed me he would be totally happy if I wanted to put these little treats in his holiday rotation!

The chocolate brownie was perfectly paired with a creamy peanut butter, and the chocolate ganache added just enough rich chocolaty flavor to make them over-the-top AMAZING!

Here is the easy recipe –

How To Make Peanut Butter Bars

This recipe makes a full jelly-roll pan, but if you don’t need to feed your neighbors, just cut it in half and cook it in a 9 X 13 baking dish.

INGREDIENTS –

for the brownies

• 4 ounces baking chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour (use a Gluten Free substitute if you need them to be GF) 

for the peanut butter layer

• 3 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 10 tablespoons butter
• pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons milk

for the chocolate ganache

• 3 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (60% cacao) 
• 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS –

Prep. Pre-heat the oven to 350º and line a 12×17 baking pan with parchment paper.

Make the Brownies.

1. Melt butter the butter and chocolate in a glass bowl in the microwave for one minute. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted. 
2. Add the 2 cups of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and stir to combine.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well, then add the flour, stirring to combine. 

Bake. Pour batter into the 12X17 baking pan and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Be careful not to overcook. Let the brownies cool completely. 

Make the Peanut Butter Layer

1. Place the butter in the microwave and heat until it is melted.
2. Add the butter and peanut butter to the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat for 30 seconds on medium speed until the peanut butter and butter are mixed together.
3. Add the powdered sugar and stir until the sugar is incorporated.
4. Add a pinch of salt and milk. Stir on low until the milk is incorporated. If the mixture seems too stiff, add another 1/2 tablespoon of milk.
5. Spread the peanut butter mixture over the brownies.

Make the Chocolate Ganache Layer

1. Place the chocolate chips and whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute and 15 seconds. Whisk to combine. 

Put it all together.

1. Pour the ganache over the top of the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. 
2. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for several minutes or overnight to let the ganache set.
3. Slice into squares with a disposible plastic knife and enjoy!!!

These are definitely not for your friend that complains of desserts being too rich, in fact, I wouldn’t recommend these without having a tall glass of milk on hand!

Storage. Store any leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD AND THE NUTRITION INFORMATION FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –