Layered Peanut Butter Brownies (Printable)
Fudgy brownies layered with creamy peanut butter and chocolate ganache for the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter treat.
# Ingredient List:
→ Brownie Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Peanut Butter Layer
08 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 cup powdered sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Pinch of salt
→ Chocolate Ganache
13 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until well combined. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
03 - Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan.
04 - In a medium bowl, beat together peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled brownie base. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
05 - Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly, then pour and spread over the peanut butter layer.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set. Lift brownies from the pan using parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The fudgy brownie base stays incredibly moist even after days in the fridge
- Each layer brings a different texture from chewy to creamy to silky smooth
02 -
- Cool the brownie base completely before adding the peanut butter layer or it will melt
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the ganache from seizing and becoming grainy
03 -
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter for deeper chocolate flavor
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the ganache before it sets for a sophisticated finish