Ingredients
- Brownie Base:
- ½ cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cocoa powder (60–70% cocoa, Dutch-processed preferred)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (about 6 ounces)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for shine)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and dark chocolate together. Stir until smooth.
- Add brown sugar and stir until glossy. Whisk in eggs and vanilla extract until thickened.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir just until combined without overmixing.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
- Peanut Butter Layer: In a bowl, beat together peanut butter and softened butter until fluffy. Add vanilla and salt (if using), then gradually mix in powdered sugar until thick and spreadable.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled brownie base. Chill for 15–30 minutes.
- Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate in a bowl and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in butter and salt if using.
- Let ganache cool for 5–10 minutes, then pour over the chilled peanut butter layer. Spread evenly. Chill for at least 1 hour until set.
- Slice into 16 squares and serve!
Notes
- Use a boxed brownie mix if short on time. Add 2 eggs for extra moisture before baking.
- Let each layer cool or chill properly before adding the next for best results.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
