Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Brownie Bars combine rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for an irresistible treat. Made with a fudgy brownie base and topped with a luscious peanut butter buttercream, they’re perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 Family Sized Box of Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
• Eggs (amount according to the brownie mix package)
• Oil (amount according to the brownie mix package)
• 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
• 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 batch of The Best Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting (see linked recipe)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on the box. Stir in 1 cup of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips to add extra flavor and texture.
2. Step 2: Pour the batter into a greased 13″ x 9″ pan and bake as directed. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
3. Step 3: While the brownies cool, prepare The Best Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting following the linked recipe. When ready, spread a thick layer evenly over the cooled brownies.
4. Step 4: (Optional) Melt 1/2 cup of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips in a microwave-safe plastic bag by heating in short bursts. Cut a tiny corner off the bag and drizzle the melted chocolate over the frosted bars. Let the drizzle harden before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite brownie mix if you prefer, but choosing one with extra chocolate chips enhances the chocolate flavor.
• To make cleanup easier, line your baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
• For a nut-free version, omit the peanut butter chips and frosting and substitute with a vanilla buttercream.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare The Best Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it back to room temperature before spreading on the brownies.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of peanut butter chips?

Natural peanut butter has a different texture and moisture content, so it’s best to use peanut butter chips for the mix-ins and frosting to maintain the proper consistency and flavor balance.

Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 137 reviews

Delicious and rich Peanut Butter Brownie Bars featuring double chocolate brownies loaded with Reese’s peanut butter chips, topped with a thick layer of creamy peanut butter buttercream frosting, and optionally drizzled with melted semi-sweet chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Base

• 1 Family Sized Box of Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
• Eggs (as required according to the brownie mix box instructions)
• Oil (as required according to the brownie mix box instructions)
• 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips

Topping

• 1 batch of The Best Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
• 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for optional drizzle)

Instructions

1. Prepare Brownie Batter: Follow the instructions on the Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix box to prepare the brownie batter, adding the required eggs and oil as specified. Once mixed, fold in 1 cup of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips evenly into the batter.
2. Bake Brownies: Pour the prepared brownie batter into a greased 13″ x 9″ baking pan. Bake according to the timing and temperature recommended on the brownie mix package. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
3. Make Peanut Butter Frosting: While the brownies cool, prepare a batch of The Best Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting, which is rich, thick, and packed with peanut butter flavor. (Refer to the specific recipe for this frosting.)
4. Frost Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, spread a generous and even layer of the peanut butter buttercream frosting over the top of the brownies using an offset spatula or knife.
5. Optional Chocolate Drizzle: For an enhanced presentation and flavor, melt 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips by placing them in a plastic bag and microwaving in short intervals until smooth. Carefully snip a very small corner of the bag and drizzle the melted chocolate over the frosted brownie bars. Let the chocolate drizzle set and harden before cutting and serving.

Notes

• Be sure to allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• The optional chocolate drizzle adds a decorative touch and extra chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired.
• Using a family-sized boxed brownie mix makes this recipe quick and easy.
• The peanut butter buttercream frosting recipe is key to achieving the rich peanut butter flavor and creamy texture for this dessert.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Brownie Bars, Peanut Butter Frosting, Chocolate Brownies, Ghirardelli Brownie Mix, Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips, Dessert Bars, Chocolate Drizzle