Layered Peanut Butter Brownies (Printable)

Fudgy brownies with creamy peanut butter layer and chocolate ganache topping

# Ingredient List:

→ For the 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

→ For the 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

→ For the Chocolate Ganache

13 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

# How to Make:

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 Tips:

01 -
  • The fudgy brownie base is ridiculously rich without being heavy
  • That peanut butter layer adds this creamy, salty contrast that makes chocolate sing
  • They look impressive but come together with mostly pantry staples
02 -
  • Cutting these when they're fully chilled gives you those clean, professional-looking squares
  • The brownie layer should be completely cool before adding peanut butter or it'll melt and slide
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the ganache from seizing when you pour it
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for perfect squares
  • Use an offset spatula to spread each layer—it gives you that smooth, professional finish

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