Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bars

$To make Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bars, you will need a few key ingredients. Each one plays a part in making these bars rich and tasty. - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter - 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for topping) - Sea salt for sprinkling (optional) You start with unsalted butter to keep the salt level just right. The sugars add sweetness and help make the bars chewy. Eggs bind everything together, while vanilla gives a warm flavor. Next, you have flour and cocoa powder, which create the brownie base. Salt and baking powder help the bars rise and balance the sweet taste. Peanut butter adds a creamy richness, and mini peanut butter cups bring in fun bites of flavor. You can top the bars with chocolate chips for extra richness and a sprinkle of sea salt adds a nice touch. Each ingredient is important to create a bite that is rich and decadent. Happy baking! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. 3. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. 4. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until combined. 5. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet mix. Stop when no dry bits remain. 1. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared dish. Spread it evenly to form your base layer. 2. Warm the peanut butter slightly if needed. This makes it easier to spread. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the brownie base and spread gently. 3. Sprinkle the chopped mini peanut butter cups over the peanut butter layer. This adds tasty surprises in each bite. 4. Next, pour the remaining brownie batter over the top. Use a spatula to cover the peanut butter cups completely. 5. If you want an extra treat, sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the final layer. 1. Bake the brownie bars for 25-30 minutes. Check if they are done by looking for set edges and a soft center. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. 2. Once baked, take the dish out and let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. For extra flavor, sprinkle some sea salt on top. 3. Carefully lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars. To make the best brownie bars, avoid over-mixing your batter. When you mix the dry and wet ingredients, stir just until you see no dry bits. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies, which is not what we want. Checking for doneness is key. Bake your bars for 25-30 minutes. Look for edges that are set while the center is still soft. A toothpick test helps here. If it comes out with some moist crumbs, you are good to go! Presentation matters! For an attractive display, stack your brownie bars on a tiered cake stand. You can also arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe. Garnishing can add a fun touch. Try adding extra mini peanut butter cups on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a sweet look that draws the eye. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and peanut butter are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, leading to a smoother texture. Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can result in dense brownies. Check for Doneness: For perfectly fudgy brownies, remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly underbaked; it will continue to cook as it cools. Store Properly: To keep your brownie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. {{image_4}} You can make these peanut butter cup brownie bars even more exciting! Here are a few ideas: - Using different nut butters: Swap creamy peanut butter for almond or cashew butter. Each nut butter brings its own unique flavor. Almond butter adds a slight sweetness. Cashew butter is creamy and mild. These swaps can change the taste while keeping it rich and delicious. - Adding flavored chocolate chips: Consider using flavored chocolate chips, like mint or caramel. These can elevate the flavors. Just toss them into the batter with the mini peanut butter cups. It’s a simple way to create a fun twist on this classic treat. I know some of you may have special dietary needs. Here are options to make these brownie bars fit your lifestyle: - Gluten-free substitutions: To make these brownie bars gluten-free, switch the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works cup-for-cup. This will keep the texture light and fluffy. You won’t miss the gluten at all! - Vegan alternatives for the recipe: To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use a plant-based butter and vegan chocolate chips. These simple swaps will make your bars friendly for everyone! To keep your brownie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a warm place, I recommend refrigerating them. This keeps the bars cool and tasty for up to a week. If you want to enjoy these brownie bars later, freezing works well. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag. These bars can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, take the bars out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked taste! You can check if the brownies are done by looking at the edges. They should be set, while the center stays slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center may come out with a few moist crumbs. This means they are ready! Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you like extra texture. It adds a fun crunch to each bite. Just make sure to mix it in well so it spreads evenly. To cut brownies neatly, let them cool completely. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. You can also chill the brownies in the fridge for easier slicing. Absolutely! These peanut butter cup brownie bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in an airtight container. If stored properly at room temperature, they last about 3-4 days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. Freezing extends their life for about 2-3 months. You learned how to make tasty brownie bars step by step. We covered ingredients, preparation, baking, and cooling. I shared tips to perfect your bars and how to store leftovers properly. You can swap flavors and meet dietary needs, too. Remember, a simple recipe can lead to delicious treats. Enjoy your baking adventure and savor each bite!$

Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bars

Rich and fudgy brownie bars layered with creamy peanut butter and mini peanut butter cups.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
1 pinch sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to facilitate easy removal after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Incorporate the eggs into the mixture one by one, ensuring to mix thoroughly after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid over-mixing to keep your brownies tender.
Carefully pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to form a base layer.
In a small bowl, if needed, warm the peanut butter slightly with a touch of the melted butter to make it more spreadable. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie base, spreading it gently to create an even layer.
Scatter the chopped mini peanut butter cups evenly over the peanut butter layer for delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.
Gently pour the remaining brownie batter over the top, using a spatula to ensure the mini peanut butter cups are completely covered.
If you love a rich chocolatey finish, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the final layer of brownie batter.
Bake the assembled brownie bars in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the edges are set while the center remains soft (a toothpick inserted may come out with a few moist crumbs).
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the brownie bars to cool in the pan for approximately 20 minutes. Optionally, right before they cool completely, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a contrasting flavor.
Carefully lift the cooled brownies out of the pan by pulling on the parchment overhang. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

For a stunning display, serve the brownie bars stacked on a tiered cake stand or arrange them on a rustic wooden board.

Keyword brownies, dessert, peanut butter