Decadent Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Bars: The Ultimate Homemade Treat

Prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable dessert experience! These **Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Bars** are not just a treat; they’re an obsession for anyone who considers themselves a serious chocolate and peanut butter enthusiast. Imagine layers of rich, fudgy brownie, creamy, sweet peanut butter, and a smooth, luxurious chocolate ganache, all coming together in one perfect bite. This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a culinary journey that started with a happy accident and ended in pure dessert bliss.

The Sweet Origin: A Food Network Discovery

The story of these incredible bars actually begins with a delightful discovery, a testament to the magic of television and a little bit of fate. This particular recipe isn’t my original creation, but rather a loving adaptation inspired by the talented Anne Thornton from her captivating show, Dessert First, which aired on the Food Network.

As a huge fan of my DVR, I often rely on it to catch up on my favorite programs, skip commercials, and discover new content. One day, while searching for something entirely different, I accidentally typed in the wrong letter. What seemed like a simple mistake turned out to be one of the best culinary detours I’ve ever taken. That’s how I stumbled upon Anne Thornton and her incredible show, “Dessert First.” For those curious, you might find her archived episodes on Food Network; she used to air Saturday mornings at 7:30 am.

From the moment I watched her very first show, I was completely hooked. It was an episode entirely dedicated to chocolate – a dream come true for any chocolate lover! Anne took a fundamental brownie recipe, elevated it to decadent heights, and then presented three innovative ways to take it even further. My daughter and I sat glued to the screen, practically drooling as we watched every step. It was immediately clear: we *had* to make these bars.

From Screen to Kitchen: My Adaptation Process

Now, I have a confession to make – and please, don’t judge me! Being a natural blonde (the hair color just helps cover up the encroaching grays, you know), I sometimes take the less conventional route. Instead of doing the sensible thing and simply looking up Anne’s recipe online (which would have been much easier!), I opted for the old-fashioned way. I re-watched the episode, pen and paper in hand, meticulously jotting down Anne’s directions for both the brownies and the peanut butter layer. It felt like a fun challenge, and I was determined to get it right!

I believe my version came pretty darn close to her original vision. For those who prefer to cross-reference, Anne’s true recipe is famously known as Fudgy Salty Peanut Butter Brownies. Whatever the name, the outcome is pure bliss!

Here’s what I did, and I think you’ll agree it resulted in a truly spectacular homemade dessert. These bars embody the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, from the dense, chewy brownie to the creamy, slightly salty peanut butter, all topped with a glossy, rich chocolate ganache. It’s an experience for all your senses.

The Recipe: Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Bars

Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Bars

Rating: 4/5 stars (1 review)

Ingredients

Brownie Layer

• 1 1/4 stick unsalted butter (10 Tbsp)
• 1 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup cocoa
• 1 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for the brownie batter)

Peanut Butter Layer

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 Tbsp softened, unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 Tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup salted cocktail peanuts (for topping)

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
• 5 Tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brownie Batter: Melt butter in a double boiler. Add sugar and cocoa, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well blended and smooth.
2. Remove the double boiler from heat. Carefully add in vanilla, then one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be mindful not to cook the eggs; the residual heat should be enough to incorporate them without scrambling.
3. Add the flour to the mixture and beat for approximately 45 strokes until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Finally, fold in the 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
4. Bake the Brownie Layer: Spread the thick brownie batter evenly into a 9×13 inch pan lined with parchment paper. Ensure it reaches all corners.
5. Bake in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let the brownie cool completely in the pan.
6. Create the Peanut Butter Layer: In a separate bowl, cream together the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. The mixture will be quite stiff at this point. Add vanilla and then slowly add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a thick but easily spreadable texture.
7. Once the brownie layer is completely cooled, carefully spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top.
8. Sprinkle the salted cocktail peanuts generously over the peanut butter layer. Gently press them into the peanut butter to ensure they adhere well.
9. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a clean double boiler, melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips with 5 tablespoons of butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious ganache over the peanut butter and peanut layers, spreading it evenly to cover the entire pan.
10. Chill and Serve: Place the entire pan of bars into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm and set. This allows all the layers to meld together perfectly.

Notes

Recipe inspiration from ChocolateChocolateandmore.com, originally adapted from Anne Thornton’s “Dessert First.”

Did you make this recipe?

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Expert Tips for Perfect Bars

Using parchment paper is a game-changer when making these layered bars! Not only does it make clean-up a breeze, but it also allows for easy removal of the entire slab of bars from the pan. Once chilled, simply lift the parchment paper out, transfer the firm bars to a cutting board, and cut them into your desired size. This ensures clean, neat slices every time, making presentation effortless.

When melting butter and cocoa for the brownie layer, remember that consistency is key. A double boiler helps prevent scorching and ensures a smooth, well-blended base. For the peanut butter layer, achieving the right spreadable texture is crucial. Adding milk slowly, just a tablespoon at a time, will help you reach that perfect consistency without making it too runny. And don’t forget the ganache – melting chocolate chips with butter creates a beautiful, glossy finish that sets up perfectly in the fridge.

(Don’t judge me, I got these amazing peanuts at an event the day before with my son, and they were perfect for this recipe!)

The Ultimate Indulgence: A Taste Beyond Words

Let me be clear: these **Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Bars** are absolutely not for the faint of heart or those with a mild sweet tooth. They are an intensely rich and decadent dessert, designed for serious chocolate and peanut butter aficionados. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures – the dense, chewy brownie, the smooth, slightly salty peanut butter, and the luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate ganache, all complemented by the satisfying crunch of salted peanuts.

You’ll definitely want a tall glass of cold milk to accompany these bars. One bar might seem enough at first, given its richness, but I guarantee you’ll find yourself reaching for another slice. They are truly too good for words, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will leave you completely satisfied. Prepare to be amazed!

A Heartfelt Thank You

I hope I’ve given full and proper credit where it’s due. As I mentioned from the very beginning, this wonderful concept is not my original recipe. My deepest gratitude goes to Anne Thornton and Dessert First. Their inspiring show is now a staple on my DVR, recording every week. A huge thank you to the Food Network for providing Anne Thornton (and subsequently, me!) with the incredible opportunity to share such delicious and creative dessert ideas.

Craving More Amazing Bar Recipes?

If you’ve enjoyed these decadent brownie bars, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more incredible bar recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings and expand your baking repertoire. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and irresistible charm.

Final Thoughts on These Irresistible Bars

These Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They represent the joy of discovery, the fun of a baking challenge, and the pure bliss of indulging in a perfectly crafted dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, clear your schedule, and prepare to create a truly memorable treat that serious chocolate and peanut butter lovers will adore!