Layered Peanut Butter Brownies (Printable Version)

Fudgy chocolate base with creamy peanut butter filling and silky chocolate ganache topping

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

→ 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

→ Chocolate Ganache

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until combined. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined.
03 - Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely in pan.
04 - Beat peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over cooled brownie base. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set.
05 - Place chocolate chips in heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
06 - Pour ganache over peanut butter layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate at least 1 hour until set. Lift brownies using parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The brownie layer stays fudgy for days, never dry or cakey
  • That peanut butter middle is like eating a cloud made of dessert
  • The ganache sets up perfectly firm but still melts on your tongue
02 -
  • Let the brownies cool completely before adding the peanut butter layer or it will melt
  • The ganache needs to cool slightly but still be pourable, about 10 minutes
  • Use a hot knife to cut clean squares, wiping it clean between each cut
03 -
  • Chill the peanut butter layer for exactly 30 minutes so the ganache sits on top rather than mixing in
  • A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the ganache before it sets makes them taste extra fancy

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