These peanut butter brownies are a rich chocolate base topped with peanut butter frosting and a layer of fudge. A dessert that looks fancy but is actually super easy to make!
If you’re into peanut butter cups, you will adore these decadent brownies! Serve them alongside other sweet treats like blondies for a fabulous dessert spread.
I’m just gonna come out and say it. These peanut butter brownies start with a mix. But then they’re topped with a rich and creamy layer of peanut butter frosting, fudge AND chocolate sprinkles. They’re pretty much the ultimate brownie for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. So excuse the use of a mix and read on, because you are going to want to make this recipe.
How to make peanut butter brownies
This first step to making your peanut butter brownies is to prepare the brownie mix as directed on the package. You can bake your brownies in either a 9″x 9″ or 9″x”13 pan, depending on how thick you want your brownies to be. The brownies pictured were baked in a 9″x9″ pan, and after all the layers went on they were almost as tall as the pan!
After the brownies cool, they get topped with an easy peanut butter frosting, and melted chocolate chips mixed with butter makes up the top layer. The sprinkles can be omitted if you like, but I think they make the brownies look nicer.
The hardest part about this recipe is actually cutting the brownies into neat squares. You’ll want to use a very sharp knife, and wipe off the knife with a paper towel after each cut to keep the layers looking clean. These brownies are best stored in the fridge, simply cover them and store them for up to 5 days. If they last that long that is. They’re freezable too, simply wrap with plastic wrap, place into a resealable freezer bag, and store for up to one month.
These are some of the best brownies I’ve ever had, the combination of flavors and textures makes them a real treat for all!
More recipes for chocolate lovers
- Chocolate Coconut Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
- Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Brownie Dessert Pizza
Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix family size, around 18-20 ounces
- eggs, oil and water as called for on brownie mix box
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 tablespoons butter softened, divided use
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2 teaspoons milk, cream or water
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a 9"x9" or 9"x13" pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. Coat with cooking spray.
- Prepare the brownie mix with the eggs, oil and water as called for on the package. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the brownies cool completely.
- In a medium bowl with a mixer, beat 8 tablespoons of the butter until fluffy. Add the peanut butter powdered sugar and milk. Beat until thoroughly combined.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the brownies.
- Place the chocolate chips and remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Stir until smooth. Let the chocolate sit for 5 minutes at room temperature or until it's lukewarm.
- Spread the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer. Quickly add the sprinkles on top. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Use the foil overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Your brownies look amazing. One of our favorite flavor combos too. You photos are fantastic!
I made hershey recipe brownies (from scratch) for the bottom. I microwaved some hershey frosting I'd made to ‘thin' it and used it for the top. And your recipe for the middle. SOOOO good! Thank you for sharing!!! I wanted to do something different than mint and had leftover frosting. and i'm not a fan of a lot of boxed brownies.the sides did go up high and I wonder if that's because I overmixed it.
So happy to hear you enjoyed the brownies! Thanks for reporting back!
This recipe looks awesome, my mom used to make my favorite peanut butter blossoms when I was little…peanut butter cookies with Hershey kisses. This looks like it could be my adult favorite! x
I'm crazy about peanut butter and lately I've been craving it. My son can't stand the smell or taste of peanuts and peanut butter and I wonder who's kid he is. These look delicious.
We love brownies here at home but unfortunately, we can't incorporate peanut due to my son's allergy. That is a good looking treat though!
WOW! You had me at Chocolate & Peanut Butter. Those brownies look incredible. Will have to give this recipe a try.
These peanut butter brownies look so tempting. Chocolate and peanut butter make for a great combo. Great recipe, hope to try this and would be happy if they came out even has as goos as yours.
Oh goodness. You made me drool at the sight of those brownies! I love making fudge brownies whenever I have the chance but your recipe is even better! I have to make this on the weekend!
These brownies look amazing!
I am not a huge chocolate fan, but add some peanut butter and suddenly it is my favorite thing ever! I am going to HAVE to try these out!
Mmmm.....I love brownies and you really kicked it up a notch with the peanut butter. This is a must try! Peanut butter and chocolate...Does it get any better than that? Yum! I've got to try it this weekend!
These look so good. Chocolate and peanut butter is my favorite dessert flavor combination ever.
Oh my gosh! That layer of fudge in the middle and having a peanut butter presents with it sounds truly amazing!
Oh my goodness now these sound like some delicious brownies, I bet they are absolutely wonderful, I like the idea of using a peanut butter topping!
These peanut butter brownies are delicious looking. I know a few people who LOVE PB & chocolate together. I will have to give this recipe a try soon!
These make my mouth water! They look delicious and I think chocolate and peanut butter just belong together.
These look fabulous. I've always loved chocolate and peanut butter together. I must make these soon and proceed to pig out on them.
I wouldn't turn these down if you showed up at my door with a plate full. The three layers look really great. Thinking I need to make them soon.
Our pantry is stocked with brownie mix. It was on sale at our grocer for $1 and I stocked up. Although I love baking brownies using my great grandma's recipe, I love using brownie mix for a quick and tasty shortcut and add-ins like peanut butter are always a fave.
We always keep a few boxes of brownie mix on hand. I love gooey chocolate brownies, the hubby would really enjoy these as he loves peanut butter and chocolate together.
Those brownies sound incredible! I am totally making these because peanut butter was meant to be in a brownie! YUM.