Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Brownies
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Brownies. Combining rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy peanut butter layer, this recipe elevates the classic dessert to new heights reminiscent of the beloved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family night in, these brownies are sure to impress your guests – just watch the plate disappear! A drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds an extra touch of decadence, making these brownies the perfect sweet treat.
N/A
Servings
178
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
brownie mix
1 (17 5/8 ounce) box (as per package instructions)
water
1/4 cup (n/a)
oil
1/4 cup (n/a)
egg
2 (beaten)
peanut butter
1 cup (smooth)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
flour
1 tablespoon (n/a)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (n/a)
frosting
optional (n/a)
chocolate chips
1 cup (n/a)
butter
1 tablespoon (for melting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 7 x 11 inch baking pan.
2
In a mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, combining the brownie mix, water, oil, and 1 egg. Stir until well blended.
3
Pour half of the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly along the bottom.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted butter, flour, vanilla, and the second egg. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. If the mixture is too thick to easily spread, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it.
5
Carefully spoon the peanut butter layer over the first layer of brownie batter, spreading it evenly.
6
Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the peanut butter layer, smoothing it out to cover the peanut butter layer completely.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8
Optional: For an extra indulgent finish, melt the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave until almost melted. Stir until smooth and pour over the brownies. Allow to cool in the refrigerator for quicker setting before cutting into bars.
9
Slice into squares and enjoy your delicious layered brownies!
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Protein
33mg
Sodium
11mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Brownies?
They are a rich dessert featuring fudgy brownies combined with a creamy peanut butter layer, finished with an optional melted chocolate drizzle.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
A 7 x 11 inch baking pan is recommended for these layered brownies.
How many eggs are needed in total?
The recipe requires 2 eggs in total: one for the brownie mix and one for the peanut butter layer.
What ingredients are needed for the brownie batter?
You will need one box of brownie mix (17 5/8 ounce), 1/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of oil, and 1 egg.
How do I assemble the brownie layers?
Spread half the brownie batter on the bottom, add the peanut butter mixture as the middle layer, and top with the remaining brownie batter.
What ingredients make up the peanut butter layer?
The layer consists of 1 cup of smooth peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 egg.
What should I do if the peanut butter mixture is too thick to spread?
You can add a tablespoon of milk to loosen the mixture if it is too thick to easily spread.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake the brownies for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
Is there an optional chocolate topping?
Yes, you can melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter and pour it over the cooled brownies.
How should I melt the chocolate for the drizzle?
Melt the chocolate chips and butter in the microwave until almost melted, then stir until smooth.
Should I refrigerate the brownies?
It is recommended to allow the brownies to cool in the refrigerator for quicker setting, especially if you added the chocolate topping.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 178 calories.
How much protein is in these brownies?
There is approximately 3.3g of protein per serving.
How much sodium is in each brownie?
Each serving contains about 33mg of sodium.
What is the cholesterol content per serving?
There is approximately 11mg of cholesterol per serving.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
While the recipe calls for smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture, you can use crunchy if you prefer added texture.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed, including optional items like frosting.
What is the purpose of the flour in the peanut butter layer?
The tablespoon of flour helps stabilize the peanut butter layer so it holds its shape during and after baking.
Does this recipe include vanilla extract?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the peanut butter layer for extra flavor.
Can I add frosting to these brownies?
Yes, frosting is listed as an optional ingredient for those who want an even sweeter treat.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with brownies, chocolate, peanut butter, layered dessert, and easy baking.
Are these brownies suitable for potlucks?
Yes, they are described as perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family nights.
What makes these brownies decadent?
The combination of fudgy brownie layers, a rich peanut butter center, and an optional melted chocolate drizzle makes them extra indulgent.
Is it necessary to grease the baking pan?
Yes, the instructions specify to grease the 7 x 11 inch pan to prevent sticking.
Can I use a different size pan?
A 7 x 11 pan is recommended; using a different size may require adjusting the baking time.
How do I cut the brownies into bars?
Wait until they have cooled and set (preferably in the fridge) before slicing them into squares.
Does this recipe taste like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?
Yes, the description notes that the flavor profile is reminiscent of the beloved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Is the brownie mix prepared separately?
Yes, the brownie mix is prepared according to its package instructions before being divided into layers.