Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe
Decadent and fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies featuring a rich chocolate base topped with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese frosting. These brownies are perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, offering a luscious blend of flavors and textures in every bite. With a simple baking process and an indulgent chilled topping, this recipe yields 15 satisfying bars ideal for dessert or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including 4 hours chilling)
- Yield: 15 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons
- 6 ounces semi-sweet baking bar, chopped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- 1/4 cup melted chocolate bark (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray; set aside.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium bowl, combine the butter and chopped semi-sweet baking bar. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt until well blended.
- Add Eggs: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix Batter: Increase mixer speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Reduce speed to low and slowly stream in the melted chocolate mixture until combined thoroughly.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mix just enough to evenly distribute throughout the batter. The batter will be very thick.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Using your hands or a spatula, press the thick brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is set, no longer glossy, edges slightly puffed, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
- Cool Brownies: Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until combined and smooth. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing again until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently until no streaks remain.
- Frost and Chill: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Serve: Use the foil to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into 15 bars and optionally drizzle with melted chocolate bark. Serve as is or garnish with whipped cream, chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or Reese’s Pieces if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth frosting.
- Don’t overbake brownies; they continue to set while cooling.
- You can substitute chocolate bark drizzle with melted chocolate chips if desired.
- For easier spreading of brownie batter, lightly grease your hands or use a spatula.
- Store brownies covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: peanut butter brownies, chocolate brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert bars, decadent brownies, easy brownie recipe
