Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies

Peanut Butter and Fudge Brownies on a white platter.

These Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies are a rich and easy dessert made with layers of chocolate brownie batter, a smooth peanut butter filling, and a simple chocolate frosting. Baked in a 9x13 pan, they slice into soft, fudgy bars that are perfect for parties, holidays, or make-ahead treats. This is a great recipe for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword brownies, chocolate, peanut butter

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 20

Servings

Calories 385kcal

Ingredients

Chocolate layer

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter softened
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup peanut butter chips

Peanut butter layer

¾ cup peanut butter
⅓ cup butter softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs

Frosting

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3 tablespoons butter
2⅔ cups powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 to 5 tablespoons water

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat with baking spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until the mixture looks light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the peanut butter chips.
For the peanut butter layer, place the peanut butter and butter in a medium bowl and mix until smooth. Add the sugar and flour, stirring until blended. Mix in the vanilla, then add the eggs and stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Spread about half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Carefully spread the peanut butter mixture over the top. Add the remaining chocolate batter in spoonfuls over the peanut butter layer, then gently spread it out as best you can. Use a knife to swirl the layers together with a few wide, sweeping motions.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the center is set and the edges begin to pull slightly away from the pan. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
To make the frosting, melt the chocolate and butter together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Add water a little at a time, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Let the brownies set before slicing into bars.

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