Peanut Butter Brownies

Sometimes a name just says it all, like these peanut butter brownies—call it out and watch the kids come running! The classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter is at its absolute best in this brownie recipe: smooth peanut butter is sandwiched between two layers of dense, chewy dark chocolate brownie. 

Ever wonder how professional bakeries get that center layer so flat and even? It's all thanks to the freezer: Once frozen, the peanut butter layer can be picked up and placed right on the brownie batter without a sticky mess. As the brownies bake, the peanut butter will soften and become perfectly gooey. Wow any crowd with these brownies at the next cookie swap or bake sale; otherwise, make a batch for any lovers of chocolate dessert in your home!

What does the percentage mean on a chocolate bar?

Chocolate bars are made of unsweetened cocoa, cocoa butter, milk, and sugar. The percentage is the amount of cocoa compared to the other ingredients. This recipe calls for a pretty dark chocolate, 72%, to balance out the sweetness and stand up to the peanut butter flavor. 

Can brownies be overmixed?

It's pretty hard to overmix a brownie batter since there's not a lot of flour (the source of the gluten that can make baked goods tough). Still, keep the speed of your stand mixer low to incorporate less air and keep the brownies extra fudgy. 

Can peanut butter brownies be made ahead?

The peanut butter layer can be frozen a few days ahead. Make the brownies up to one day ahead.