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Close-up of rich, layered chocolate squares with a creamy filling.

Truffle Peanut Butter Brownies

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Rich and indulgent Truffle Peanut Butter Brownies layered with fudgy chocolate, creamy peanut butter filling, and smooth ganache. A decadent dessert made with butter, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
Servings

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 teaspoons whole milk

For the Ganache Topping:

  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pan:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch metal baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment as well.

Make the Brownie Batter:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. Mix in the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Finally, fold in the flour until no dry streaks remain.

Bake the Brownie Layer:

  1. Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the brownie layer to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:

  1. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a spreadable consistency. Evenly spread the filling over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Make the Ganache Topping:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, and cream. Heat gently until melted, stirring until smooth. Pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly. Return the pan to the refrigerator until the ganache is fully set.

Slice and Serve:

  1. Once the ganache has firmed up, lift the brownies out using the parchment handles. Cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the blade clean between slices for neater edges.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as cocoa powder and chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination may occur during processing.
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