This peanut butter brownies recipe features decadent gooey chocolate brownies topped with a soft, creamy peanut butter layer, and finished with a rich chocolate ganache. They’re indulgent and so delicious, and easier to make than you might think!
Preheat the oven to 325F. Line an 8 by 8-inch metal baking pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper so it hangs over all 4 sides.
Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and instant espresso powder in a medium bowl and set aside.
Melt the butter and oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, or in a double boiler. Once the butter is melted, add the white sugar and brown sugar, whisking for about 1 minute. Whisk in the vanilla, and then whisk in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk to combine, being careful not to over-mix.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake until the brownies are set along the outside, but still a touch soft in the middle, about 20 to 25 minutes (be careful not to over-bake).
Cool the brownies to room temperature, at least 30 minutes.
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
While the brownies are cooling, make the peanut butter truffle layer.
Use a handheld electric beater to cream together the peanut butter in a large bowl. Beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
To Assemble:
Once the brownies are cool, add the peanut butter layer on top, pressing the mixture around evenly.
For the Ganache:
Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, or in a double boiler. Stir gently until smooth.
Pour the ganache on top of the peanut butter layer, and spread it out evenly.
Chill:
Let the chocolate cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), and then chill in the fridge until the chocolate ganache layer is set (at least 1 hour).
Cut and serve.
Faith's Tips
Storage: Store these brownies covered on the counter for up to 3 days, and after that move them to the fridge for up to 4 days more. (After they’ve been refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving so the peanut butter layer softens a bit.)