Brownie Batter Frosted Peanut Butter Bars

With these decadent frosted bars, you can indulge in the rich and delicious combination of peanut butter and brownie batter. A luscious base of creamy peanut butter and graham cracker crust supports a fudgy brownie layer, which is topped with a smooth chocolate-peanut butter frosting. These bars are ideal for any occasion

Ingredients:

• For the Bars:
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• For the Brownie Batter:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Frosting:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Bars: In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter

Press the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan

Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while preparing the brownie batter

For the Brownie Batter: Preheat the oven to 350F 175C

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined

Stir in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated

Spread the brownie batter over the prepared peanut butter crust in the baking pan

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs

Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting

For the Frosting: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter

Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and melted

Stir in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and well combined

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownie layer

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set the frosting before cutting into squares

Serve and enjoy Optional: Drizzle melted peanut butter on top for extra decoration and flavor