Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondie-Brownie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the brownie layer:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 tsp salt; For the blondie layer:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; For the swirl:; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondie-Brownie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars offer the best of all dessert worlds: the chocolatey richness of brownies, the brown sugar depth of blondies, and the creamy, nutty swirl of peanut butter. Each bite delivers a chewy, fudgy texture with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. They’re easy to slice, hold their shape well, and are just as impressive to serve as they are satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownie layer:

Unsalted butter (melted)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt

For the blondie layer:

Unsalted butter (melted)
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

For the swirl:

Creamy peanut butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
Make the brownie batter: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Make the blondie batter: In another bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Layer the blondie batter on top in spoonfuls, gently spreading it over the brownie layer.
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16–20 bars
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: About 55 minutes

Variations

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or walnuts for extra texture.
Chocolate Chips: Stir chocolate chips into either the brownie or blondie layer.
Salted Peanut Butter: Use natural salted peanut butter for a more savory edge.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both batters.
Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature. To enjoy warm, microwave individual bars for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or runny to avoid separation during baking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger sheet pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

How do I get clean cuts?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife and wipe between each cut for neat edges.

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes, you can use a boxed mix for the brownie layer and make the blondie layer from scratch, or vice versa.

Can I swirl everything together?

You can, but the layered look and texture are best when the layers are added separately and gently swirled.

Are these bars more cakey or fudgy?

They’re chewy and fudgy, especially in the brownie layer, with a soft blondie top.

Can I add a topping?

A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a great finishing touch.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch pan works best. For thicker bars, use a smaller 9×9-inch pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

No, they store well at room temperature, but refrigerating extends shelf life and firms them up.

Can I make them without peanut butter?

Yes, you can omit the peanut butter or replace it with cookie butter, Nutella, or almond butter.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondie-Brownie Bars are a dessert dream come true—fudgy, chewy, swirly, and packed with the unbeatable combo of chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, this easy and impressive recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite.