Name: Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (200 g) good quality bittersweet chocolate (chopped or chocolate chips); 1/2 cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter (cut into quarters); 3 tablespoons (18 g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (or instant coffee) (optional); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (170 g or 6 oz) coarsely chopped peanut butter cups; 2/3 cup (150 g) creamy peanut butter; 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk (plus more as needed for consistency)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 20 reviews

If you are a chocolate and peanut butter lover looking for a match made in dessert heaven, the Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. This irresistible treat combines the deep, rich flavor of bittersweet chocolate brownies loaded with chunks of peanut butter cups, topped with a creamy, luscious peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect balance of fudgy, nutty, and sweet that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. Whether it’s a special celebration or just an everyday indulgence, these brownies never fail to bring pure joy with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making a chocolate dessert. In the first step, a glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with dark chopped chocolate and a block of pale butter. Around the bowl are small white bowls holding yellow egg yolks, cocoa powder, white flour, and small dark chocolate chips; a woman’s hand is not yet seen. In the second step, the same glass bowl contains a light tan foamy mixture with a dollop of melted dark chocolate on top; a mixer with silver beaters is partially visible above the bowl. In the third step, the glass bowl now holds a dark chocolate batter with a large mound of white flour on top, and a wooden spoon is partially mixed into it. A small white bowl with broken candy pieces is in the background on the white marbled surface. In the last step, a square white baking pan lined with brown parchment paper holds the smooth dark chocolate batter spread evenly, ready for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe. Each one is simple but essential, contributing to the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of these wonderful brownies.

Bittersweet chocolate (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Use good quality chocolate to give the brownies their rich, deep chocolate flavor.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 6 tablespoons): Butter adds a creamy texture and enhances richness in both the brownie base and frosting.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (3 tablespoons): Gives additional chocolate intensity and a beautiful dark color.
Espresso powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the chocolate flavor with subtle depth without tasting like coffee.
Large eggs (3): Help bind ingredients and add moisture and structure to the brownies.
Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens the brownies, balancing the bittersweet chocolate perfectly.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons + 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Gives a warm, aromatic flavor throughout the recipe.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure without making the brownies cakey.
Coarsely chopped peanut butter cups (1 cup): Adds delightful pockets of creamy, nutty candy inside the brownies.
Creamy peanut butter (2/3 cup): The star of the frosting, creamy and full of flavor.
Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup, sifted): Gives the frosting its smooth, sweet finish.
Milk (1 tablespoon): Used in the frosting for perfect spreading consistency.

How to Make Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease it. This simple prep step means your brownies will bake evenly and come out clean and easy to slice.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Use a makeshift double boiler or microwave to gently melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter together. Stir them occasionally until silky smooth, then mix in the cocoa powder and espresso powder for that deep chocolate punch. Let this mixture cool so it doesn’t scramble your eggs in the next step.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a stand mixer, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about one minute. Slowly add vanilla and salt, then keep the mixer on low as you carefully pour in your cooled chocolate mixture. This creates a luscious, glossy batter that’s the foundation for your fudgy brownies.

Step 4: Fold in Flour and Peanut Butter Cups

Gently stir in the flour using a wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix which could toughen the brownies. Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups right at the end so they’re evenly distributed but still chunky—little nuggets of peanut butter bliss in each bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing to the edges with a rubber spatula. Bake for about 25 minutes until the top glistens and the center remains a bit dense. The brownies finish cooking as they cool, so the fudgy texture is guaranteed.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Allow the brownies to cool on a wire rack for around 2 hours. This patience pays off because spreading the frosting on warm brownies would melt it and compromise that super smooth, creamy texture.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

Using a mixer, beat creamy peanut butter with the room temperature butter until smooth. Slowly add sifted confectioners’ sugar and combine fully. Stir in vanilla extract and milk until the frosting reaches the perfect spreadable consistency—add more milk if you want it thinner.

Step 8: Frost and Slice

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled brownies. Slice into squares, and get ready for the easiest, most indulgent treat you’ll make all week.

How to Serve Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

The image shows fifteen square chocolate brownies laid out on crinkled brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each brownie has two layers: a dense, dark chocolate base and a thick, creamy light brown frosting layer on top. Small pieces of chopped chocolate peanut cup candies are scattered on top of the frosting, adding texture and color contrast. Around the brownies, whole and halved chocolate peanut cup candies with gold and red wrappers lie casually. In the upper left corner, a glass bottle of milk is partially visible. A striped cloth is seen on the lower right edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling chopped peanuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even mini peanut butter cups on top of the frosting for extra texture and visual appeal. These garnishes turn simple brownies into a show-stopping dessert.

Side Dishes

Serve your frosted peanut butter brownies alongside vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk to balance out the rich sweetness perfectly. A scoop of fresh berries also adds a refreshing contrast and a pop of color.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, turn your brownies into bite-sized squares on a decorative platter or stack them with parchment paper in between for gift boxes. You can even use cookie cutters to make fun shapes that will brighten up any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them covered well so the frosting stays moist and the brownies remain soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting for best results.

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies slightly warm, reheat individual pieces gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting too much—warm enough to bring out the fudgy goodness!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in the frosting?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you like a bit of texture in your frosting. It will add a delightful crunch, but keep in mind the frosting might be slightly less smooth.

Is it necessary to use espresso powder in the brownies?

Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended. It intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee, giving a richer, more complex taste.

How do I get the brownies to be fudgy and not cakey?

Be careful not to overmix once you add flour, and avoid overbaking. A slightly dense, shiny top with a moist center is the hallmark of perfect fudgy brownies.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting a day in advance, keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before spreading on the brownies for best texture.

Why do I need to cool the brownies completely before frosting?

Cooling is essential so the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off. It helps the frosting stay nice and thick on top, giving that perfect creamy layer we all crave.

Final Thoughts

The Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser—rich, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Once you try these, they will become your go-to for celebrations, cozy nights, or whenever you need that ultimate chocolate and peanut butter fix. Trust me, you’re going to love every creamy, fudgy bite.