I have to admit, I’ve been out of my kitchen game for a while. In the past few years, cooking and baking felt more like chores than fun. But lately, I’ve been wanting to do more for the family, so the other day, I made these Layered Peanut Butter Brownie Bars. Rich, chocolaty, and full of peanut butter goodness, they’re just what my family needed.
Now we’re at that funny stage where I never know exactly who will be home for dinner. Most nights it’s just Matt and me, but sometimes our son pops in from his place near the college where he helps with the basketball team. Money is tight, and he’ll do just about anything to avoid buying his own groceries. Other times, our daughter is home after her night shifts at work. It’s like a game of dinner roulette. So, I’ve been learning how to cook just for us, while still making enough for anyone who might swing by, or for leftovers, so a kid can grab a meal without having to fend for themselves.
Why You’ll Love These Layered Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
- Chocolaty goodness meets peanut butter heaven: You get a rich brownie base, creamy peanut butter layers, and a final layer with oatmeal and more peanut butter, all topped with melted chocolate chips.
- Perfect for sharing (or not): Make them for the family, for a get-together, or just to treat yourself. No judgment if you keep them all to yourself.
- Flexible for your crew: Whether it’s Matt, the kids, or unexpected guests, these bars are nice to have on hand.
Layered Peanut Butter Brownie Bars Recipe
- 6 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 Box brownie mix
- 4 eggs
- 10 Tablespoons butter at room temp
- 1/2 c. peanut butter (+ 1/4 cup for drizzle layer)
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla
- 2 c. flour
- 1/3 c. old fashioned oats
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 9×13″ pan.
Brownie layer:
Mix the brownie mix, melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tablespoon of water. Spread it in the prepared pan.
Next layer:
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the 10 tablespoons of butter and 1/2c. peanut butter. Microwave until melted (I take it out every 20 seconds to stir). Stir in the sugar, 2 eggs, and vanilla. Add the flour and baking powder.
Layer half of this peanut butter dough on top of the brownie layer. Melt the rest of the peanut butter (in a pan on the stove or microwave). Spoon the melted peanut butter all over the peanut butter dough layer. Next, add the oatmeal to the leftover peanut butter dough in the bowl and mix it until it is combined. Spread that over the melted peanut butter in the pan.
Bake this until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Mine took about 30 minutes. Every oven is different. When it is done, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top and set back in the oven for 1 minute. Bring it out and spread the chocolate chips all over the top. You could add some flaky salt on the top as well. Gabrielle said they needed it, so I added it.
Once cooled, cut into bars and watch your family devour them.
Getting back into cooking and baking has reminded me how much joy it brings, especially when it’s layered with chocolate, peanut butter, and family memories. I hope these Layered Peanut Butter Brownie Bars make you smile, whether you’re baking for a crowd, your college kids, or just your own sweet tooth.
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