Double-Decker Peanut Butter Brownies

Decadent two-layer brownies featuring a rich peanut butter base topped with fudgy chocolate brownie. These brownies combine the perfect balance of nutty and chocolate flavors, finished with optional toppings for extra crunch.

16 servings
1 hr 7 min

Ingredients

  • 2 whole large eggs
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup peanut butter
  • 2 whole large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 3 Tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup nuts
  • ¼ cup coconut flakes
  • ½ cup pretzels
  • ½ cup potato chips

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8" baking dish with 2 overlapping pieces of parchment paper, leaving at least a 2" overhang on 2 sides.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Whisk eggs, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla in a medium bowl until well combined. Using a rubber spatula, stir in peanut butter until a smooth, thick batter forms. Scrape into prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until mixture is light, smooth, and doubled in volume, 3-4 minutes. With mixer running on low speed, slowly beat in butter, then add vanilla and salt and beat to combine. Add cocoa powder and cornstarch. Beat on low speed, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until incorporated. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until mixture is thick and holds its shape, about 30 seconds. Pour over nut butter layer and smooth top.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Add your choice of toppings or leave top smooth-they're all good options.

    2 min

  5. 5.

    Bake brownie until top is puffed, glossy, and starting to crack, and the center is just set (it shouldn't jiggle when shaken, but the chocolate layer will still be very gooey), 25-30 minutes. Let cool.

    30 min

  6. 6.

    Remove brownie from pan using parchment overhang, then cut into 16 squares.

    5 min