Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Crunch Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Crunch Bars are the ultimate decadent treat that combines rich chocolatey fudge with a creamy peanut butter layer and a crunchy cereal‑topped finish. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers layers of texture and flavor. You’ll love how the silky brownie base contrasts with the smooth peanut butter middle and the crisp chocolate crunch top. Let’s dive in and make something truly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Crunch Bars

You’ll fall in love with Peanut Butter Brownie Bars because of the way each layer plays off the other. The fudgy chocolate brownie gives you deep cocoa richness, the peanut butter layer adds a salty‑sweet, creamy contrast, and the cereal‑chocolate crunch on top brings delightful texture. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet homely, perfect for sharing or treating yourself. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough that even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll feel confident pulling it off.

Ingredients

Chocolate brownie layer

• 115 g unsalted butter, melted

• 200 g (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 1 egg yolk

• 40 g (½ cup) cocoa powder, sifted

• 35 g (¼ cup) plain flour (all‑purpose flour)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Peanut butter layer

• 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 250 g (1 cup) smooth peanut butter, room temperature

• 65 g (½ cup) icing sugar (powdered sugar)

Chocolate crunch topping

• 150 g (1 cup) good-quality dark chocolate pieces

• 20 g (½ cup) Rice Bubbles or Rice Krispies

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (optional)

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Crunch Bars

1. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F) standard (or 160 °C / 320 °F fan‑forced). Grease and line an 8‑inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment or baking paper, ensuring two sides overhang so you can lift out the bars later.

2. Make the brownie layer: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, sugar and vanilla. Whisk gently to combine. Then add the two eggs one at a time, followed by the egg yolk, mixing until smooth. Next add the sifted cocoa powder, flour and salt. Stir just until combined—avoid over‑mixing.

3. Bake the brownie base: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 25 – 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centre looks slightly fudgy. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. If you’re prepping ahead, you can cover and place it in the fridge.

4. Prepare the peanut butter layer: Once the brownie base is fully cooled, take a large mixing bowl and add the softened butter and peanut butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and whip until creamy. Then add the icing sugar and mix until smooth and well‑combined. Spread this peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled brownie layer and smooth the top. Place the pan back into the fridge to chill.

5. Make the chocolate crunch topping: Heat the dark chocolate pieces in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until melted and smooth. Quickly stir in the Rice Bubbles (or Rice Krispies) until the cereal is completely coated by the chocolate. If you like, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to help the chocolate top slice more cleanly later.

6. Assemble and chill: Pour the chocolate cereal mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread as evenly as possible. Place the entire pan in the fridge (or freezer if you’re short on time) for at least 2 hours, or until the layers are firm.

7. Slice and serve: Using a hot knife (run under hot water and wipe dry) carefully cut into small slices. Serve chilled or at room temperature, as you prefer.

Helpful Tips

• Make sure the brownie layer is completely cooled before adding the peanut butter filling; if it’s warm the filling may melt or slide.

• Sifting the cocoa powder helps avoid lumps and leads to a smoother brownie texture.

• For a cleaner chocolate top slice, the optional oil helps prevent cracking when you cut.

• Use a hot knife to cut the bars: heat the knife under hot water, wipe dry, then slice—this prevents messy edges.

• For deep flavour, use a good quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) for the topping.

• Chill well: the flavour and texture benefit from firming up in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

• If you prefer a thicker peanut butter layer, you can increase that filling slightly and adjust cereal topping accordingly.

Substitutions And Variations

• Cocoa powder: You can use either natural cocoa powder or Dutch‑processed cocoa. Avoid using sweetened cocoa or drinking chocolate as that will affect texture and sweetness.

• Peanut butter: Use a processed full‑fat smooth peanut butter (e.g., Skippy, Jif, or similar) rather than the natural style ones that separate oil. The texture is better for layering.

• Nuts: Want some crunch in the peanut butter layer? Add chopped roasted peanuts or almond slivers into the peanut butter mixture.

• Cereal substitute: If you don’t have Rice Bubbles/Rice Krispies, you can use crisped rice cereal or even crushed cornflakes for the crunch layer.

• Nut‑free version: Swap out the peanut butter layer for almond butter or sunflower butter if you have a peanut allergy (check other ingredients for traces of peanuts).

• Salted twist: Sprinkle a little sea salt or flaky salt over the chocolate top to enhance the sweet‑salty contrast.

• Mini version: Instead of one 8‑inch pan, use a muffin tray lined with paper cups; lessen the bake time for the brownie base and follow the same layering steps for portable treats.

Storage Instructions

Keep your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them sit in the fridge or at room temperature briefly to soften for easier slicing and eating.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~275

• Fat: ~16 g

• Saturated Fat: ~8 g

• Carbohydrates: ~30 g

• Sugar: ~20 g

• Protein: ~5 g

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the bars chilled out of the fridge for a firm but tender bite, or let sit at room temperature for 5‑10 minutes for a softer texture.

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea—the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavours complement warm beverages beautifully.

• For a party platter, cut into small bite‑sized squares and arrange on a board with fresh berries or whipped cream.

• Sprinkle additional chopped peanuts or shaved chocolate on top just before serving for added visual appeal and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Crunch Bars

Can I use natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) for the peanut butter layer?
While you can, it’s not ideal because natural peanut butter often has a thinner texture and oil separation, which may make the layer less stable or creamy. A processed full‑fat smooth peanut butter gives a more consistent texture and easier spreading in this layered dessert.

My chocolate top layer cracked when I sliced—how can I prevent this?
Cracking often happens when the chocolate sets too rigidly and you slice with a cold or dry knife. To prevent this: add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil into the melted chocolate mixture (which helps it set slightly softer). Also use a hot‑wiped knife to slice, run it under hot water, dry it, then make your cuts.

Can I make this ahead for a gathering?
Absolutely. You can bake the brownie base a day ahead and refrigerate it covered. Then the next day do the peanut butter layer, top with the chocolate crunch, and chill again. On the day of serving, slice just before the event so that the bars are fresh and presentable.

What if I don’t have Rice Bubbles/Rice Krispies?
That’s fine, you can substitute any crisped rice cereal or even lightly crushed cornflakes for the crunch. The goal is a crisp texture coated in chocolate. Just ensure they’re fresh and crisp to maintain the contrast.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for spending time with this Peanut Butter Brownie Bars recipe. I hope you enjoy making and more importantly tasting each luscious layer—from the fudgy brownie to the creamy peanut butter and crunchy chocolate topping. Baking this has brought me so much joy, and I know it will bring joy to your table too. It’s a dessert that’s delicious, relatively easy to assemble, and always a crowd‑pleaser. Here’s to effortless flavor and sweet moments shared. Happy baking, and thanks for being part of the food‑loving community!

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