Crackly Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark Recipe: Sweet Joy

Chocolate and peanut butter deliver an irresistible dance of decadence in this peanut butter cup brownie bark recipe that’ll make taste buds swoon.

Sweet meets salty in a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for satisfying intense dessert cravings.

Rich brownie base breaks into delightful shards studded with classic peanut butter cup pieces.

Every crisp bite promises a symphony of chocolate intensity and nutty smoothness.

The bark snaps dramatically, revealing layers of indulgent flavors that blend perfectly.

peanut butter cups nestled throughout add bursts of creamy excitement to each piece.

This simple yet stunning dessert transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of pure deliciousness.

Prepare to fall head over heels for a treat that balances comfort and gourmet magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 181 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients to Create Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark Bliss

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crispy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and slight chewiness.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate depth and dark color.
• Baking Soda: Helps brownies rise and creates tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Egg Whites: Provides protein structure and helps hold ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in bark.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds complex flavor depth and rounds out chocolate notes.

• Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips, Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, glossy chocolate drizzle that adds luxurious shine.
• Peanut Butter Cups: Introduces creamy, salty-sweet pockets of flavor.
• Coarse Salt: Provides unexpected flavor burst and enhances chocolate complexity.

Tools for Making Brownie Bark with a Peanut Butter Punch

• Jelly Roll Pan or Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan with raised edges perfect for even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner for easy removal and clean-up.
• Small Bowl: For mixing dry ingredients.
• Medium Bowl: For combining wet ingredients and mixing batter.
• Whisk: Essential for blending flour mixture and beating egg whites.
• Electric Mixer: Helps achieve smooth batter consistency.
• Spatula: Crucial for spreading batter evenly and folding in chocolate chips.
• Wire Rack: Allows brownies to cool properly.
• Heat-Proof Bowl: For melting chocolate safely.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover and rest melted chocolate.
• Large Chef's Knife: For precise cutting of brownies into squares.
• Cutting Board: Surface for slicing brownies.

How to Prepare Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark

• Preparation Space

Get your baking sheet and parchment paper ready. Spray the paper to help everything stick smoothly.

• Brownie Base

Mix dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients. Combine egg whites with sugar, cocoa, oil, and vanilla until beautifully blended. Fold in chocolate chips gently.

• Baking Magic

Spread the batter evenly across the pan. Bake until the edges look set and the center feels slightly soft. Let the bark cool completely on a wire rack.

• Chocolate Drizzle

Create a silky chocolate sauce by warming cream and pouring it over chocolate chips. Stir until glossy and smooth.

• Topping Heaven

Pour the chocolate glaze across the cooled brownie bark. Scatter peanut butter cups on top, pressing them lightly into the surface. Sprinkle with a touch of salt for extra flavor.

• Serving and Storage

Cut into rustic squares using a sharp knife. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. These treats are best within a day or two of baking.

Sweet Tips to Perfect Brownie Bark Texture

• Use a offset spatula to spread batter super thin and even, ensuring crispy edges and perfect crackly bark texture every single time.
• Always melt chocolate slowly and gently to prevent burning, creating silky smooth drizzle that looks professionally crafted.
• Arrange peanut butter cups in strategic patterns like diagonal lines or concentric circles for stunning visual appeal that makes dessert Instagram-worthy.
• Sprinkle high-quality flaky sea salt like Maldon after adding peanut butter cups to elevate flavor complexity and create delightful sweet-salty contrast.
• Separate bark layers with parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain individual bark piece's crisp texture for maximum enjoyment.

Serving Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark with Flair

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange brownie bark pieces artfully on a large wooden board, creating an eye-catching dessert display perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cold glass of milk to complement the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors, elevating the treat's indulgence.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual bark pieces in clear cellophane with a decorative ribbon, making them a delightful homemade gift for friends, family, or holiday cookie exchanges.
• Midnight Snack Upgrade: Store a few pieces in an airtight container for a quick, satisfying late-night sweet treat that delivers instant chocolate and peanut butter comfort.

Save That Brownie Bark

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Freshness Hack: Layer brownie bark between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking and maintain crisp edges.
• Temperature Wisdom: Refrigerate for firmer consistency, allowing chocolate drizzle to set completely before serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare bark up to two days in advance, ensuring maximum flavor development and convenient entertaining.

Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bark Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade peanut butter cup brownie bark delivers rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a crisp, irresistible treat. Chocolate lovers will savor this quick dessert that satisfies sweet cravings with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (like King Arthur)
• 3 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 16 peanut butter cups (chopped or whole)
• Coarse salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 325°F. Line a 15×10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly spraying both sides for secure placement.
2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl until uniformly combined, creating a smooth dry mixture.
3. Egg White Transformation: Whip egg whites using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
4. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Fold sugar, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the whipped egg whites, blending on medium speed until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
5. Batter Assembly: Gently incorporate the flour mixture into wet ingredients on low speed, mixing until just combined. Delicately fold in chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.
6. Baking Process: Spread batter evenly across the prepared pan using a spatula, creating a uniform layer. Bake for 25 minutes until the surface sets and edges look slightly crisp.
7. Cooling and Ganache Preparation: Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, place chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl and warm heavy cream until small bubbles appear around the edges.
8. Ganache Finishing: Pour hot cream over chocolate chips, cover with foil, and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth, then drizzle evenly across the cooled brownie surface.
9. Final Touches: Arrange peanut butter cups strategically on top of the ganache, gently pressing to adhere. Optional: Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for enhanced flavor profile.
10. Serving Preparation: Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set ganache. Lift brownie bark from pan using parchment paper, slice into squares with a clean chef’s knife, wiping blade between cuts.
11. Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. Best consumed within 36 hours for optimal texture and flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Precise Pan Preparation: Line baking sheet completely with parchment paper and lightly spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of brownie bark.
• Mixing Mastery: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form for light, airy texture; mix wet and dry ingredients minimally to avoid tough brownies.
• Ganache Technique: Let melted chocolate sit covered for 5 minutes before whisking to create smooth, glossy ganache without breaking the chocolate.
• Storage Savvy: Keep brownie bark in airtight container at room temperature, consuming within 36 hours to maintain optimal texture and flavor quality.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 181
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg