If you're a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert will be your new favorite treat. With layers of fudgy brownies, pudding mousse, and Reese's candies, it will disappear quickly.
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Layered Brownie Dessert
I love making gooey, rich brownies and decadent bars. They are so delicious and easy to put together in just minutes. I make these salted caramel brownies and tiramisu brownies quite often for parties.
This peanut butter brownie dessert is another recipe I have made for years. Every time I bring it to church potlucks or events, there are so many requests for the recipe.
The decadent layers of fudgy brownie, creamy peanut butter, fluffy mousse, and Reese's candies create a fantastic combination. If you're a peanut butter lover, prepare to fall head over heels for these brownies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The dessert is easy to make. A box brownie mix keeps the crust on this layered dessert super simple.
- It's a dream come true for peanut butter lovers. These yummy brownies have peanut butter on top, making them tempting, especially with Reese's candies added.
- This amazing dessert is perfect for parties or picnics. It looks impressive, tastes delicious, and will be a hit with everyone.
Main Ingredients
- Brownies - You can use a boxed brownie mix or bake a double batch of these homemade chocolate chip brownies.
- Cream Cheese - For the best texture and taste, use a block of full-fat cream cheese. Be sure to set it out ahead of time so it is softened.
- Powdered Sugar - Sweetens the filling.
- Peanut Butter - We prefer the creamy spread for these layers, but crunchy would also be fine.
- Cool Whip—This topping adds a fluffy texture to the layers. You can also use homemade whipped cream instead if you prefer.
- Pudding Mix - You can use vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix for this recipe. Just make sure you buy instant so it sets up properly.
- Milk - Use 2% or full-fat dairy for the best pudding texture.
- Toppings - The best way to give the finished dessert some flair is to sprinkle chopped peanuts and Reese's cups on top
BruCrew Tip: Use the leftover candies to make Reese's puppy chow.
How To Make A Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert
In no time, you can whip up a delicious brownie dessert using these simple steps.
- Bake a pan of your favorite brownies, then cool to room temperature.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, nut spread, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Fold in Cool Whip and then stir until light and fluffy. Spread on top of the cooled brownie layer.
- Whisk together a box of instant pudding and milk. Let it set up, then fold in Cool Whip. Spread the pudding mixture on top of the nutty layer.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter dessert until it is completely set up. Serve each brownie square with chopped peanuts and mini peanut butter cups.
Storage Recommendations
Keep the leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Tips and Tricks
- Prepare the pan. Line the 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil before baking to make clean-up easier. This way, you can easily lift the cooled brownies out all at once.
- Let them cool completely. This gives the fudgy brownie base time to set up and prevents the topping from melting.
- Chill before serving. Place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Cut clean slices. Dip a sharp knife in hot water and then wipe dry. Cut, then repeat the process.
- Add extra toppings. For added texture and flavor, drizzle with chocolate sauce and then sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or peanut butter M&M's.
FAQs
Absolutely! Store-bought brownies work just fine if you're short on time.
This dessert can be made one day in advance, making it convenient for busy party days.
Freezing is not recommended because the whipped cream will separate in the pudding layer, making the texture watery.
More Peanut Butter Desserts
- Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Buckeye Brownies
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
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Recipe
Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert
If you're a chocolate and peanut butter fan, this Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert will be your new favorite treat. With layers of fudgy brownies, pudding mousse, and Reese's candies, it will disappear quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 - 9x13 brownie mix
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 - 3.3 ounce box instant white chocolate pudding
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cup halved mini peanut butter cups
- ¾ cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick baking spray.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the box directions. Bake and cool.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the peanut butter and beat again.
- Fold 1 cup Cool Whip into the mixture until it is creamy. Spread on top of the cooled brownies.
- Whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Fold in the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip. Spread on top of the peanut butter layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Sprinkle the peanut butter cups and peanuts on top before serving. Cut into 24 squares. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 255Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 162mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gProtein: 6g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
This post was first published in August 2016. It was updated and then republished in July 2024.
Kristen
I made this for my birthday (yes, I make my own birthday treat because I love to bake!) and it was a hit, from a 22 month old to a 69 year old. 🙂 Will definitely be making this delicious creation again!
Shelley
Made this last week for church. Absolutely amazing!!! Since I'm not a fan of white chocolate, I had my doubts, but tried it as written and the results were incredible!!!
Thank you for sharing. Peanut butter desserts are a household favorite here and this one did not disappoint!! It is definitely a keeper.
Jocelyn
Yay! I am so happy that you enjoyed the dessert! It's one of my all time favorites!
Morgan
Mm, this looks absolutely delicious! I would love to make this dish for desert for our next family dinner. It's perfect for fall! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe and instructions!
Jocelyn
Thank you and you are very welcome! I hope your family enjoys the brownies! 🙂
Gina @Running to the Kitchen
OMG! This looks absolutely heavenly!
Jenny Flake
How fun is this?!! Love this gorgeous dessert!
Mir
Aaaaah! I missed this! How?!
Best dessert EVER. That middle layer is calling to me...
Maria
Amazing dessert!!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
This dessert looks like all kinds of wonderful!
Kristen Chidsey
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Perfection! I had no idea that Texas was a leading producer in peanuts. What a great opprotunity for you to go!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
Peanut butter chocolate is such a great combination! This dessert looks incredible!
Heather Kinnaird
this dessert wouldn't last very long around here...we have some serious peanut butter addicts in the house 🙂
allie
I had NO IDEA how peanuts grow Jocelyn. Thanks for the education. Sounds like a great time was had by all in Lubbock and this dessert is to die for!!!!
Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking
It was TOTALLY worth the wait to see this recipe from you Jocelyn!! It looks absolutely amazing! Nothing wrong with waiting until now to share... ? I had no idea that Texas produced so many peanuts! I bet I just ate a lot of them a few minutes ago when I dug my spoon into my jar of PB for a snack! ?
Lauren Kelly Nutrition
What a fun trip! I am seriously drooling looking at these, pinning to make later!
Matt
That looks so ridiculously good!
gerry speirs
MEGA YUMM DESSERT ALERT!!!
Molly
Sounds like you had an awesome time exploring your state and learning about peanuts! So glad to hear you're adjusting to your new hometown. And not to mention, this dessert looks absolutely ahhmazing? I'm drooling staring at my computer!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
I just want to reach right through my computer and grab this dessert!! The photos are amazing, and this recipe is to die for!