Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies are not your average brownie—they’re the show-stopping treat you didn’t know your dessert table needed! Imagine ultra-fudgy brownies, a luscious drizzle of hot fudge, and a golden, peanut buttery crunch layer on top. Every bite is an unforgettable mix of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crispy cereal that’ll have you reaching for “just one more.” Trust me: these Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies make any occasion feel instantly special!

Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies lies in how a lineup of straightforward ingredients transforms into something so decadent and multi-layered. Each item adds its own touch—whether it’s fudgy richness, crunch, or nostalgic peanut butter flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:

Salted Butter: Gives the brownies a rich flavor base while ensuring incredible tenderness.
Granulated Sugar: Melting the sugar with butter gives these brownies that signature shiny, crackly top.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: Adds extra moistness to the brownies, so each bite stays soft and chewy.
Large Eggs: Essential for binding—and for that glorious brownie structure.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the chocolate and peanut butter with sweet, aromatic depth.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone that holds the brownies together without making them dry.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor, which is absolutely crucial here!
Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights all those bold flavors.
Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips: Little bursts of gooey chocolate in every bite.
Hot Fudge Sauce: The luscious middle layer—warm it up so it’s easy to spread.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips: These melt beautifully to form the backbone of the crunch topping.
Creamy Peanut Butter: For that unmistakable peanutty richness layered into the crunch.
More Salt (for topping): Boosts the flavor of the peanut butter layer and keeps everything balanced.
Corn Flakes: The secret to that incredible, golden crunch on top; they stay crispy and light.

How to Make Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a trusty 9×13-inch metal cake pan, line it with parchment paper (let a bit hang over the edges for easy lifting later), and give it a light mist of nonstick spray. These steps make for a fuss-free release and keep your beautiful Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies intact.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, melt the salted butter and granulated sugar together. This not only combines the flavors but helps create that signature glossy top. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and let it cool for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to release steam and prevent scrambling the eggs.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Once your butter and sugar are just warm, mix in the canola oil and eggs. Use a spatula to blend everything together until fully incorporated—smooth and a bit glossy is perfect. Now, splash in the vanilla extract for a cozy, aromatic touch and stir until combined.

Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to prevent lumps and keep your brownies tender. Gently fold the mixture—the goal is just to mix until you barely see any dry streaks left. Overmixing is the enemy of fudgy brownies! Fold in those mini chocolate chips for pockets of melty goodness throughout.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, just until a toothpick comes out with a few fudgy crumbs. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely so your layers stay distinct.

Step 6: Add the Hot Fudge Layer

Once the brownies are cool, microwave the hot fudge sauce until it’s soft and pourable—about 30 to 60 seconds should do the trick. Spread it gently and evenly over the whole brownie surface. This step is sticky, but so worth it for that gooey center.

Step 7: Prepare the Peanut Butter Crunch Topping

In a nonstick pot over low heat, melt the Reese’s peanut butter chips until smooth. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and a pinch of salt for a little flavor boost. Quickly fold in the corn flakes so they get well coated, then immediately spread this mixture in an even layer over the top of the hot fudge. Work quickly before it sets!

Step 8: Set and Slice

Let the Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies sit until the top layer is completely set—about an hour at room temperature does the trick. Use the parchment sling to lift the slab out of the pan, then slice into neat squares (a sharp or even a plastic knife gives super clean edges).

How to Serve Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt flakes takes these brownies from fabulous to positively irresistible. If you want a pop of color for a celebration, toss some mini chocolate candies on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

While Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies are plenty decadent on their own, they’re downright dreamy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. Pairing them with a big glass of cold milk or a cup of robust coffee makes for a perfectly satisfying treat, whether it’s dessert or an anytime snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut brownies into bite-sized pieces for party platters, stack them tall and tie with a pretty ribbon for edible gifts, or serve à la mode in wide bowls as a show-stopping finale for dinner guests. They’re always a conversation starter thanks to those gorgeous, layered cross-sections!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, stash them in the fridge to maintain that snappy crunch and prevent the fudge layer from getting too soft.

Freezing

These brownies freeze like a dream! Slice and wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 2 months—just let them thaw at room temperature for half an hour before you serve.

Reheating

If you love a slightly warm treat, pop a square in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The brownie base gets just a little gooey again while the crunch layer stays fabulous. Pro tip: warm it up right before topping with ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to the topping, so go for it if you love extra crunch in your Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies.

What kind of hot fudge works best?

Any thick, spoonable hot fudge sauce works. If it’s a little too stiff straight from the jar, a quick warm-up in the microwave will make it easy to spread evenly over the brownies.

How do I get clean slices?

Let the brownies set completely before slicing, and use a large, sharp knife or even a plastic knife for neat edges. Wipe your knife between cuts for that bakery-perfect look!

Can I use a different cereal for the crunch topping?

While corn flakes give the classic crunch, you can experiment with crisp rice cereal or even crushed pretzel sticks for a fun, salty twist to your Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and double-check that your corn flakes are certified gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies will quickly become the treat your friends beg you to bring to every get-together. There’s just something about that duo of fudgy chocolate and crispy, peanut-buttery magic that wows every time. Give this recipe a whirl, and watch your dessert disappear in record time!