Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the peanut butter layer)
- Optional: chocolate chips for topping
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Parchment paper (optional but helpful for easy removal)
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes the cleanup much easier afterward! In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave, then whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. This step is really crucial because it’s where the bars start to get their rich, fudgy texture. After this, add in the eggs and vanilla, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The sweet smell wafting up will make your mouth water! (See the next page below to continue steps…)