Irresistible Peanut Butter Blondies with Decadent Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable dessert experience with these incredibly indulgent soft peanut butter bars, lavishly covered in a rich, creamy chocolate frosting. This recipe brings together two timeless favorites in a way that’s simply irresistible!
The Classic Combo: Chocolate and Peanut Butter Perfection
It’s a truth universally acknowledged: chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in culinary heaven. This iconic pairing delivers a harmonious balance of sweet and salty, rich and creamy, making it a beloved combination that truly cannot be beaten. Our peanut butter blondies with chocolate buttercream frosting elevate this classic duo to new heights, offering a dessert that’s utterly satisfying and surprisingly simple to create.
These delightful blondies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture. Imagine a soft, chewy bar bursting with intense peanut butter goodness, perfectly complemented by a smooth, velvety chocolate buttercream that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this no-fuss recipe is designed to deliver impressive results every time, ensuring a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any gathering.
Why These Peanut Butter Blondies Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
From casual weeknight cravings to elaborate party spreads, these peanut butter blondies are incredibly versatile and guaranteed to be a hit. They’re the ideal sweet treat for parties, potlucks, picnics, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or a tall, refreshing glass of milk. You’ll definitely want that milk nearby to wash down these wonderfully rich and flavorful bars!
Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion
One of the best features of this recipe is its simplicity. Despite their luxurious taste and appearance, these blondies don’t require any advanced baking skills or exotic ingredients. The process is straightforward, making them accessible for bakers of all levels. You can whip up a batch for a spontaneous get-together or prepare them in advance for a special event. Their sturdy, sliceable nature also makes them perfect for transporting to school events, office parties, or family gatherings.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
What sets these peanut butter blondies apart is their exquisite texture: incredibly soft, moist, and chewy, with just the right amount of denseness. The deep, nutty flavor of the peanut butter base is beautifully balanced by the sweetness and slight bitterness of the chocolate buttercream. Each bite offers a delightful contrast that will keep you coming back for more. We use both brown sugar in the blondie base for that characteristic chewiness and depth, and melted chocolate in the buttercream for an authentic, rich cocoa flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
baking tip: How to Cut Blondies and Bars Cleanly for a Professional Finish
Achieving beautifully uniform and clean-edged slices of your blondies and other bar desserts can elevate their presentation. Follow these expert tips for pretty, perfect cuts every time!
- **Prepare Your Pan with Parchment Paper:** Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides. This overhang acts as convenient handles, allowing you to easily lift the entire cooled batch out of the pan, making slicing much simpler and cleaner.
- **Cool Completely to Room Temperature:** Patience is key! For the best results, allow your blondies to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to cut them. Bars hot from the oven are still very soft and delicate, which will inevitably lead to messy, crumbly slices. Cooling allows them to finish setting up, firming their structure.
- **Transfer to a Cutting Board:** Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of blondies out of the baking pan and transfer it to a flat, stable cutting board. This provides a better surface for precise cutting.
- **Use a Large, Sharp Chef’s Knife:** A long, sharp chef’s knife is your best friend for clean cuts. For even crisper edges, run the blade under hot water briefly to heat up the metal, then wipe it completely dry before making your first slice. For optimal cleanliness, repeat this heating and drying process between each cut. This prevents sticking and ensures smooth, defined edges.
- **(Optional) Use a Ruler as a Guide:** If you’re aiming for absolute perfection and consistent portion sizes, consider using a ruler as a guide. This will help you make sure each bar is cut to an equal size, perfect for impressive presentation at parties or bake sales.
Ingredients Spotlight: What You Need for These Sensational Blondies
The beauty of these peanut butter blondies lies in their straightforward ingredients. High-quality components lead to the best results, so choose your ingredients wisely!
For the Irresistible Peanut Butter Blondie Base:
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the blondies.
- Brown Sugar (Light or Dark): Crucial for that signature chewy texture and deep, caramel-like flavor that blondies are known for. Dark brown sugar will give a more pronounced molasses flavor.
- Peanut Butter (Smooth or Crunchy): The star of the show! Use your favorite brand. Smooth peanut butter will yield a uniform texture, while crunchy adds a delightful textural contrast. Ensure it’s not natural peanut butter that separates, as this can affect the batter consistency.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binder, providing structure and richness to the blondies. They also contribute to the tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements both peanut butter and chocolate.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and highlighting the nutty flavor of the peanut butter. Don’t skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives the blondies their structure. Measure correctly, preferably by weight, to avoid a dense or dry bar.
- Baking Powder: Provides a slight lift, ensuring the blondies are soft and not too dense.
Crafting the Velvety Chocolate Buttercream:
- Unsalted Butter (Softened): Forms the creamy base of the buttercream. Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Salt: Just a pinch to cut through the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (Sifted): Provides sweetness and a silky-smooth texture. Sifting is crucial to prevent lumps in your frosting.
- Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the buttercream, making it spreadable. You can use any type of milk.
- Semi-Sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate Chips (Melted): The key to a rich, authentic chocolate flavor. Melting the chocolate first ensures a smooth, glossy finish to your buttercream.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Ultimate Peanut Butter Blondies
Let’s walk through the process to create these delightful treats, ensuring perfect results from start to finish. Precision and patience are your best friends in baking!
To Make the Peanut Butter Blondies:
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Then, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing enough overhang on two sides to easily lift the blondies out later. Alternatively, you can generously grease the pan with nonstick baking spray. This step is vital for easy removal and clean cuts.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is fully melted and the sugar is dissolved, creating a smooth, glossy mixture. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling step is important to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the peanut butter until it is completely combined with the butter-sugar mixture. Next, add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is thoroughly blended. The mixture should be smooth and cohesive.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are acceptable; overmixing develops gluten, which can make your blondies less tender.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should appear set. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry blondies.
- Cool Down: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to frost them. This can take several hours, or you can even place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process. A fully cooled blondie base ensures the buttercream won’t melt.
To Make the Decadent Chocolate Buttercream:
- Prepare for Frosting: Ensure your softened unsalted butter is at true room temperature. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter, salt, sifted powdered sugar, and 3 tablespoons of milk.
- Beat Until Smooth: Begin beating on low speed until the powdered sugar is mostly incorporated, then increase to medium speed. Beat until the buttercream is smooth, light, and fluffy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl a few times to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Add Melted Chocolate: Once the buttercream is smooth, gradually add the melted semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips. Continue beating on medium speed until the chocolate is fully incorporated and the frosting is uniformly chocolatey and velvety. If the frosting seems too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the chocolate buttercream evenly over the completely cooled peanut butter blondies. Once frosted, slice the blondies into squares using our clean-cutting tips above, and serve immediately.
Notes
- How to Melt Chocolate: For the chocolate buttercream, melt your chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler method for a gentler melt.
Variations and Customization Ideas for Your Blondies
While these peanut butter blondies are perfect as is, there are always ways to customize them to your liking or for specific occasions:
- Extra Chocolate: Fold a cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) directly into the blondie batter before baking for an even more intense chocolate-peanut butter experience.
- Nutty Crunch: If you love texture, consider adding chopped peanuts or other nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the blondie batter.
- Swirl it Up: Before baking, dollop some melted chocolate or extra peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl it with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle a little salted caramel sauce over the chocolate buttercream once it has set.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top of the frosting to match any holiday or celebration.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your peanut butter blondies tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:
- Room Temperature: If consumed within 2-3 days, these blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, or if your kitchen is warm, store the blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The buttercream will firm up slightly, but the blondies will remain moist. Allow them to come closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: Blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire slab (unfrosted or frosted) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Blondies
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
A: It’s generally recommended to use conventional, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for baking recipes like blondies and cookies. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and has a different oil content, which can alter the texture and consistency of the final product, potentially making the blondies greasier or drier.
Q: My buttercream is too thin/too thick. What should I do?
A: If your buttercream is too thin, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s spreadable.
Q: Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
A: While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture, but many bakers have success with this substitution.
Q: How can I tell if the blondies are done baking?
A: The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out with moist crumbs attached but no wet batter, they are ready. If it comes out clean, they might be slightly overbaked, but still delicious! Avoid a completely wet toothpick.
You may enjoy these other peanut butter treats
- 4-Ingredient Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
- Decadent Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
- Peanut Butter and Jam Sweet Rolls
- Peanut Butter Caramel Cupcakes
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Shop Tools for This Recipe
To ensure your baking experience is as smooth as your buttercream, consider these essential tools. Investing in quality bakeware can make a significant difference in your results and enjoyment!
This beloved recipe was originally published in October 2011 and has been a reader favorite ever since!
Peanut Butter Blondies with Chocolate Buttercream Recipe
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Ingredients
Peanut Butter Blondies:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (166 grams)
- 2 cups light or dark brown sugar (425 grams)
- 1 cup peanut butter (270 grams), smooth or crunchy
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Chocolate Buttercream:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85 grams), softened to room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (227 grams), sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- ¾ cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (128 grams), melted
Instructions
To make the blondies:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with nonstick baking spray.
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Melt the butter and sugar together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the peanut butter until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, and then the vanilla, stirring until combined.
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In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Spread the batter into the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
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Let cool completely before frosting.
To make the buttercream:
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Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until smooth, scraping down the mixer bowl a few times as needed.
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Frost blondies with buttercream. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- To melt chocolate, microwave chocolate in a heat-proof bowl on high in 30 second intervals. Stirring until smooth.