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fudgy peanut butter swirl brownie bars - featured image

Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Bars with Salted Pretzel Crust

  • Author: Elena
  • Total Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

These fudgy peanut butter swirl brownie bars feature a crunchy salted pretzel crust, rich chocolate brownie batter, and a creamy peanut butter swirl. They are an easy, pantry-friendly dessert that balances sweet and salty flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces soft pretzels (about 2 cups crumbs)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (optional)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • Extra pretzels for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides, and lightly grease.
  2. Crush soft pretzels into fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix pretzel crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and coarse salt until it resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes to pre-bake the crust, then remove from oven.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar vigorously for one minute. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Add cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Pour the brownie batter over the hot crust and spread evenly.
  7. Microwave peanut butter for 15-20 seconds to thin it. Dollop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl with a knife or skewer.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
  9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1 hour) before lifting out and slicing into squares.

Notes

Press the crust tightly to prevent crumbling. Do not overbake as brownies continue to cook in the pan. For clean cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38-43 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24
  • Sodium: 280
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 6

Keywords: brownies, peanut butter, pretzel crust, fudgy brownies, easy dessert, salty sweet dessert, bake from scratch

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Find it online: https://plateku.com/fudgy-peanut-butter-swirl-brownie-bars-best-easy-recipe/