Indulge in these delightful Peanut Butter Brownie Bites: a perfect harmony of rich, fudgy brownie, creamy peanut butter filling, all enveloped in a silky chocolate ganache.

Prepare to fall in love with these Miniature Peanut Butter Brownie Bites! This recipe guides you through creating impressive, bite-sized desserts that perfectly balance the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. While we feature a convenient packaged brownie mix option, dedicated bakers will also find instructions on crafting the brownie base entirely from scratch. For those who adore miniature brownie treats, be sure to bookmark our popular Mini Brownie Bites with Rolos® for your next baking adventure.

Contents

Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Bites: A Sweet Symphony

If the mere thought of chocolate and peanut butter excites your taste buds, then these Peanut Butter Brownie Bites are destined to become your new favorite obsession! Each miniature confection begins with a supremely fudgy brownie base, providing a rich chocolate foundation. Nestled within this brownie is a soft, smooth, and intensely flavorful peanut butter filling. Finally, a luxurious, milk chocolate ganache crowns each bite, adding a glossy finish and an extra layer of chocolatey indulgence.

These treats are incredibly rich and satisfying, yet their small size prevents them from feeling overly heavy, making them the perfect indulgence. Their elegant presentation and irresistible flavor make them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, contributing to a potluck, or participating in a cookie exchange, these Peanut Butter Brownie Bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They are not only easy to transport and store beautifully, but most importantly, they are utterly delicious and will leave everyone craving more!

Crafting the Perfect Brownie Base: Boxed Mix or Homemade

The foundation of these exquisite bites is a truly fudgy brownie. You have the flexibility to choose between the convenience of a high-quality boxed mix or the satisfaction of baking from scratch. Both methods yield delicious results, so pick the one that best suits your time and baking preference.

Choosing a Brownie Mix for Convenience

For those days when time is of the essence but you refuse to compromise on flavor, a good quality brownie mix is your best friend. Many excellent brands deliver a consistently fudgy texture and rich chocolate taste. While this recipe is incredibly adaptable, I have a few go-to mixes that consistently produce outstanding results:

Betty Crocker’s Supreme Triple Chunk®(17.8 ounces): A reliable choice known for its rich flavor and decadent chocolate chunks.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Triple Fudge Brownie Mix®(19 ounces): Offers an exceptionally deep chocolate flavor, often resulting in a slightly higher yield of brownies due to its larger size.
Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix® (18.4 ounces): Another excellent option for a classic, fudgy brownie.

Simply follow the package directions for your chosen mix. Remember, the goal is a tender, fudgy brownie, not a dry one. For this recipe, I typically reach for Betty Crocker’s mix due to its consistent performance and perfect yield for miniature treats.

Baking Your Brownies from Scratch

If you prefer the satisfaction of homemade, you can absolutely bake your brownies from scratch. You can adapt a favorite fudgy brownie recipe, or try a simple one as follows. This adaptation for our Peanut Butter Brownie Bites will ensure the perfect consistency and structure for holding the rich filling:

Dry Ingredients: Whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Baking: Prepare your miniature muffin pan as described below. Fill each cavity 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Once baked, immediately press the back of a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon into the center of each hot brownie to create a small well for the peanut butter filling. This step is crucial for the perfect structure of your Peanut Butter Brownie Bites. Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently twist and remove each brownie to cool completely on a wire rack.

Quick Tip: Perfect Pan Preparation

The secret to easily releasing your miniature brownies without sticking is meticulous pan preparation. Use a high-quality nonstick miniature muffin tin. Generously grease each cavity with shortening, then dust thoroughly with cocoa powder. Tap out any excess cocoa. This creates a non-stick, chocolatey barrier that helps the brownies release beautifully every time. Muffin liners are not recommended for this recipe as they often stick to the fudgy brownies.

The Irresistible Peanut Butter Filling

The heart of these delightful bites is a smooth, rich, and perfectly sweet peanut butter filling. This creamy layer provides a wonderful contrast to the dense chocolate brownie, creating a harmonious flavor profile that chocolate and peanut butter lovers adore. Our filling is crafted from just a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving the ideal taste and texture:

Creamy Peanut Butter: For the best results, stick with a classic, creamy peanut butter. Avoid natural or “no-stir” varieties, as their oil separation can affect the filling’s consistency and make it too runny. Brands like Skippy’s® creamy peanut butter (not sponsored, just a personal favorite) offer the perfect balance of sweetness and stability needed for this recipe.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is essential for giving the filling its luxurious, smooth texture and rich mouthfeel. It also mellows the intense peanut butter flavor slightly, ensuring a balanced taste. Using unsalted butter allows you to precisely control the salt content in your finished treats.
Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar provides both sweetness and structure to the filling. It dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth, grit-free consistency. If you desire a firmer filling, you can gradually add a little more powdered sugar. For a softer, creamier filling, use slightly less than specified.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract is a fantastic flavor enhancer, adding depth and warmth to the peanut butter. While highly recommended for that extra gourmet touch, if you find yourself without vanilla, your Peanut Butter Brownie Bites will still be delicious!
Optional Salt: If your peanut butter is unsalted and you’re using unsalted butter, a small pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon) can make a significant difference. Salt acts as a flavor intensifier, balancing the sweetness of the filling and bringing out the best in both the chocolate and peanut butter.

Quick Tip: Achieving Perfect Filling Consistency

If your peanut butter filling feels too soft or runny after mixing, making it difficult to pipe or spoon into the brownie wells, simply place the bowl in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Chilling the mixture will firm it up to a perfect, workable consistency, making the filling process much easier and cleaner.

The Luxurious Chocolate Ganache Topping

To complete these show-stopping Peanut Butter Brownie Bites, each one is crowned with a silky, glossy chocolate ganache. This decadent topping not only adds another layer of rich chocolate flavor but also provides a beautiful, professional finish that makes these mini desserts truly shine.

Our simple ganache requires just three key ingredients:

Milk Chocolate Chips: We prefer milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier ganache that perfectly complements the peanut butter. However, if you lean towards less sweetness and a more intense chocolate experience, semi-sweet chocolate chips are an excellent alternative. Always opt for high-quality chocolate chips from brands like Ghirardelli® or Guittard® (not sponsored) for the best flavor and a smooth, consistent melt.
Heavy Cream: This is the magic ingredient that transforms chocolate into ganache. When heated and combined with chocolate, it creates a rich, pourable, and ultimately luscious topping.
Light Corn Syrup: While optional, a touch of light corn syrup is highly recommended. It’s the secret to achieving that stunning, mirror-like gloss on your ganache, making your brownie bites look even more irresistible. It also helps prevent the ganache from hardening too much.

Ganache Preparation and Dipping Strategy

For the smoothest application and best results, I recommend making the ganache in two separate batches. This clever trick ensures the chocolate remains warm and perfectly dippable throughout the process, preventing it from cooling and hardening before you’ve finished coating all your brownie bites. Simply prepare half the ganache, dip half of your brownies, then repeat with the remaining ingredients for the second batch.

Storing and Serving Your Delicious Bites

To maintain their optimal freshness and delightful texture, these Peanut Butter Brownie Bites are best enjoyed within one to two days of preparation. For any delightful leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to indulge again, allow the brownie bites to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before serving. This brief period ensures the brownie softens slightly, preventing it from being too firm and allowing the flavors to truly sing.

Creative Variations and Customizations

While these Peanut Butter Brownie Bites are perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit different tastes or occasions:

Chocolate Choices: Experiment with dark chocolate ganache for a more intense flavor, or white chocolate ganache for a sweeter, contrasting topping.
Nutty Additions: For extra crunch, fold finely chopped roasted peanuts into the peanut butter filling, or sprinkle them on top of the wet ganache.
Sea Salt Flakes: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate ganache enhances both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully, adding a gourmet touch.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Press a miniature peanut butter cup into the brownie well before adding the filling, or chop them and mix into the filling for an extra layer of peanut butter candy goodness.
Decorative Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to the wet ganache to match any holiday or celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling?

It’s generally not recommended to use natural or no-stir peanut butters for this recipe. Their consistency can be too oily or runny, which may prevent the filling from firming up properly and achieving the desired smooth texture.

Can I freeze these Peanut Butter Brownie Bites?

Yes, these brownie bites freeze beautifully! Once the ganache is fully set, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bring to room temperature before serving.

How can I make these more fudgy?

To ensure maximum fudginess, be very careful not to overbake your brownies. Remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter, and definitely not clean. Slightly underbaked brownies tend to be fudgier.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use a high-quality gluten-free fudge brownie mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe steps remain the same.

More Decadent Brownie Recipes to Love:

Edible Brownie Batter (with heat-treated flour for safety!)
Mint Brownies (featuring a luscious chocolate ganache topping)
Brownie Trifle (a layered dessert masterpiece with fresh berries)
Cosmic Brownies (a nostalgic Little Debbie® copycat recipe)
Brownie Batter Ice Cream (no ice cream maker required for this dreamy treat!)

A perfectly prepared Peanut Butter Brownie Bite with a bite taken out, showcasing the creamy peanut butter center.

Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

By Chelsea Lords

Miniature Peanut Butter Brownie Bites: creamy peanut butter filling in a chocolate fudge brownie bite, topped with a soft chocolate ganache.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Servings: 36 miniature brownie cups

Equipment

Mini muffin pan

Ingredients

Brownie Base

1 package (17.8 oz.) fudge brownie mix + ingredients called for on the box (e.g., Betty Crocker’s Supreme Triple Chunk mix)

Peanut Butter Filling

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional, if using unsalted peanut butter/butter)

Topping (Chocolate Ganache)

4 tablespoons heavy cream, separated
2/3 cup (4 oz.) milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet, separated (See Note 1)
2 teaspoons light corn syrup, separated

To prepare the pan:

Shortening
Cocoa powder

Instructions

PREP: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously rub shortening into each cavity of a miniature muffin pan. Dust with cocoa powder, shaking off and discarding any extra. This step is crucial for easy brownie release. (Use a plastic sandwich bag like a glove to keep hands clean). Muffin liners are not recommended.
BROWNIES: Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions. Fill each muffin cavity 2/3 full. Bake for 17-21 minutes, being careful not to over-bake. They should look set and not wet on top.
BROWNIES, CONT.: Remove from the oven and immediately gently press the back of a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon into the center of each brownie to create a well. Allow the brownies to cool slightly (about 5 minutes) in the pan, then gently twist and pull each brownie out. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
PEANUT BUTTER FILLING: While the brownies cool, beat the peanut butter and butter together in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. (If your peanut butter is unsalted, consider adding a small pinch of salt here). Set the filling in the fridge to firm up while the brownies finish cooling.
PEANUT BUTTER FILLING, CONT.: Once the brownie cups are completely cooled, evenly fill each well with the chilled peanut butter mixture. Use a knife or small offset spatula to smooth the top of the filling so it’s even with the brownie surface.
CHOCOLATE GANACHE: To prevent the chocolate from hardening prematurely, prepare the ganache in two batches. For the first batch, add 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup milk chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon light corn syrup to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring well between each burst, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Dip the tops of half of the filled brownies into the ganache, gently shaking off any excess. Repeat this process with the remaining 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1/3 cup milk chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon corn syrup for the second half of the brownie bites. Continue dipping until all brownie bites are beautifully topped with chocolate ganache.
STORAGE: Allow the Peanut Butter Brownie Bites to sit at room temperature for the ganache to completely set. These bites are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of making. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before eating refrigerated bites, allow them to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the brownies soften and are not too hard.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chocolate chips: While we love the sweetness of milk chocolate, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet and richer chocolate flavor. For the best melting and taste, always choose high-quality chocolate chips.

Nutrition information provided is an approximation and does not include the ingredients required on the brownie mix box (typically oil, water, and egg).

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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