Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits

Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits combine my new two favorite things – Peanut Butter Cup Brownies and Peanut Butter “Mousse” – into one amazing Valentine’s treat, covered in chocolate ganache to make things crazy good. Make these mini desserts for the ones you love!

This may be it, you guys. The last out-of-the-park, over-the-top recipe I have in me until after we’re moved in and settled in the new place. I’m not saying that it is, just that it might be.

The good news is that Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits are pretty much a peanut butter and chocolate lover’s dream, and the best idea you’ve ever had when it comes to surprising your sweetheart this Valentine’s day.

I started with Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, made extra fudgy with indulgent dark chocolate melted into the batter. I mean, I can’t really go wrong there, can I?

Once those brownies are baked up and cooled, cut them into circular shapes and layer in your parfaits.

Then, you’ll whip up a light and fluffy peanut butter “mousse”, which I’ll admit is fantastic on its own. However, I’m using it here simply as a vehicle for more chocolate; chocolate ganache you’ll drizzle onto each layer of your parfaits. Chocolate two ways, folks. That’s what we’re doing. And it’s going to be amazing.

February, and Valentine’s Day, are the best time of year to experiment with every kind of chocolate the world can throw at you. From ganache to chopped chunks of 60% dark, cocoa powder both sweetened and unsweetened, this is the time to figure out your favorite combination and share it with your sweetheart.

I wandered the length of Whole Foods Market for a good long while, picking up my favorite peanut butter, and a bunch of different kinds of dark and milk chocolate – and let’s face it, avoiding the boxes and packing at my house. But finally, I couldn’t avoid the check out lane anymore.

Eric and I decided we’re going to spend at least 20 minutes with our feet up on a packed box, enjoying a Peanut Butter Brownie Parfait each. That’s as indulgent as it gets around here right now, but that’s okay – next year, Valentine’s Day will be celebrated in our own house, with the whole nine yards. And maybe even these parfaits again – because they’re just that good!

What’s your favorite chocolate combination? I’d love for you to share with me on Facebook and Twitter – make sure to use the hashtag #2Ways2Percent so I can find it!

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Disclosure: I was selected by American Express to contribute to the Blue Cash Card #2Ways2Percent campaign. As such I was paid for my services, but all opinions in general and about American Express are my own.

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Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits

By: Jamie

4.18 from 23 ratings

Prep: 45 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 9 servings

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Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits combine my new two favorite things – Peanut Butter Cup Brownies and Peanut Butter “Mousse” – into one amazing Valentine’s treat, covered in chocolate ganache to make things crazy good. Make these mini desserts for the ones you love!

Ingredients

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For the Brownies

• ▢ 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate roughly chopped
• ▢ ¾ cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 3 large eggs lightly beaten
• ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 9 peanut butter cups

For the Peanut Butter “Mousse”

• ▢ 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• ▢ ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ▢ ½ cup plus one tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
• ▢ ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ▢ 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Ganache

• ▢ 6 ounces heavy cream
• ▢ 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate roughly chopped

For the Garnish

• ▢ whipped cream
• ▢ chopped peanut cutter cups

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with foil or parchment and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
• Microwave bittersweet chocolate and butter in a large bowl microwave-safe bowl at medium (50%) power. Stir every 30 seconds until chocolate and butter are melted and smooth.
• Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt to the chocolate mixture and whisk to combine. Using a rubber spatula, gradually fold in the flour until just combined.
• Spread half the brownie batter into prepared pan. Evenly place the peanut butter cups onto the batter and cover with remaining batter. Spread batter evenly over the peanut butter cups and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove pan to cooling rack to cool completely.
• Once brownies are completely cooled, remove them from the pan and use a small glass or round biscuit cutter to cut the brownies into 8-9 circular shapes. Once you have 8-9 brownie circles, slice each brownie in half horizontally, directly through the centers of the brownies, so each brownie is now two thinner circular brownies.
• Prepare the Peanut Butter Mousse: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until thoroughly combined and fluffy; about 3 minutes.
• Prepare the Ganache: Place bittersweet chocolate in a medium bowl. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring cream to a simmer and immediately remove from heat. Pour hot cream over the bittersweet chocolate and let stand for 3-5 minutes. Whisk ganache until smooth. Allow ganache to cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before assembling the trifles.
• To Assemble the Trifles: Place a brownie at the bottom of each trifle dish or small glass. Evenly pipe or spoon a layer of the peanut butter mousse onto each brownie. Add a layer of ganache and then a layer of whipped cream. Repeats layers. If desired, garnish with additional whipped cream and chopped peanut butter cups. Refrigerate for a few hours or serve immediately.

Notes

• Servings per recipe will depend on the size of serving dishes.
• Glass cups pictured are from Ikea.

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