These Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars have a fudgy and rich brownie layer on the bottom with lots of deep chocolate flavor; a thick and creamy layer of peanut butter filling; and on top is another layer of chocolate made from melted chocolate chips.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 13X9-inch baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Spray foil with cooking spray.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1 cup butter and chopped chocolate. Microwave on HIGH for 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add chocolate mixture while whisking continuously.
Using a wooden spoon or sturdy rubber spatula, mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes or until set in middle. (It's ok for it to still look slightly undercooked in the middle.) Let cool.
Using an electric mixer, beat peanut butter and ½ cup softened butter until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Beat in vanilla.
Spread peanut butter filling on top of cooled brownies, smoothing with a spatula. Place in freezer for 15 minutes.
Place chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 20 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted.
Spread melted chocolate on top of peanut butter filling. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Notes
Recipe originally by Christin from Spicy Southern Kitchen (one of my blogging idols) Yield: 24 bars