Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies

If you are a texture lover when it comes to food, these over-the-top brownies are going to be your new favorite thing. The soft chewy brownie base, gooey layer of marshmallows in the middle, and the crunchy peanut butter chocolate rice krispies top are the ultimate dessert experience. I based these off my Frosted Brownies, which gives a slightly more cakey brownie base than my Fudgy Homemade Brownies. The brownie base in this version holds up better to more toppings and worked better with the other elements of this dessert when I was testing the recipe. Our Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies are twist on traditional brownies, combining the beloved flavors of peanut butter and the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, casual family gathering, or as a show-stopping treat for a holiday party, these brownies always seem to find their way into the hearts of those who try them. If chocolate and peanut butter is your favorite combination too, check out my recipes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Whirligigs, Amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies, Copycat Levain Bakery Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, and No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie!

Why We Love This Recipe

Gimme fun & exciting brownie flavors over basic box mix brownies any day! Despite the layers, this brownie recipe ispretty straightforward, making it easy enough for even beginning bakers. They’re a fantastic project for kids who want to help in the kitchen – there’s plenty of fun to be had in every step!

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Salted Butter – Provides moisture and a rich, buttery flavor to the brownie base, and helps smooth out the chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Unsalted butter can be used with a pinch of extra salt. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies, contributing to their tender texture. Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the brownies. Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients together and add to the richness of the texture. All-Purpose Flour – The structure of the brownies comes from the flour. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides the deep chocolate flavor essential to any brownie. Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. Miniature Marshmallows – Add a gooey, sweet layer to the brownies that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and chocolate chip topping. Peanut Butter – Creates the creamy peanut butter layer. Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Melted with peanut butter for the topping, adding a rich, chocolatey flavor. Rice Krispies Cereal – Adds a delightful crunch to the topping, contrasting the chewy brownie base and creamy peanut butter layer.

How to Make Marshmallow Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies

Tips for Success

The cocoa powder significantly influences the flavor of your brownies. Using a high-quality natural unsweetened cocoa powder will give you a rich, chocolatey flavor that’s hard to beat. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you can no longer see dry flour. Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Use the toothpick test to check if the brownies are done. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can dry out the brownies. When adding the marshmallows, aim for an even layer to ensure every bite has that gooey marshmallow goodness. Watch them closely in the oven to prevent over-browning. Adding the marshmallows at the right moment is crucial. They should be added when the brownies are almost but not fully baked, allowing them to melt slightly and adhere to the brownie base. When melting the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for the topping, use low heat or short intervals in the microwave to avoid scorching. Stir frequently until smooth. Use an offset spatula to spread the peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the marshmallows. This tool helps achieve a smooth, even layer that covers the entire surface. If you’ve stored your brownies in the refrigerator, let them sit out for a bit before serving. Room temperature brownies have the best texture and flavor, as the cold can mute some of the sweetness and richness and make the brownies taste dry or stale.

Substitutions and Variations

For a slightly different flavor profile, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar. This will give the brownies a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. The substitution can be done on a 1:1 basis. Experiment with different types of cocoa powder for a variety of chocolate flavors. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a smoother, less acidic taste, though it may slightly alter the brownies’ texture. If miniature marshmallows aren’t available, you can cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces. Alternatively, marshmallow fluff can be spread over the brownies in a pinch, though this may create a gooier layer. For those with peanut allergies or simply looking to change the flavor, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be used as 1:1 substitutions. For a different texture or to use what you have on hand, puffed quinoa, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts can be substituted for the Rice Krispies.

More of the Best Brownies Recipes

Mint Brownies Lemon Brownies Caramel Cornflake Brownies Butterfinger Brownies Pecan Pie Brownies

Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. This step prevents the layers from mixing and ensures each piece has sharp, clean edges. You can also dip your knife into hot water and wipe it dry between slices. This method melts through the chocolate layer smoothly and helps prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the knife.