Ultimate Triple Layer Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies with Chocolate Ganache and Swirled Peanut Butter Topping

The ultimate peanut butter cheesecake brownies featuring a fudgy chocolate base, creamy peanut butter filling, and glossy chocolate ganache. This decadent dessert combines the rich intensity of dark chocolate with the smooth creaminess of peanut butter cheesecake, creating an unforgettable three-layer experience that elevates the classic brownie to extraordinary heights perfect for celebrations, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter bliss.

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JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Secrets to Triple Layer Brownie Perfection

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Building the Fudgy Foundation:
Master the art of creating a dense, fudgy brownie base that holds up under the weight of the cheesecake layer while remaining moist and chocolatey
Whipping the Cheesecake Layer:
Learn the proper technique for beating cream cheese and peanut butter to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that bakes into creamy perfection
Layering Without Mixing:
Develop the skill of carefully spreading the cheesecake mixture over unbaked brownie batter to create distinct, beautiful layers that don't blend together
Perfecting Ganache Consistency:
Understand the ideal ratio of chocolate to cream and proper stirring technique to create a glossy, spreadable ganache that sets beautifully
Creating Artistic Swirls:
Master the decorative technique of drizzling and swirling peanut butter through ganache to create stunning marbled patterns that look bakery-professional
Ultimate Triple Layer Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies with Chocolate Ganache and Swirled Peanut Butter Topping - secondary view

The Art of Triple Layer Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Perfection

Building the Fudgy Foundation
Master the art of creating a dense, fudgy brownie base that holds up under the weight of the cheesecake layer while remaining moist and chocolatey
Whipping the Cheesecake Layer
Learn the proper technique for beating cream cheese and peanut butter to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that bakes into creamy perfection
Layering Without Mixing
Develop the skill of carefully spreading the cheesecake mixture over unbaked brownie batter to create distinct, beautiful layers that don't blend together
Perfecting Ganache Consistency
Understand the ideal ratio of chocolate to cream and proper stirring technique to create a glossy, spreadable ganache that sets beautifully
Creating Artistic Swirls
Master the decorative technique of drizzling and swirling peanut butter through ganache to create stunning marbled patterns that look bakery-professional
Secrets to Triple Layer Brownie Perfection
Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in your cheesecake layer. Leave it out for at least 1 hour before starting.
Perfect Swirls: For the cleanest peanut butter swirls on top, make sure the ganache is still slightly warm when you add the peanut butter drizzle, allowing for smooth blending.
Clean Cuts: For bakery-perfect squares, wipe your knife clean between each cut and use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out before slicing.
Make-Ahead Magic: These brownies actually taste better the next day after flavors have melded. Make them up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated until serving.
Peanut Butter Options: Use creamy peanut butter rather than natural for the best texture. Natural peanut butter can separate and create an oily layer.
Doneness Test: The cheesecake layer should be set but still slightly jiggly in the very center when you remove it from the oven. It will firm up as it cools.
Ultimate Triple Layer Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies with Chocolate Ganache and Swirled Peanut Butter Topping - tertiary view

Ultimate Triple Layer Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies with Chocolate Ganache and Swirled Peanut Butter Topping

The ultimate peanut butter cheesecake brownies featuring a fudgy chocolate base, creamy peanut butter filling, and glossy chocolate ganache. This decadent dessert combines the rich intensity of dark chocolate with the smooth creaminess of peanut butter cheesecake, creating an unforgettable three-layer experience that elevates the classic brownie to extraordinary heights perfect for celebrations, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter bliss.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the Brownie Base:
02
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
03
2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
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16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1/3 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, for swirling
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For Special Equipment:
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9x13 inch baking pan
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Parchment paper
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Electric mixer
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Offset spatula or butter knife for swirling

Instructions

01
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
02
Make the brownie base by whisking together melted butter and sugar in a large bowl until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
03
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold gently until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
04
Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating softened cream cheese and peanut butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
05
Add sugar to the cream cheese mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, beating on low speed until just combined.
06
Pour the peanut butter cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and spread evenly with a spatula, ensuring it reaches all corners.
07
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the cheesecake layer is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquid. Let cool completely in the pan.
08
Make the ganache by heating heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until steaming (about 45 seconds). Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
09
Pour ganache over the cooled brownie-cheesecake layers and spread evenly. Warm the 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in the microwave for 15 seconds until pourable.
10
Drizzle warmed peanut butter over the ganache in lines, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl it through the chocolate, creating a marbled pattern.
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the ganache is completely set before cutting into 16 squares using the parchment overhang to lift from the pan.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.