If you’re searching for the ultimate indulgent treat, look no further than Peanut Butter Brownies. These rich, fudgy bars bring together the classic duo of chocolate and peanut butter in every gooey bite—perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing friends at your next gathering. With a swirl of creamy peanut butter on top and the option for melty chocolate chips inside, this recipe is as easy as it is irresistible. Whether you’re a lifelong brownie lover or just want to try something new, these Peanut Butter Brownies will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create Peanut Butter Brownies that taste like they came straight from your favorite bakery. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the brownies’ fudgy texture, deep chocolate flavor, and signature swirl.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds moisture and richness, giving the brownies a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies and helps create that shiny, crinkly top.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add structure for chewy, thick brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers deep chocolate flavor for a classic brownie base.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides just enough body without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of lift, keeping the brownies soft and tender.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup, plus extra for swirling): Infuses every bite with nutty flavor and creates a beautiful marbled top.
- Chocolate chips (1/3 cup, optional): Fold these in for pockets of gooey, melted chocolate throughout.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and perfectly clean-cut bars. This little bit of prep ensures your Peanut Butter Brownies won’t stick and makes for effortless slicing once they’re done.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step dissolves the sugar and helps give your brownies that enviable shiny top. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is fully combined and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold these ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix—just stir until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so keep it light and easy here.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips
Now for the magic: fold in the creamy peanut butter (and chocolate chips, if you’re using them) until just combined. You want little ribbons of peanut butter running through the batter for maximum flavor and those iconic swirls.
Step 5: Swirl and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Drop small spoonfuls of extra peanut butter on the surface, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the top layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs—don’t overbake, as you want these to stay fudgy!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the Peanut Butter Brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This patience pays off with neat squares and a perfectly set, gooey center. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into nine generous pieces.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
Garnishes
Take your Peanut Butter Brownies to the next level with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These simple touches make each piece look as good as it tastes and add an extra pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert, or serve alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. For an after-dinner treat, a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk is the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter for a party, or stack them in a rustic tower for a cozy movie night. You can even layer crumbled brownies with whipped cream and peanut butter sauce in parfait glasses for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, with the flavors melding beautifully over time.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips will get melty again, and the peanut butter will become extra gooey—absolutely irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be sure to stir it well first. Natural varieties can separate and may make the batter slightly oilier, but the brownies will still taste fantastic.
How do I know when Peanut Butter Brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter. The brownies will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking for that perfect fudgy texture.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may be a bit longer, so keep an eye on the brownies and check for doneness starting at 28 minutes.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Let the brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts. For extra neat squares, chill the brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.
Are these Peanut Butter Brownies gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for delicious results with the same chewy, fudgy texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Peanut Butter Brownies—each bite is a little moment of chocolate-peanut butter bliss! Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with creamy peanut butter swirls for a decadent dessert that’s easy to make and irresistible. Perfectly moist and packed with flavor, these brownies are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth with a peanut butter twist.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Topping
- Extra creamy peanut butter for swirling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and, if using, the chocolate chips. This will create pockets of peanut butter flavor and chocolate throughout the brownies.
- Pour and Swirl: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Drop small spoonfuls of extra creamy peanut butter over the surface and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares. This resting time helps the brownies set and enhances their fudgy texture.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute regular cocoa powder with dark cocoa powder.
- Try swirling in chocolate hazelnut spread along with the peanut butter for an extra decadent twist.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
