Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe
If you’re craving that perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter and intense chocolate, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies will absolutely hit the spot! Imagine a thick, fudgy brownie layered with dreamy swirls of sweetened peanut butter, all in one decadent bar that’s simple to whip up at home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extra special, this recipe combines flavor and texture beautifully for a dessert that always disappears fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these brownies plays a key role, and you’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples come together for the ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies. Don’t underestimate these simple additions — each brings out a richness or a contrast that makes every bite truly memorable.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives the brownies their signature fudgy texture and rich flavor base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens each bite and helps achieve those delightfully chewy edges.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for a tender crumb and shiny, crackly top.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth that complements both the peanut butter and the chocolate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor for that deep, brownie richness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure while keeping the crumb soft and fudgy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens every flavor in the pan.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, ensuring the brownies don’t become too dense.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite — who can resist?
- Creamy peanut butter: Swirls in a layer of creamy, nutty goodness that contrasts the chocolate.
- Powdered sugar: Mixes with the peanut butter to create a sweet, lush ribbon throughout the brownie.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This not only keeps the brownies from sticking, but also makes it a breeze to lift them out for slicing once they’re cool. Trust me, prep here makes all the difference!
Step 2: Create the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter and granulated sugar until you have a smooth mixture. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is gloriously combined. Now, stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. The batter will come together thick and rich — that’s exactly what you want for fudgy brownies! Finally, fold in those chocolate chips for bursts of melty chocolate throughout.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth and silky. This not only adds sweetness to the peanut butter, but keeps it from sinking during baking, so you get gorgeous ripples in every slice.
Step 4: Assemble and Swirl
Spread half of your brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into the corners. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture right over the batter, spacing them out evenly. Top with the rest of the brownie batter, then use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers, creating marbled ribbons of peanut butter in each square.
Step 5: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs — resist the urge to overbake for that delightfully fudgy texture! Let your Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing, so the swirls set up beautifully.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Garnishes
For a pretty (and tasty) finishing touch, dust the cooled brownies with extra powdered sugar, or drizzle with a little melted chocolate. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also make the chocolate flavor pop and give a lovely crunch that plays off the creamy peanut butter swirls.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine on their own, but if you’re looking to round out dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. A handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on the side adds a refreshing, tart contrast that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies into an indulgent sundae by layering warm chunks with ice cream, more peanut butter drizzle, and chopped roasted peanuts for crunch. For an elegant touch at parties, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter, or skewer them with fruit and marshmallows for easy dessert kabobs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your brownies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them a bit firmer, you can chill them in the fridge, where the flavors intensify and the texture becomes even more fudge-like as the days go by.
Freezing
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individually or in a whole slab with plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-friendly bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
For melty goodness, pop a brownie square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back the fresh-from-the-oven texture, especially if you love those gooey chocolate chip pockets.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add extra texture and little pops of nutty crunch throughout your brownies. Just be aware that the swirl might look a bit thicker, but the end result is just as delicious.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Start checking around the 25-minute mark. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist (not wet) crumbs. The edges will look set while the center remains slightly soft for ultimate fudginess.
Can I double this Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies recipe?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; it may need an additional 5–10 minutes depending on your oven.
What’s the best way to cut clean brownie squares?
For neat slices, wait until the brownies are fully cool, then use a large, sharp knife. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for those crisp, bakery-style edges.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
The classic version uses all-purpose flour, but you can try swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix if needed. The results are still fudgy, though the texture might be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
Give these Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies a try the next time you want to wow your friends, your family, or just yourself! Their irresistible layers and memorably rich flavor truly make them a dessert to repeat all year round. Happy baking and happy indulging!
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies. These fudgy brownies are swirled with creamy peanut butter for the perfect sweet treat.
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 semi-sweet chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Prepare Swirl: In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Layer Batter: Spread half the brownie batter in the pan, add dollops of peanut butter mixture, top with remaining batter, and swirl.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Cool completely before slicing into 9 brownies.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and let them cool completely in the pan.
- You can use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
