Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Imagine biting into the perfect marriage of fudgy chocolate and creamy peanut butter: that’s exactly what these Peanut Butter Brownies deliver. With each square, you get a swirl of rich cocoa layered with dreamy ribbons of peanut butter—a treat that’s as stunning to serve as it is irresistible to devour. This is one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a Tuesday night craving something special. If you love anything peanut butter-chocolate, you’ll find yourself baking these again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Peanut Butter Brownies is hand-picked for maximum flavor and just the right texture. The best part? They’re all pantry staples, and each one plays a vital role in the chewiness, depth, and signature swirl of your brownies.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Delivers that dense fudgy texture and keeps the brownies rich without overwhelming with saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create the beloved crackly brownie top.
- Large eggs: Add structure and give the brownies their delightful chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and brings a warm aroma to every bite.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep, dark chocolate flavor; use a good-quality for the most decadent brownies.
- All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together while keeping the texture tender.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and in a subtle way makes the chocolate taste even more chocolatey.
- Baking powder: Provides just a hint of lift, so the brownies aren’t too dense.
- Creamy peanut butter: Swirled in for that iconic taste and luscious, marbled appearance.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter swirl and gives it that silky smoothness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Added to the peanut butter swirl for extra creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make cleanup a breeze and ensure your brownies lift out without a hitch, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together your melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything looks smooth and glossy. Next, fold in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir just until combined—overmixing is a brownie’s nemesis if you want that fudgy center!
Step 3: Spread the Brownie Layer
Pour your rich chocolate batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Take a moment to admire that silky sheen—this is the foundation of your Peanut Butter Brownies.
Step 4: Make and Add the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened butter until creamy and thick. Drop spoonfuls of this luscious mixture over your brownie batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie layer, creating gorgeous marbled ribbons.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know your Peanut Butter Brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—don’t wait for it to come out clean or you’ll miss out on that perfect texture. Let them cool in the pan before slicing, as this helps them set up beautifully.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
Garnishes
Sprinkle warm brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top for a bakery-style finish that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine on their own, but they’re absolutely divine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent dessert plate, serve your Peanut Butter Brownies with fresh strawberries or a tall glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready display, cut your brownies into bite-sized squares and thread them onto skewers with mini marshmallows. Or, stack them on a tiered platter with alternating layers of mini peanut butter cups. Individual parchment wraps make them easy to grab-and-go for picnics or lunchbox treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Brownies keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to three days, especially if you store them in an airtight container. Layering parchment between them prevents sticking and keeps them just as chewy as the day you made them.
Freezing
If you need to plan ahead, these brownies are a freezer superstar. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for emergency dessert cravings!
Reheating
To bring brownies back to their gooey-best, either microwave one for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm a batch in a low oven wrapped in foil. This gentle heat revives the fudgy center and softens the peanut butter swirl—irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a bit more texture and crunch to each bite. Just make sure you still mix it well with the powdered sugar and butter so the swirl stays smooth and easy to marble.
How do I know when my Peanut Butter Brownies are done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not totally clean. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so start checking at the 25-minute mark.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed (typically 28–35 minutes). Just watch for that perfect moist crumb texture.
Are Peanut Butter Brownies gluten-free?
This recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can swap with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that texture might vary slightly, but the results are still delicious!
Can I make Peanut Butter Brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg replacer, such as flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for a few minutes). The final brownies may be a bit denser but still wonderfully rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and these Peanut Butter Brownies show that off in every marbled bite. If you’re looking for a treat that’s as comforting as it is indulgent, you absolutely need to try baking a batch. Trust me, once you’ve tasted them, sharing will be the hardest part!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent fusion of peanut butter and chocolate with these irresistibly fudgy peanut butter brownies. A perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite!
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
Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder; mix until just combined.
- Prepare the pan: Pour the brownie batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Create the swirl: In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For added texture, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the brownie batter.
- If a less sweet peanut butter swirl is preferred, omit the powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
