If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert mashup, look no further than Peanut Butter Brownies. This recipe brings together the best of fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy peanut butter swirls, creating a treat that’s simultaneously rich, nutty, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a die-hard chocolate fan, a peanut butter lover, or just someone who believes that homemade brownies make everything better, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Peanut Butter Brownies lies in a handful of kitchen staples that work harmoniously together. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, building layers of flavor and texture that simply can’t be beat.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides richness and that signature chewy, fudgy texture in each bite.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies and helps create a soft, moist crumb.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the batter and give structure to the brownies so they hold their shape when sliced.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, enhancing both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Delivers rich chocolate flavor that’s the backbone of any classic brownie.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Provides just enough body without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives the brownies a gentle lift so they aren’t too dense.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): The star of the swirl, adding nutty flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and smooths the peanut butter mixture for easy swirling.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the peanut butter mixture to the perfect consistency for those dreamy swirls.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or give it a light grease. The parchment makes lifting out your Peanut Butter Brownies a breeze and keeps cleanup pain-free.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture looks glossy and smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until everything is fully integrated. This step is key to getting that irresistible shiny, crinkly brownie top.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir or gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, cohesive brownie batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, so your brownies stay fudgy rather than cakey.
Step 4: Mix the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a separate small bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk. You’re looking for a smooth, spreadable consistency that’s perfect for swirling into your brownie batter. This peanut butter layer brings a luscious contrast to the chocolate base.
Step 5: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the chocolate batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter, spacing them for maximum coverage. With a knife or skewer, swirl the peanut butter gently through the chocolate, creating beautiful marbled patterns on top.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your swirled masterpiece into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the Peanut Butter Brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted near the center emerges with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan so they firm up enough to cut cleanly into irresistible squares.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
Garnishes
Elevate your Peanut Butter Brownies by sprinkling a handful of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts over the top right before baking. After they’re baked, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate gives them a bakery-style finish that feels oh-so-special.
Side Dishes
For a showstopping dessert plate, serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the rich, gooey brownie, making every bite a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Peanut Butter Brownies into a decadent sundae topping, cut them into bite-sized cubes for a dessert platter, or add them to lunchboxes for a sweet midday surprise. For parties, serve them in decorative cupcake liners—no forks required and extra fun for kids and adults alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your brownies moist and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layering parchment or wax paper between slices will help preserve those irresistible swirls and prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some brownies for later, they freeze wonderfully. Cool them completely, wrap each square in plastic wrap, and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Your future self will thank you whenever a craving hits—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop individual Peanut Butter Brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back their fudgy softness and amplifies the peanut butter aroma, making them utterly irresistible alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun bit of texture to the swirls, giving each bite extra peanutty pieces to enjoy.
How will I know when the brownies are done?
The best way to tell is with the classic toothpick test—insert it near the center and look for a few moist crumbs. If it comes out gooey, give them a few more minutes, but don’t overbake; fudgy is always better than dry for brownies!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The result will still be delightfully rich and you won’t miss a beat in flavor or texture.
Should I refrigerate Peanut Butter Brownies?
There’s no need unless your kitchen is especially warm. Brownies keep best and stay softer at room temperature, but if you like a firmer, chilled texture, refrigeration is perfectly fine.
What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?
For picture-perfect squares, let the brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut. This keeps the swirls crisp and the edges tidy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like baking a batch of Peanut Butter Brownies—watching those gorgeous swirls come together and tasting the magical blend of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. Give this recipe a try and treat your friends and family to a dessert that’s sure to become a cherished favorite!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies. A swirl of creamy peanut butter adds a delightful twist to classic brownies, making them a must-try dessert for any occasion.
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 milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it.
- Mix butter and sugar: Whisk melted butter and granulated sugar in a bowl until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to form a thick batter.
- Prepare peanut butter mixture: Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble and bake: Pour brownie batter into the pan, top with spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture, swirl gently, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
