Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

The Gooey Homemade Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe You’ll Adore

Chocolate’s best friend meets decadent peanut butter in this irresistible brownie creation that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, fudgy layers meld with creamy peanut butter swirls for a dessert that defies ordinary expectations.

Every bite whispers sweet promises of comfort and nostalgia.

Crunchy edges give way to soft, moist centers that melt on your tongue.

Forget complicated techniques—this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a harmony of textures that will make your taste buds sing.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these brownies are about to become your new obsession.

Grab a fork and prepare for a delectable adventure that transforms an afternoon into a moment of pure bliss.

Pro Tips For Moist And Gooey Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

  • Swirl Strategically: Create beautiful marbled patterns by using a light touch when swirling peanut butter into brownie batter, making each slice visually stunning.
  • Prevent Overbaking: Check brownies at 30 minutes and remove when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick, ensuring a fudgy, rich texture every time.
  • Smooth Peanut Butter Mix: Blend powdered sugar into peanut butter until completely smooth to avoid lumpy swirls and achieve a silky, consistent texture.
  • Upgrade Chocolate Impact: Fold in dark or milk chocolate chips for extra decadence and deeper chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
  • Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool entirely in the pan before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean, precise square slices that look professional.

Best Way To Store Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

  • Refrigerate brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.
  • Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Freeze brownies for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before serving, allowing them to return to their soft, delectable texture.

Pairing Ideas For Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

  • Sip Creamy Milk Companion: Cold, fresh milk perfectly balances the rich chocolate and nutty peanut butter brownies, cutting through the dense sweetness and providing a smooth, refreshing contrast.
  • Pair Vanilla Ice Cream Delight: A classic scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms the brownies into a decadent dessert, with its cool creaminess complementing the warm, gooey chocolate and swirled peanut butter.
  • Brew Robust Coffee Match: A strong, dark roast coffee enhances the deep chocolate flavors, while its slight bitterness creates a wonderful counterpoint to the sweet, indulgent brownie texture.
  • Select Chocolate Stout Treat: A rich, dark chocolate stout beer offers complex, malty notes that beautifully echo the brownie's chocolate intensity and provide a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert experience.

Try These Variations On Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

  • Nutty Chocolate Surprise: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile. Add chopped almonds on top for extra crunch and texture.
  • Salted Caramel Infusion: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the brownies before baking. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for a gourmet touch that enhances the chocolate and peanut butter combination.
  • Dark Chocolate Espresso Remix: Mix instant espresso powder into the brownie batter for a rich, intense chocolate experience. Top with dark chocolate chips to amplify the deep chocolate notes.
  • Gluten-Free Wellness Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

  • What makes these brownies different from classic brownies?

These brownies feature a delicious peanut butter swirl that adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the rich chocolate base, creating a more complex and indulgent dessert experience.

  • Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Smooth peanut butter works best for creating a uniform swirl. Natural or crunchy peanut butter might affect the texture and make swirling more challenging, so stick with creamy peanut butter for the best results.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center. The edges should be slightly pulled away from the pan, and the top should look set but not completely dry.

  • Is it important to let the brownies cool completely before cutting?

Yes! Cooling allows the brownies to set properly, making them easier to cut into clean, neat squares without crumbling or falling apart.

Why Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe Combines Two Classics Perfectly

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: These brownies are super easy to make, requiring basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The irresistible combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter makes these brownies a guaranteed hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats.
  • Master Foolproof Swirling Technique: The simple swirl method allows even novice bakers to create a stunning marbled effect, making these brownies look professionally decorated with minimal effort.
  • Enjoy Versatile Indulgence: Whether served warm with ice cream, packed in lunchboxes, or shared at a casual get-together, these brownies adapt perfectly to any occasion and satisfy multiple dessert preferences.

Ingredients Needed For Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Brownie Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the rich, fudgy brownies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownie base.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the brownies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates moisture and contributes to the rich, tender texture of the brownies.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy brownie consistency.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the brownie batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl Ingredients:
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth and rich base for the swirl, providing a nutty complement to chocolate.
  • Powdered Sugar: Helps stabilize and sweeten the peanut butter mixture.
  • Chocolate Chips (Optional): Extra burst of chocolate for added richness and texture.

How To Bake Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe Without A Hassle

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of cooking spray. This trick helps you lift out those gorgeous brownies without a fuss.

Step 2: Craft Chocolate Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Crack in eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract for that classic brownie aroma.

Carefully sift in:
  • Cocoa powder
  • All-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt

Gently fold everything together until just combined. Toss in chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Step 3: Whip Up Peanut Butter Swirl

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Powdered sugar

Mix until the texture becomes silky and spreadable.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour the rich chocolate batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture across the top. Using a knife, create beautiful swirling patterns by gently dragging the peanut butter through the chocolate base.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. This patience ensures clean, perfect cuts. Slice into square pieces that showcase the mesmerizing peanut butter swirls.

Step 7: Serve and Indulge

Plate up these gorgeous brownies. Enjoy them solo or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate dessert bliss!

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Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in these irresistible brownies that dance between rich fudge and nutty bliss. Sweet chocolate layers merge with smooth peanut butter swirls, promising pure dessert paradise for chocolate enthusiasts craving an unforgettable treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sweeteners:

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Peanut Butter Swirl:

  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper, ensuring easy extraction of the decadent dessert.
  2. Combine melted butter with granulated and brown sugars in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth base.
  3. Gently fold in vanilla extract, then sift dry ingredients – cocoa powder, flour, and salt – directly into the wet mixture. Stir with minimal agitation, just until components integrate. Gently fold chocolate chips throughout the batter if desired.
  4. In a separate container, blend peanut butter with powdered sugar until achieving a creamy, spreadable texture without lumps.
  5. Transfer brownie batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution across the surface. Strategically dollop peanut butter mixture atop the chocolate base.
  6. Using a thin implement like a knife or skewer, delicately create swirling patterns, intermingling the peanut butter with chocolate layers. Maintain a light touch to preserve distinct marbling.
  7. Position the pan in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick reveals moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
  8. Allow the brownies to cool completely within the pan, permitting the structure to set and facilitate clean, precise cutting.
  9. Slice into square portions and serve. Optional: Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Customize the peanut butter swirl by adjusting sugar levels for a less sweet or more intense peanut flavor, catering to different taste preferences.
  • Experiment with natural or crunchy peanut butter varieties to add unique texture and depth to the brownies.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute to make these brownies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Chill the brownies for an hour before cutting to achieve cleaner, more precise slices and enhance the fudgy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 284
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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