If you adore the luscious combo of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These brownies are delightfully fudgy with a velvety swirl of peanut butter throughout that adds a perfect touch of sweetness and a nutty punch. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these are the kind of brownies that instantly brighten up any day with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to whip up these irresistible brownies. Each component plays its part—whether adding moisture, flavor, or structure—to create that ultimate peanut butter brownie experience.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides a rich base and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crunch on top.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Gives depth of flavor and a touch of chewiness.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and lend structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Infuses the brownies with rich chocolate goodness.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides just enough structure to keep the brownies dense yet tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift without making the brownies cakey.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup, slightly warmed): The star ingredient that swirls throughout for that irresistible nutty swirl.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your brownies come out effortlessly in perfect squares.
Step 2: Blend the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and shiny. This step is key to achieving that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs and pour the vanilla extract. Mix everything until completely combined so the batter develops a silky consistency that will bake evenly.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to prevent lumps. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep your brownies tender and dense.
Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan
Spread the thick brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake every time.
Step 6: Swirl in the Peanut Butter
Warm the peanut butter slightly so it’s easy to drizzle. Spoon it over the top of the brownie batter, then use a knife or skewer to create beautiful swirls, making the peanut butter pockets peek through every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. It’s better to err on the underbaked side so your brownies stay delightfully gooey.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 generous squares. This cooling period lets the flavors meld and makes them easier to cut neatly.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. A drizzle of melted chocolate over the top can make these brownies feel extra decadent for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve these peanut butter brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A cup of strong coffee or cold milk also pairs beautifully, enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe to the next level by cutting them into bite-sized squares and threading them onto skewers with fresh strawberries for a fun dessert platter. You can also sandwich them between layers of whipped cream or frosting to create a decadent brownie cake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay moist and delicious for up to three days. This makes them a perfect treat to prepare in advance for parties or cravings.
Freezing
These brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When you want a sweet fix, just thaw overnight at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy warm gooey brownies, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warm. This short blast of heat revives that soft, fudgy texture and enhances all the delicious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture contrast with little bits of nuts, making your Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe even more interesting and satisfying.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measurement. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add a small amount if not included.
How do I prevent the peanut butter from sinking to the bottom?
Swirling gently rather than stirring helps keep the peanut butter distributed evenly on top without sinking. Also, pouring it onto the batter before baking allows it to stay beautifully swirled.
Can I double this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe?
You can double the ingredients easily and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it might require a few extra minutes. Use a toothpick test to check for doneness.
Can I substitute another nut butter for peanut butter?
Definitely! Almond butter or cashew butter work well, though the flavor profile will vary. Creamy versions of these nut butters swirl just as nicely and offer a delicious twist on the classic.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is pure magic in every bite—a heavenly blend of chocolate and peanut butter that feels like a warm hug from your oven. I can’t recommend it enough for your next bake day or whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats to share and savor.
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfectly swirled with creamy peanut butter for an irresistible twist on a classic treat. With a balance of intense cocoa flavor and nutty sweetness, they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy any chocolate and peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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, slightly warmed
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, providing the base for your brownie batter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar and butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully blended for a uniform batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to remove lumps, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Prepare batter in pan: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface to create an even layer for baking.
- Add peanut butter swirl: Drizzle the slightly warmed creamy peanut butter in spoonfuls over the brownie batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into a decorative marbled pattern across the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain fudgy brownies.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 12 squares for clean cuts and best texture.
Notes
- For a chunkier texture, add chopped peanuts to the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter incorporation.
- Warming the peanut butter slightly helps to create smooth swirls without tearing the batter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
