Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate way to blend two classic dessert flavors, look no further—these Peanut Butter Brownies are an absolute dream for anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter together. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy ribbons of peanut butter, each bite offering the perfect balance of sweet and salty, gooey and decadent. They’re quick enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress at your next gathering. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and there won’t be a crumb left once friends and family get their hands on these!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peanut Butter Brownies is how simple the ingredient list is—yet every component brings something magic to the pan. From the rich cocoa to the creamy peanut butter, each ingredient plays a starring role in the texture, color, and downright crave-worthy taste.
- Unsalted butter, melted: The base of fudgy brownies, bringing melt-in-your-mouth richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps create that signature chewy edge.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and give the brownies their glorious, soft center.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and lovely aroma, enhancing both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers dark, chocolatey notes for that classic brownie taste.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to bind the brownies without making them cakey.
- Salt: Brightens flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Baking powder: A touch of lift, ensuring your brownies aren’t too dense.
- Creamy peanut butter: For those luscious, marbled swirls—choose your favorite brand for best results!
- Powdered sugar: Combines with the peanut butter for a smooth, sweet swirl.
- Milk: Loosens the peanut butter mixture to create beautiful drizzly ribbons.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (optional): Melt into little pools of chocolate throughout, if you want extra indulgence.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan, or, for extra easy removal and neat edges, line it with parchment paper. A properly prepared pan makes all the difference when lifting out those perfect Peanut Butter Brownies later!
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together your melted butter and granulated sugar until combined, then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and glossy. This step ensures both smoothness and that signature brownie sheen!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder directly into the wet mixture. Fold everything together gently—overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so just combine until no dry streaks remain and you see that deep chocolate color.
Step 4: Pour and Swirl
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the corners. In a separate small bowl, stir together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until silky and smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the top of the brownie batter, then use a butter knife to swirl them together, creating gorgeous marbled patterns.
Step 5: Top and Bake
If you’re in the mood for extra chocolate, sprinkle those optional semisweet chocolate chips across the top. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes—look for set edges and a center that yields moist crumbs when tested with a toothpick. Let the Peanut Butter Brownies cool to room temperature before slicing, resisting the urge to dig in early (trust me, it’s worth the wait for the perfect texture).
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
Garnishes
Garnishing these Peanut Butter Brownies is a chance to get creative! Try a scatter of flaky sea salt just after baking for a salty crunch, a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a hint of elegance. Even a quick shower of crushed roasted peanuts can add a wonderful texture and make your brownies look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peanut Butter Brownies with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream—warm brownies and cold ice cream are simply iconic together! For a fancier touch, a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries add freshness and contrast while highlighting those deep, rich brownie notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation: cut the brownies into mini squares and stack them for a party platter, layer small cubes in parfait glasses with whipped cream and peanut butter cups, or even sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two brownies for an irresistible dessert sandwich. However you serve them, your Peanut Butter Brownies will steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (they disappear quickly!), keep your Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, chewy, and moist for up to 4 days, though it’s likely they’ll be long gone before then!
Freezing
Peanut Butter Brownies freeze beautifully. Once they’re completely cooled, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—perfect for stashing away an emergency treat.
Reheating
To bring brownies back to their just-baked glory, warm them gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the chocolate chips and makes the peanut butter extra gooey, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven experience even days later!
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter all work well and will give the brownies a slightly different but equally delicious personality. Just be sure to use a creamy version for best swirl results.
Do I have to use chocolate chips?
Nope, the chocolate chips are optional! They add an extra layer of gooey chocolate, but even without them, these Peanut Butter Brownies are deeply chocolatey and satisfying.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for set edges and a center that’s just barely cooked through—a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this keeps your brownies dense and fudgy, not dry or cakey.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time; it may need a few extra minutes, so check for that perfect moist crumb in the center.
What’s the secret to perfect peanut butter swirls?
The key is to drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture all over the batter, then use a butter knife to gently drag through the layers in swirling motions. Don’t over-mix—you want gorgeous ribbons, not blended batter!
Final Thoughts
If you love the pairing of chocolate and peanut butter, these Peanut Butter Brownies deserve a place in your baking repertoire. They’re simple to make, outrageously delicious, and sure to bring joy to anyone lucky enough to snag a piece. Go on—give them a try and see just how quickly they become your new favorite!
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Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these decadent Peanut Butter Brownies. Perfectly fudgy and swirled with creamy peanut butter, these brownies are a delightful treat 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
Optional:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix the batter: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder; mix until smooth.
- Prepare the pan: Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Create the swirl: In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Dollop over the batter and swirl with a knife. Add chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and chill before slicing.
- Try using crunchy peanut butter or swirling in Nutella for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
