There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. When these two flavors come together in a warm, fudgy brownie, the result is pure bliss.
These peanut butter brownies deliver the perfect balance of rich chocolate intensity and nutty peanut butter goodness in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a special treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Brownies
These brownies offer the best of both worlds: a fudgy chocolate brownie base swirled with creamy peanut butter.
The chocolate provides a deep, rich foundation while the peanut butter adds a complementary nutty flavor that cuts through the sweetness. The texture is the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy, with a slightly crisp top and a moist, dense center.
What makes these brownies special is the peanut butter swirl technique. Instead of simply mixing peanut butter into the batter, we create beautiful swirls throughout the brownies, ensuring you get varying amounts of peanut butter in each bite. Some areas will be more chocolate-forward, while others will deliver that creamy peanut butter punch.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 16 brownies
Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Brownies
For the brownie base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the peanut butter swirl:
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
- Toothpick or knife for swirling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make removing the brownies easier.
Gather all your ingredients and measure them out before starting.
Making the Brownie Batter
- In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the 1/2 cup of butter.
- Once melted, add the granulated sugar and whisk until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
Preparing the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Stir until smooth and well combined. If the mixture is too thick, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it more pourable.
Assembling and Baking the Brownies
- Pour about 2/3 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top of the brownie batter.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter dollops.
- Use a knife or toothpick to create swirls by dragging it through the layers of batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want distinct swirls of peanut butter throughout.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
Other Brownies Recieps
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- High-Protein Brownies That Actually Taste Good
- Air Fryer Hot Cross Bun Brownies
Tips for Brownie Success
For the fudgiest texture, be careful not to overbake these brownies. They may appear slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, but they will continue to cook and set as they cool. The toothpick test should reveal moist crumbs, not completely clean.
The key to perfect peanut butter swirls is having the peanut butter mixture at the right consistency. It should be fluid enough to swirl easily but not so runny that it completely mixes with the brownie batter.
If your peanut butter is particularly thick or dry, you might need to add a bit more melted butter to achieve the right consistency.
Chilling the brownies in the refrigerator for about an hour before cutting will give you cleaner slices. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Variations to Try
These peanut butter brownies are delicious as is, but there are several ways you can customize them to suit your preferences:
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Substitute crunchy peanut butter for the smooth variety if you enjoy a bit of texture in your brownies.
Triple Chocolate: Add white chocolate chips to the batter along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutty Addition: Fold 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts into the brownie batter for added crunch.
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies: Instead of the peanut butter swirl, press mini peanut butter cups into the brownie batter before baking.
Salted Peanut Butter Brownies: Sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the brownies just before baking to enhance the sweet and savory contrast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These peanut butter brownies stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
To freeze, cut the brownies into individual squares, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
You can also prepare the brownie batter and peanut butter mixture a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before assembling and baking.
Why This Recipe Works
The success of these peanut butter brownies lies in the careful balance of ingredients. The brownie base isn’t too sweet, allowing the peanut butter flavor to shine through. The addition of chocolate chips creates pockets of melted chocolate throughout for an extra indulgent experience.
The slight saltiness of the peanut butter perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. The powdered sugar in the peanut butter mixture helps it maintain its distinct swirl pattern during baking.
Perfect Occasions for Peanut Butter Brownies
These brownies are versatile enough for any occasion:
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat
- Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
- Bring them to potlucks or bake sales
- Make them for holiday cookie exchanges
- Gift them to friends and neighbors during the holiday season
No matter when you serve them, these peanut butter brownies are sure to impress and satisfy any chocolate-peanut butter cravings. The combination of rich chocolate brownies with swirls of peanut butter creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent, perfect for any day of the week or special occasion.