If you’ve never tasted the irresistible combination that is Peanut Butter Brownies, prepare to fall head over heels for your new favorite dessert. These brownies strike the ultimate balance—rich, fudgy chocolate with creamy swirls of peanut butter nestled inside, and every bite delivers layers of melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Whether you’re indulging after dinner, serving at a party, or looking to impress friends, Peanut Butter Brownies always steal the show with their decadent texture and unforgettable taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even the most drool-worthy Peanut Butter Brownies rely on just a handful of everyday ingredients, each lending something special to the final result. Stock up on these classics, and you’re well on your way to stirring up a batch of pure chocolate-peanut butter bliss.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Ensures your brownies are beautifully rich and keeps the crumb extra tender.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Adds essential sweetness and helps create that irresistibly crackly top.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Provides deep, chocolatey flavor for classic brownie intensity.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of warmth that enhances both chocolate and peanut butter notes.
- Large eggs (4): Create structure and richness, while keeping the brownies moist and fudge-like.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Just enough to hold everything together without making brownies cakey.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The creamy swirls that make this dessert so iconic and craveable.
- Peanut butter chips (½ cup, optional): For bursts of peanut butter in every bite—absolutely worth it if you have them!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): Extra indulgence, adding melty puddles of chocolate throughout.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Set the Oven
Kicking things off is all about getting your stage set; preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot for baking. Take a 9×13-inch pan, grease it thoroughly, and for extra easy removal, line it with parchment paper. This will make lifting the finished Peanut Butter Brownies out of the pan a breeze—no sticky corners left behind!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk everything together until it blends into a glossy, thick mixture. Stir in your vanilla extract here, and you’ll notice the aroma already teasing what’s to come.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This ensures your brownies will be fudgy and completely smooth, rather than streaky or overmixed. Each egg contributes to that signature rich chew.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Add in the flour and salt, gently stirring until everything is just combined with no dry patches left. Be careful not to over-stir—this is the secret to keeping the texture of your Peanut Butter Brownies lusciously soft and never tough.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the brownie batter into your prepped pan and smooth it out evenly. Using a spoon, drop dollops of creamy peanut butter all over this layer. Swirl the peanut butter through the brownie base with a knife or spatula—don’t worry about being too precise, those marbled pockets are pure magic once baked!
Step 6: Repeat and Top Off
Spoon the rest of your brownie batter on top, spreading it gently so you don’t disturb the peanut butter swirls beneath. Then, drop a few more spoonfuls of peanut butter over the surface and swirl again for that signature marbled look. If you’re using peanut butter chips and chocolate chips, scatter them generously across the top for a perfect finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. If you love ultra-fudgy brownies, check at the 30-minute mark—if you prefer something a bit cakier, keep them in a bit longer. The toothpick test works best here: poke the center, looking for a few moist crumbs to cling on, not raw batter.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
The hardest part is waiting! Let your Peanut Butter Brownies cool completely in the pan so they set up properly. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out, and cut into squares—each one a little mosaic of peanut butter and chocolate happiness.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
Garnishes
When it comes to the ultimate finishing touch, you can’t go wrong with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a scatter of extra peanut butter chips on top before serving. For serious “wow” factor, try a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top—the warm-and-cold contrast is dreamy!
Side Dishes
Since Peanut Butter Brownies are pure decadence on their own, keep sides light and refreshing. Fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, or a tart berry compote pair delightfully with the richness. If you’re serving at a gathering, you could also add platters of mixed nuts or a platter of sliced fruit for a balanced dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up the presentation by stacking brownie squares in a tower for an eye-catching display, serving them in individual cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats, or cutting them with fun-shaped cookie cutters for parties. You can even layer crumbled brownies into a trifle glass with whipped cream and more peanut butter for a show-stopping parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once they’re baked and cooled, you can store Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and fudgy—just keep them away from heat and direct sunlight, and they’ll be ready for a quick snack any time.
Freezing
These brownies freeze like a dream. Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When a craving strikes, grab one and let it come to room temperature—or enjoy straight from the freezer for a chilled treat!
Reheating
If you like your Peanut Butter Brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the chocolate and peanut butter, making each bite gooey and rich, just like freshly baked. Just be careful not to overheat, so they don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! You can swap in almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a different twist. Each will change the flavor profile a bit, but the brownies will still be deliciously rich and swirly.
How can I make these Peanut Butter Brownies gluten-free?
Try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Most high-quality blends will keep the texture just as moist and chewy as the original version.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Just use a larger baking pan or two standard pans if you’re making Peanut Butter Brownies for a big group. Make sure not to fill the pans too deep and adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with the toothpick test.
How do I get perfect peanut butter swirls?
The trick is to drop small spoonfuls of peanut butter over the brownie batter and use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the top layers—don’t overmix, so you get distinct pockets of peanut butter in every bite.
Why are my brownies dry?
If your Peanut Butter Brownies turn out dry, they may have baked a bit too long or you might have added a touch too much flour. Next time, check a couple minutes early and try leveling off your flour with a knife when measuring to avoid extra dryness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Peanut Butter Brownies that makes people smile and ask for seconds. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe guarantees you’ll have a batch of indulgence worth savoring. If you haven’t already, go ahead—make these Peanut Butter Brownies and enjoy every gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these irresistible Peanut Butter Brownies. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup peanut butter chips (optional)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the batter: Combine butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add vanilla, eggs, flour, and salt, mixing well.
- Layer the batter: Spread half of the batter in the pan. Dollop and swirl peanut butter over it. Pour remaining batter and repeat swirling. Top with additional peanut butter and chips.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until set. Cool, then cut into squares.
Notes
- Adjust baking time for desired brownie texture.
- Try crunchy peanut butter for a varied texture.
- These brownies freeze well and are delicious chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
