Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

These Peanut Butter Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Featuring a fudgy, chocolatey brownie base swirled with creamy peanut butter, these decadent treats are chewy on the edges, gooey in the center, and packed with bold, indulgent flavors. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or whenever a serious dessert craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy and rich – The perfect balance of dense, chewy brownies and creamy peanut butter.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
• Swirled perfection – Beautiful peanut butter swirls for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Crowd-pleaser – Loved by both kids and adults.
• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or extra peanut butter for your perfect brownie.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the peanut butter swirl:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for a sweeter swirl)

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare the pan:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the brownie batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
• Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
• Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
• Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing for fudgier brownies.

3. Prepare the peanut butter swirl:

• In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar (if using) until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the brownies:

• Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
• Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter.
• Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the peanut butter into the batter for a marbled effect.

5. Bake the brownies:

• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
• Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.

6. Serve:

• Cut into squares and enjoy as-is, or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 brownies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Brownies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
• Nutty Brownies: Stir in ½ cup of chopped peanuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Salted Peanut Butter Swirl: Sprinkle sea salt over the peanut butter swirl before baking for a sweet-salty combo.
• Double Peanut Butter Brownies: Add peanut butter chips into the batter for even more peanut butter flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Microwave individual brownies for 10–15 seconds to make them warm and gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may be thinner and less sweet. If it’s too runny, chill it for 10–15 minutes before swirling.

How do I make fudgier brownies?

Reduce the baking time by a few minutes and avoid overmixing the batter for extra fudginess.

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes, prepare the boxed brownie mix as directed and follow the same swirling method with the peanut butter for a quick shortcut.

What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?

Chill the brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, chunky peanut butter adds texture and works just as well in this recipe.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Why did my brownies turn out dry?

Overbaking is the most common reason. Remove the brownies from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter works well and offers a slightly different, nutty flavor.

How long should I let the brownies cool before cutting?

Allow the brownies to cool for at least 30 minutes to ensure clean cuts and a firm texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan (like an 11×17-inch pan) or bake two separate batches.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Brownies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. With a rich, fudgy base and creamy peanut butter swirls, they’re both decadent and easy to make. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed as a quick snack, these brownies are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion!

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