Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

The Gooey Magic of Homemade Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Crafting delectable peanut butter brownies always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Sweet magic happens when chocolate meets creamy nutty goodness.

Rich cocoa and smooth peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts hearts.

Decadent layers promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Home bakers love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Friends and loved ones will beg you to share this amazing treat.

Let’s unlock the secret to these mouthwatering brownies that disappear faster than you can slice them.

Why Peanut Butter Brownies Are A Gooey Treat

  • Craft Decadent Dessert: These peanut butter brownies offer a rich, indulgent treat that combines the deep chocolate flavor of brownies with creamy peanut butter swirls.
  • Master Simple Baking Technique: Novice bakers can easily create stunning marbled brownies with just a few simple steps, making this recipe perfect for building confidence in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, these brownies satisfy chocolate and peanut butter lovers with their irresistible combination of flavors.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort, making it ideal for spontaneous baking moments.

Everything Needed For Peanut Butter Brownies

Core Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that adds moisture and depth to the brownie base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor to the brownies.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownie's structure.
  • Peanut Butter: Creates a delicious swirl and adds nutty flavor throughout the brownies.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the brownies their cakey texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweet flavors in the brownie.

Simple Steps To Make Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a quick coat of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy brownie removal.

Step 2: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Create Brownie Base

Toss in your dry ingredients:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Stir until the batter turns thick and rich, with no streaky spots.

Step 4: Prepare Brownie Canvas

Pour the chocolatey batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula, making sure it reaches all corners.

Step 5: Prep Peanut Butter Swirl

Zap the peanut butter in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make it more fluid and easy to drizzle.

Step 6: Create Marbled Magic

Drop spoonfuls of warm peanut butter across the brownie surface. Take a knife or skewer and gently drag it through the batter, creating beautiful swirly patterns.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool And Slice

Let the brownies chill completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into delectable squares and serve.

Helpful Tips For Peanut Butter Brownie Success

  • Swap creamy peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious brownies.
  • Chill brownies in the refrigerator for firmer texture and easier cutting, creating clean and precise square slices.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking, which balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and peanut butter combination.
  • Prevent over-baking by checking brownies a few minutes earlier, as they continue cooking slightly after removing from the oven, guaranteeing a moist and fudgy consistency.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without compromising their rich, decadent taste.

Flavorful Twists On Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Nutella Swirl Brownies: Replace peanut butter with Nutella, creating a rich chocolate-hazelnut marbled effect that adds decadent flavor complexity.
  • Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking, then sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combination.
  • Cream Cheese Brownies: Swirl softened cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter, adding tangy richness and a beautiful marble pattern.
  • Almond Butter Brownies: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty profile and smoother texture, maintaining the same swirling technique.

Great Pairings With Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Pair Creamy Milk for Rich Chocolate Complement: Smooth, cold milk balances the intense chocolate and peanut butter flavors, cutting through the dense richness of the brownies while refreshing the palate.
  • Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop: Chilled vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast, enhancing the warm brownie's temperature and providing a silky counterpoint to the fudgy texture.
  • Match with Bold Espresso Shot: Strong espresso's bitter notes beautifully offset the sweet, nutty brownies, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that highlights the chocolate's deep undertones.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Drizzle Topping: A light caramel sauce drizzled over the brownies amplifies the sweet complexity, adding a golden, buttery dimension that complements the peanut butter swirls.

How To Store Peanut Butter Brownies Right

  • Store cooled brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for a future sweet treat.
  • Warm brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft, gooey consistency.
  • Let frozen brownies thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying. Bring to room temperature gradually for best taste and texture.

FAQ Answers About Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, both natural and crunchy peanut butter work great. Just ensure it’s slightly warmed for easy swirling.

  • How do I know if the brownies are perfectly baked?

Check with a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures a fudgy texture.

  • What if I don't have an 8×8-inch pan?

You can use a similar sized pan like a 9-inch round or 9×9-inch square. Just adjust baking time slightly and watch closely.

  • Can I add extra mix-ins to these brownies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance the flavor and texture.

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Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Indulgent Peanut Butter Brownies deliver rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a single, irresistible dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor each fudgy, nutty bite that promises pure bliss from first taste to last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with slight overhang.
  2. Create the base mixture by whisking melted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the texture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Incorporate dry ingredients by gently folding cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture, stirring until a rich, thick brownie batter forms without overmixing.
  4. Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a uniform surface.
  5. Soften peanut butter in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to achieve a more fluid consistency for easier swirling.
  6. Dollop spoonfuls of warmed peanut butter across the brownie batter’s surface in a random pattern.
  7. Create a marbled design by dragging a knife or skewer through the peanut butter and brownie batter, generating intricate swirls and patterns.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely in the pan, which helps set the texture and makes cutting easier.
  10. Once cooled, lift brownies from pan using parchment paper edges and slice into square servings.

Notes

  • Adjust the peanut butter’s warmth carefully to achieve the perfect swirling consistency without overheating.
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter blending and more even brownie texture.
  • Choose natural peanut butter with minimal additives for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
  • Test brownies at 25 minutes to prevent overcooking, ensuring a fudgy and moist center.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 229 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 109 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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