Peanut Butter Brownies: 5 Easy Recipes You Can Make
If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter (and who isn’t?), then these Peanut Butter Brownies are about to become your new favorite dessert. They combine the deep, fudgy richness of classic brownies with a smooth, creamy peanut butter swirl that melts into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a party, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe promises a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and nostalgia.
Table of Contents
What Are Peanut Butter Brownies?
Peanut butter brownies are rich chocolate brownies infused with or topped by peanut butter for a sweet, salty contrast. Unlike blondies or plain brownies, these treats feature layers or swirls of peanut butter that complement the cocoa base. Depending on your preferences, they can be fudgy and dense or slightly cakey, but always moist and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of 8–12 servings of peanut butter brownies.
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for slightly cakier texture)
For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (smooth, not natural type)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
- ½ cup chopped peanut butter cups or Reese’s minis
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (for easy removal)
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Offset knife or skewer (for swirling the peanut butter layer)
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for perfect, bakery-style peanut butter brownies every time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the brownies out later.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and shiny. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies tender.
Optional: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks for extra richness.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In another small bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy. The texture should be thick but spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble and Swirl
Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top, then add the remaining brownie batter in between. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the peanut butter through the chocolate batter to create a marbled effect.
Tip: Don’t over-swirl — you want defined ribbons of peanut butter.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). If you prefer fudgier brownies, err on the side of underbaking by a minute or two.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about 30–45 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares with a sharp knife. For clean slices, chill them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
Variations to Try
These peanut butter brownies are delicious as-is, but here are some creative twists:
- Peanut Butter Cup Brownies: Fold chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups into the batter.
- Vegan Peanut Butter Brownies: Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs and use vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour.
- Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies: Top cooled brownies with a layer of peanut butter fudge icing.
- Double Peanut Butter Brownies: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter directly into the brownie batter for extra nutty flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing.
- Avoid overbaking. Slightly underdone brownies firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool completely before cutting for clean, neat squares.
- Use creamy peanut butter for smoother swirls — natural varieties tend to separate.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your peanut butter brownies:
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Chilled for a denser, fudgier bite
- With a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce
- Alongside a cold glass of milk or hot coffee
Storage and Freezing Guide
Once cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze individually wrapped squares for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure to stir it well and add a little extra powdered sugar if it’s too runny.
Q2: How can I make brownies fudgier?
Use more butter and less flour, and slightly underbake them.
Q3: Can I freeze peanut butter brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
Q4: How do I get a perfect peanut butter swirl?
Drop small dollops of peanut butter mixture and gently drag a knife through in a figure-eight motion.
Q5: Why did my brownies turn out dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour is the likely culprit. Measure carefully and watch your bake time.
Conclusion
Peanut butter brownies are the ultimate dessert mashup — the best of both chocolatey indulgence and nutty comfort. With their rich texture, creamy swirls, and unbeatable flavor combo, they’re sure to satisfy every sweet craving. So preheat that oven and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch today — because life’s too short not to enjoy peanut butter and chocolate together.
Estimated Yield: 12 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
If you enjoy making desserts, try this christmas-brownies
