Peanut Butter Brownies: A Love Story in Every Bite

Peanut butter brownies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a sweet and salty balance, and the best part? They’re much easier to make than you might think! Imagine sinking your teeth into a square of rich, fudgy peanut butter brownies and meeting a luscious swirl of creamy peanut butter. The deep, intense cocoa flavor melds seamlessly with the nutty, slightly salty notes of the peanut butter, creating a harmonious blend that dances on your palate. The brownie itself boasts a perfect balance—crispy edges giving way to a moist, chewy center, while the peanut butter swirl adds a velvety smoothness that elevates each bite to pure bliss.

As a seasoned home chef, I know that baking can sometimes feel intimidating, but this recipe is wonderfully forgiving and packed with flavor. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking to level up your brownie game, I’ll walk you through each step to ensure you get that perfect chewy texture and swirled peanut butter goodness. Let’s get baking—you won’t believe how simple (and delicious) these are!

Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools

Before we embark on this baking adventure, let’s ensure we have everything we need to whip up perfect Peanut Butter Brownies in no time.

Ingredients:

• Butter: 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter. Provides richness and moisture to the brownies.
• Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided. Melted into the batter for deep chocolate flavor and added whole for texture.
• Flour: 1¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour. Forms the structure of the brownies.
• Cocoa Powder: ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder. Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g). Sweetens the batter.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup (220g) firmly packed light brown sugar. Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Eggs: 3 large. Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon. Adds depth to the flavor.
• Peanut Butter: ½ cup creamy peanut butter. The star of the swirl, introducing that irresistible nutty element to your peanut butter brownies

Equipment:

• Baking Pan: An 8×8-inch square pan, greased and lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Mixing Bowls: At least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet.
• Saucepan: For melting butter and chocolate together.
• Whisk and Spatula: For mixing the batter efficiently.
• Sifter: To ensure dry ingredients are lump-free.
• Knife or Skewer: For creating the peanut butter swirl.

Crafting the Perfect Peanut Butter Brownies

1. Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Trust me, this little trick will make your life so much easier when it’s time to serve.

2. Melt the Chocolate:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in ½ cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Transfer this luscious mixture to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Patience here will prevent scrambled eggs in your batter!

3. Sift the Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting not only combines these ingredients but also aerates them, leading to a lighter brownie. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to watch the fine powder cascade into the bowl.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

To the cooled chocolate mixture, add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is where the magic begins, as the ingredients meld into a rich, velvety batter.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and nobody wants that. Fold in the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips for little pockets of melty goodness in every bite.

6. Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl:

If your peanut butter is a bit stiff, microwave it for about 20-30 seconds until it’s pourable but not too hot. This will make swirling it into the batter a breeze.

7. Assemble the Brownies:

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. Drizzle the warmed peanut butter over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t overdo it; a few artistic swirls will do the trick.

8. Bake to Perfection:

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t wobble when gently shaken. If you prefer your brownies extra fudgy, aim for the shorter baking time. Remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool.

9. Cool and Serve:

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy the fruits of your labor. These brownies are divine on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurt anyone.

The Ultimate Guide to Peanut Butter Brownies – Fudgy, Chewy, and Irresistible

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• Author: Nina
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 12 brownies 1x

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Description

These fudgy peanut butter brownies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! Featuring a rich, chocolatey base with a creamy peanut butter swirl, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a decadent treat, this easy homemade peanut butter brownie recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Brownie Batter:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Peanut Butter Swirl:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Stir in chocolate chips for extra richness.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Swirl

1. In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top of the brownie batter.
3. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter.

Step 4: Bake & Cool

1. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
2. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Slice into 12 squares and enjoy!

Notes

✔Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest swirl. Natural peanut butter may cause the swirl to be oily or separate.
✔ For extra fudgy peanut butter brownies, remove them from the oven while the center still looks slightly underbaked—they will continue cooking as they cool.
✔ Want extra peanut butter flavor? Stir ½ cup peanut butter chips into the batter!
✔ Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for a week, or freeze for 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 35 min

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg

Customize your Peanut Butter Brownies

Over the years, I’ve experimented with this Peanut Butter Brownies recipe and discovered some delightful variations and helpful tips:

• Chunky vs. Creamy Peanut Butter: If you’re a fan of texture, swap out the creamy peanut butter for chunky. Those bits of peanuts will provide a little extra bite in every mouthful.
• Nutty Additions: For an extra crunch, fold in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts into the batter before baking. It adds a delightful texture contrast to the fudgy brownies.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Want to take things up a notch? Drizzle some homemade salted caramel over the top once the brownies have cooled for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and you’ll still have irresistibly fudgy brownies.

Craving something sweet on the go? Make Gluten Free Pop Tarts next!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best intentions, baking can sometimes throw us a curveball. Here are some common issues you might encounter with peanut butter brownies and how to address them:

1. Peanut Butter Brownies Turned Out Too Dry:

Possible Causes:

• Overbaking: Baking for too long can result in dry brownies.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot can overbake the edges before the center is done.

Solutions:

• Monitor Baking Time: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Insert a toothpick into the center; a few moist crumbs are ideal.
• Use an Oven Thermometer: Oven temperatures can vary. An oven thermometer ensures you’re baking at the correct temperature.

2. Peanut Butter Didn’t Swirl Properly:

Possible Causes:

• Peanut Butter Consistency: If the peanut butter is too thick, it won’t swirl easily.

Solutions:

• Warm the Peanut Butter: Microwave the peanut butter for 20-30 seconds to achieve a pourable consistency before adding it to the batter.

3. Peanut Butter Brownies Are Too Gooey in the Center:

Possible Causes:

• Underbaking: Removing the brownies from the oven too early can result in an undercooked center.

Solutions:

• Bake Until Set: Ensure the center is set and doesn’t wobble when gently shaken. Remember, brownies will continue to set as they cool.

4. Peanut Butter Brownies Stick to the Pan:

Possible Causes:

• Improper Pan Preparation: Not lining or greasing the pan adequately can cause sticking.

Solutions:

• Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This allows for easy removal and clean cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

A: Yes, natural peanut butter can be used. However, ensure it’s well-stirred to incorporate any separated oils, and note that the texture might be slightly different compared to using regular creamy peanut butter.

Q2: How can I make these peanut butter brownies gluten-free?

A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill offer suitable options.

Q3: Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?

A: Absolutely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chunks, or even caramel bits can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Q4: How should I store leftover peanut butter brownies?

A: Store peanut butter brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Baking these peanut butter brownies has become a cherished ritual in my kitchen, filling the house with an irresistible aroma and bringing joy to those who taste them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. The blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is a timeless combination that never disappoints.

Have you tried making peanut butter brownies? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, or any questions. And if you have a favorite twist on this classic treat, don’t hesitate to share. Happy baking!

For more mouthwatering dessert ideas, be sure to explore other brownie recipes and peanut butter treats. Happy baking!