Peanut Butter Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peanut butter brownie recipe combines two beloved flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—into one luscious dessert. The brownies have the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, thanks to the creamy peanut butter ribbons that contrast with the rich chocolate base. They’re also simple to make, requiring basic pantry ingredients and no special equipment. Plus, they store well, making them great for prepping ahead.

Ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave, then stir in the granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.
7. Warm the peanut butter slightly so it’s easier to drizzle, then drop spoonfuls over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie mixture.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 16 brownies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Chunky peanut butter: For added texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
• Add chocolate chips: Mix semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolate richness.
• Swirl in Nutella: Replace half the peanut butter with Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
• Use almond butter: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back their gooey texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may separate more and result in a slightly different texture. Stir it well before using.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch) and adjust the baking time as needed—check after 35–40 minutes.

Can I make these brownies without cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder is essential for the rich chocolate flavor, so it’s not recommended to skip it.

What type of pan is best for brownies?

Use a light-colored metal baking pan for even baking. Dark pans may cook the edges faster and dry out the brownies.

Can I add nuts to the batter?

Yes, chopped peanuts or walnuts make a great addition for extra crunch.

How should I cut the brownies cleanly?

Let the brownies cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat slices.

Are these brownies freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter substitutes and check that your chocolate and peanut butter are also dairy-free.

What’s the best way to swirl the peanut butter?

Drop spoonfuls over the batter and use a butter knife to gently swirl without overmixing for a marbled effect.

Conclusion

Peanut butter brownies are the perfect dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. With a fudgy texture, bold flavor, and gorgeous peanut butter swirls, they make any occasion feel extra special. Simple to bake and even easier to enjoy, this treat deserves a spot in your go-to dessert rotation.

Peanut Butter Brownies

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Peanut butter brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate bars swirled with creamy peanut butter for the ultimate sweet and salty treat. They’re chewy on the edges, gooey in the center, and simple to make with basic pantry staples.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (warmed slightly)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
7. Drop spoonfuls of warmed peanut butter over the top and swirl gently with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares.

Notes

• Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
• Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variation.
• Let brownies cool fully for clean slices.
• Natural peanut butter can be used but may affect texture slightly—stir well before adding.
• Store at room temp, refrigerate, or freeze depending on needs.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg