You will adore this recipe if you love chocolatey brownies and creamy peanut butter.
These bars mix fudgy brownies with a smooth peanut butter swirl.
They’re perfect for a quick snack, a family dessert, or satisfying your chocolate and peanut butter cravings.
We’ll show you how to make these brownies from scratch.
We will also share tips for the perfect texture and answer common questions.
Plus, a helpful table will guide you through the recipe.
Why You Will Love These Peanut Butter Brownies
Peanut Butter Brownies are a dream for those who love brownies and peanut butter. Here’s why:
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The chocolate and peanut butter mix in each bite is amazing.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple, needing just a few ingredients and basic tools. You don’t need to be a pro to make them.
- Versatile: You can add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or a drizzle of chocolate for extra decadence.
- Fudgy Texture: The brownies are rich and fudgy, making them perfect with the peanut butter layer.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Brownies
To make these delicious brownies, you’ll need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate chips or peanut butter chips (for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Making these brownies is easy and quick. Here’s how:
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Pan
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This makes the brownies easy to remove once they are done.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold these dry ingredients into the wet ones, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.
3. Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer
In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and thick enough to spread.
4. Layer the Brownie Batter and Peanut Butter Mixture
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Next, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. This will create a marbled effect.
5. Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Start checking at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies.
If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the brownies have cooled, slice them into squares.
For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
These Peanut Butter Brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special dessert for a gathering.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Peanut Butter Brownies
Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your Peanut Butter Brownies turn out perfectly every time:
- For a Fudgier Texture: If you prefer a super fudgy brownie, reduce the amount of flour slightly or add an extra egg. This will create a denser, more moist texture.
- Swirl to Your Heart’s Content: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the peanut butter swirl! You can make larger swirls for a more rustic look, or keep it delicate for a subtle marbling effect.
- Peanut Butter Variations: While creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe, you can experiment with crunchy peanut butter if you enjoy a bit of texture in your brownies.
- Storage: These brownies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe Table
For a quick reference, here’s a table that summarizes the ingredients and steps for making Peanut Butter Brownies:
| Step | Ingredients | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preheat Oven | 350°F (175°C) | Grease/line 8×8-inch pan and preheat oven. |
| 2. Make Brownie Batter | 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking powder | Mix wet ingredients, then add dry ingredients and stir until combined. |
| 3. Prepare Peanut Butter Layer | 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla | Mix together to create a smooth peanut butter mixture. |
| 4. Layer Batter & Peanut Butter | Brownie batter, Peanut butter mixture | Pour brownie batter into pan, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter, swirl. |
| 5. Bake | None | Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick. |
| 6. Cool & Serve | None | Cool brownies, then cut into squares and serve. |
FAQs About Peanut Butter Brownies
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can. Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture. But creamy peanut butter makes a smooth swirl that blends well with the batter.
2. How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
To see if they’re done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it has a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. If it’s wet, bake a bit longer and check again.
3. Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes! Let them cool, then wrap them in plastic wrap or put them in a container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature before eating.
4. Can I add chocolate chips to the brownies?
Absolutely! Chocolate lovers can add chocolate chips to the batter. Peanut butter and chocolate are a perfect pair.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Brownies are a dream for chocolate and peanut butter fans.
They have a fudgy base and a creamy swirl.
They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
We hope you try this recipe and love these brownies as much as we do.
Share your thoughts or any changes you made. Happy baking!