Decadent Brownies Peanut Butter

If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat with these Decadent Brownies with a Peanut Butter Twist.

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy rich, fudgy brownies but are looking for an extra layer of flavor. With a ribbon of creamy, salty peanut butter swirled into the brownie batter, every bite becomes an indulgent balance of sweet and salty.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is how versatile it is. Whether it’s a cozy weekend baking session during the colder months or a fun treat for a summer BBQ, these brownies fit any occasion.

Inspired by the nostalgia of peanut butter cups and the decadence of homemade brownies, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand year-round.

Peanut Butter Brownies Overview

These Peanut Butter Brownies are a decadent twist on the classic brownie, combining rich, dense chocolate with swirls of creamy peanut butter.

Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making them perfect for peanut butter lovers.

This recipe is fairly simple to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. With only a handful of ingredients, you can have a batch ready in about 50 minutes, including both prep and baking time.

It yields about 12-16 brownies depending on how you cut them, making them ideal for sharing (or not!). Plus, the recipe can easily be modified for those who are gluten-free or prefer a dairy-free option.

Ingredients Needed

For the Brownie Batter:

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 Swirl:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top of the brownie batter. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter on top and gently smooth it out.

Using a butter knife, swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Don’t over-swirl — you want visible ribbons of peanut butter.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The brownies should appear set, but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This step is important to ensure the brownies maintain their fudgy texture when cut.

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Tips & Tricks

Peanut Butter Consistency: If your peanut butter is too thick to swirl, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it. This will make it easier to work with.

Don’t Overbake: To keep your brownies fudgy, remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs. Overbaking will result in a drier texture.

Variations: For a more indulgent version, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter. You can also use chunky peanut butter if you want extra texture.

Gluten-Free Option: Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The result will still be delicious and fudgy!

Storage & Reheating

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, microwave each brownie for about 10 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked texture.

If you want to freeze them, individually wrap the brownies in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.

Cooking Time and Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes

Servings: 12-16 fudgy brownies

Craving the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter? Try these Peanut Butter Brownies and see why this recipe is a favorite for dessert lovers.

If you make them, be sure to share a photo on our Pinterest page and leave a comment. We’d love to see your creations!

FAQs

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

A: Yes, you can, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter has a thinner consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to keep the swirl from becoming too runny.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! Just substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.

Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?

A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies — if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done! Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to set as they cool.

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