If you love chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat with these Peanut Butter Brownies! This recipe combines rich chocolaty goodness with the creamy taste of peanut butter, creating a dessert that is sure to please everyone. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these brownies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make Peanut Butter Brownies. First, they are incredibly easy to make! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch. Second, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate is simply irresistible. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with flavor. Finally, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them a great choice for gatherings or parties.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Follow these easy steps to make your delicious Peanut Butter Brownies!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (170 grams, cut into chunks or use any neutral oil)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (42 grams, sifted if lumpy)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams)
- 3 large eggs (150 grams, room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (12 grams)
- ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder (1 gram, optional)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90 grams, use 1-1 gluten free if required)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup chopped peanut butter cups (128 grams, plus more for topping; you can try Snickers bars, Butterfingers, or Peanut M&Ms)
- ¾ cup peanut butter baking chips (128 grams, plus more for topping; chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel also work)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams, melted (⅜ stick))
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (203 grams, NOT the all-natural kind; almond or sunflower also work)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (38 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and butter. Microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
- Stir in the eggs, vanilla, espresso powder (if using), flour, and salt until fully mixed.
- Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips, then set the mixture aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the peanut butter swirl ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Dollop two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Add the peanut butter mixture on top, then dollop the remaining brownie batter over it. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the two together, but don’t over-swirl.
- Top with more chopped peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
These Peanut Butter Brownies are best served warm, but they are equally delicious at room temperature. You can serve them plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat. Drizzling with chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt can add a nice touch as well!
How to Store Peanut Butter Brownies
To store your brownies, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the brownies tough.
- If you don’t have bittersweet chocolate, dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate can be used instead.
- Experiment with different types of toppings. You can use other candies or nuts!
Variation
For a fun twist, you can incorporate different flavors of peanut butter chips, like white chocolate or caramel. You can also add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, for added texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Q: What should I do if I don’t have peanut butter baking chips?
A: You can use chocolate chips or any other baking chips you prefer.
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for the swirl?
A: It’s best to stick with creamy peanut butter that is not all-natural, as natural peanut butter can be too runny and won’t work as well in the recipe.
Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Brownies! They are sure to be a hit!
Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- ¾ cup unsalted butter cut into chunks or use any neutral oil
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted if lumpy
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder optional
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour use 1:1 gluten free if required
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup chopped peanut butter cups plus more for topping; Snickers, Butterfingers, or Peanut M&Ms can be used
- ¾ cup peanut butter baking chips plus more for topping; chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel also work
Peanut Butter Swirl
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter NOT the all-natural kind; almond or sunflower also work
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and butter. Microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
- Stir in the eggs, vanilla, espresso powder (if using), flour, and salt until fully mixed.
- Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips, then set the mixture aside.
Peanut Butter Swirl
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the peanut butter swirl ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking
- Dollop two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Add the peanut butter mixture on top, then dollop the remaining brownie batter over it.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl the two together, but don’t over-swirl.
- Top with more chopped peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
