Peanut Butter Brownies
A delicious combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these Peanut Butter Brownies are fudgy and perfect for any occasion.
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 9x9-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.
Notes
These Peanut Butter Brownies are best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. Serve plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle with sea salt as a nice touch. Store in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, refrigerate for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.