Brownies are the epitome of chocolate indulgence, and when you add peanut butter to the mix, you take this classic treat to a whole new level. These Peanut Butter Brownies are rich, fudgy, and feature a decadent peanut butter swirl that makes every bite a perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you’re a brownie lover, a peanut butter enthusiast, or just looking for a delicious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
What makes these brownies truly special is the balance between the intense chocolate flavor and the creamy, slightly salty peanut butter swirl. The combination creates a treat that’s not overly sweet but rich and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to special gatherings, these brownies are sure to impress anyone who tastes them.
The Appeal of Peanut Butter Brownies
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic that has been loved for generations. The richness of chocolate pairs beautifully with the nutty, slightly salty flavor of peanut butter, creating a harmony of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent. These brownies take that beloved combination and elevate it by blending a fudgy, dense brownie base with a smooth, creamy peanut butter swirl.
Not only are these brownies incredibly delicious, but they are also easy to make. With a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment or advanced baking skills, you can whip up a batch of these brownies in just an hour. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just because, these peanut butter brownies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Brownies
- Unsweetened Baking Chocolate (4 ounces, 113g): Baking chocolate provides the base of the rich, chocolatey flavor in these brownies. Because it’s unsweetened, it allows you to control the sweetness of the brownies by adjusting the sugar content.
- Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, 170g): Butter adds richness and moisture to the brownies, creating a fudgy texture that is essential for a great brownie.
- Granulated Sugar (1½ cups, 300g): Sugar sweetens the brownies and helps to create a shiny, crackly top crust, which is a hallmark of a good brownie.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness in the brownies.
- Large Eggs (3): Eggs provide structure and stability to the brownies, giving them their fudgy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the brownies, complementing the chocolate.
- Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder (2 tablespoons, 10g): Cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor, adding richness and depth to the brownies. You can use either Dutch-process or regular unsweetened cocoa powder.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup, 124g): Flour provides structure to the brownies, ensuring they hold together while remaining dense and fudgy.
For the Peanut Butter Swirl
- Peanut Butter (½ cup, 133g): Peanut butter is the star of the swirl, adding a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate brownie base. Use shelf-stable peanut butter for the best results.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, 28g, melted): Butter adds richness and helps to create a smooth, spreadable peanut butter mixture.
- Powdered Sugar (⅓ cup, 38g): Powdered sugar sweetens the peanut butter swirl and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla adds a touch of warmth to the peanut butter swirl, enhancing its flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Brownies
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the coarsely chopped unsweetened baking chocolate and the unsalted butter. Microwave the mixture on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Stir the granulated sugar into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until well combined. The mixture may look slightly grainy at this stage, which is normal. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract and Dutch-process cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Mix in the Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in dense, tough brownies. Stir just until the flour is incorporated, and no streaks remain. The batter should be thick and smooth.
Making the Peanut Butter Swirl
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
- Swirl the Peanut Butter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or the back of a wooden spoon to gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Be careful not to over-swirl; you want distinct ribbons of peanut butter throughout the brownies.
Baking the Brownies
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28-35 minutes, or until the center seems set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry brownies.
- Cool the Brownies: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes them easier to cut.
Serving and Storing
- Cut and Serve: Once the brownies are completely cool, use the foil overhang to lift them out of the pan. Transfer the brownies to a cutting board and cut them into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy!
- Storing the Brownies: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cooled brownies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Tips for Success
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate you use will directly impact the flavor of your brownies. Choose a high-quality unsweetened baking chocolate for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to dense, tough brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your brownies are perfectly baked, insert a toothpick into the center of the pan. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies may be overbaked.
- Chill for Neater Slices: For cleaner, more even slices, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. This firms them up and makes them easier to cut without crumbling.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies: For an extra chocolatey version, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking. The melted chocolate chips create pockets of gooey chocolate that pair beautifully with the peanut butter swirl.
- Peanut Butter Cup Brownies: Chop up your favorite peanut butter cups and sprinkle them over the top of the brownie batter before swirling in the peanut butter mixture. The peanut butter cups add extra texture and flavor, making these brownies even more indulgent.
- Nutty Brownies: For added crunch, stir ½ cup of chopped peanuts or walnuts into the brownie batter before baking. The nuts add a delightful texture that contrasts with the fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter swirl.
- Gluten-Free Brownies: To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help maintain the structure and texture of the brownies.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Rich, fudgy, and packed with flavor, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone who tries them. The recipe is simple to follow, and the results are nothing short of delicious.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these brownies are a great choice. They’re easy to make, store well, and are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good brownie. So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and indulgent, give these Peanut Butter Brownies a try—you won’t be disappointed!