Brownies are a universal comfort food—but swirl in some creamy peanut butter and you’ve entered next-level dessert territory. These Peanut Butter Brownies are rich, chewy, and packed with chocolatey decadence, balanced by ribbons of salty-sweet peanut butter. They’re easy to whip up, yet indulgent enough to impress at any gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something unbeatable about the marriage of chocolate and peanut butter. It hits every craving—fudgy, nutty, and perfectly sweet. This recipe was inspired by the best peanut butter brownies I’ve ever made, and I’ve fine-tuned it over time to make it ultra-rich, with crackly tops and soft centers.
They’re perfect for bake sales, holiday trays, or just a late-night snack. And yes, they pair incredibly well with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional for extra gooeyness)
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
Optional Swaps and Notes
- Sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Butter: Try browned butter for an extra nutty depth.
- Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter adds texture, or go natural for a cleaner profile.
- Add-Ins: Toss in chopped peanuts, Reese’s pieces, or swirl in a bit of Nutella for variety.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour Batter: Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Swirl in Peanut Butter: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top and use a knife to create beautiful swirls.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the brownies tender.
- Swirl gently for a marbled look without fully blending.
- Let them cool fully before cutting for the best texture and presentation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These brownies are a hit at parties, dessert buffets, or even paired with something savory like this beer cheese dip to balance the sweet with a little salty indulgence.
For a sweet spread, serve alongside these chocolate chip cookie bites and edible cookie dough.
Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Keeps up to 1 week—just warm them a bit before eating.
- Freezer: Freeze slices in layers with parchment paper for up to 3 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re hooked on peanut butter and chocolate, check out:
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made – the original inspo for this recipe.
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – for a sweet seasonal bite.
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – quick, poppable cookie goodness.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Brownies are a must-bake for any dessert lover. Rich, gooey, and beautifully swirled, they’re everything a brownie should be—with a peanut buttery twist.
Have you made them? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media with your version. And for more kitchen inspiration, follow Chef Maniac and stay tuned for your next favorite recipe!
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