Peanut Butter Brownies

These peanut butter brownies are thick and chewy, rich and moist, and swirled with a creamy band of smooth peanut butter!

Why this recipe works

Fudge brownies meet creamy peanut butter, a match made in true harmony. Peanut butter brownies begin with a classic fudgey brownie base that’s decked out with a marbled peanut butter top to showcase.

Not to be confused with our fudge brownies with peanut butter frosting, because those have their own special place in our hearts, but these ones are baked and swirled together in the same pan allowing the flavors to mingle and join together to taste something along the lines of a rich, chewy peanut butter cup!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CHOCOLATE CHIPS – To melt the chocolate chips, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Chocolate chips are readily available, but you can use your favorite dark chocolate bar or any chocolate you like.

COCOA POWDER – We used regular unsweetened cocoa powder but you can substitute with Dutch-process cocoa powder if preferred.

PEANUT BUTTER – I recommend sticking to processed smooth peanut butter or other smooth processed nut butters for this recipe.

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8” glass baking dish, line it with parchment paper, and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until combined. Add in vanilla extract and melted chocolate. Beat until well mixed.
3. Add in the eggs and beat just until combined.
   
   EXPERT TIP – Beating the eggs with a hand mixer will add extra air to the batter – this causes the brownie to puff more during baking and can lead to high edges and cracking where the center settles. This will happen a little bit anyway, but you can reduce the puffing by mixing the batter by hand once you’ve added the eggs.
   
   
4. Sift the dry ingredients through a sieve into the brownie batter: cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and flour.
5. Use a rubber spatula to mix the dry ingredients into the brownie batter until combined.
6. Spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish.
7. Microwave the peanut butter for about 15 seconds so that it is smooth and pourable in consistency. Spoon dollops of the peanut butter over the brownie batter.
8. Use a knife to swirl the peanut butter into the batter.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until fudgy crumbs cling to a toothpick/knife when stuck in the center of the brownies, but there is no wet batter. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
10. Lift the brownies from the pan by the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Store the brownies in an air-tight container kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Yes, you can freeze these brownies. Freeze in an air-tight container separated by parchment paper in between each layer or in a large ziptop bag for up to 1 month.

Yes, of course. If you are using an 8×8 steel baking pan instead of glass, reduce the oven temperature to 325F and bake for the same amount of time or until fudgy crumbs cling to a toothpick. Reducing the oven temperature is key for baking in steel baking pans, as they bake faster and more evenly compared to glass.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy peanut butter brownies warm, at room temperature, or chilled. They’re delicious whichever way!

More Brownie Recipes

• Brownie Brittle
• Chocolate Mint Brownies
• Buckeye Brownie Cookies
• Oreo Cheesecake Brownies
• Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
• Peanut Butter Marbled Brownie Skillet

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