Easy Peanut Butter Brownies (Rich & fudgy)

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Peanut Butter Brownies! just saying the words can make your mouth water, right? But here’s a question for you: did you know that a surprising number of home bakers feel that getting that perfect, gooey marriage of chocolate and peanut butter is like chasing a unicorn? Many worry their brownies will turn out too dry, or the peanut butter will just overpower everything. What if I told you that achieving those dreamily peanut butter brownies, the kind that are unbelievably rich and fudgy, isn’t a far-off fantasy but a simple reality you can whip up in your own kitchen? We’re talking about a straightforward path to dessert perfection, yielding squares so delicious they might just make you rethink your go-to treat. If you’re a fan of irresistible desserts, you know the kind, much like our famous Knock You Naked Bars, you’re in for a real treat today.

Ingredients List

Get ready to transform these simple pantry staples into the most decadent peanut butter brownies you’ve ever tasted!

For the Brownie Batter:

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): This is the foundation of that fudgy texture. For a dairy-free option, try a good quality plant-based butter.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and contributes to that desirable crackly top.
Large Eggs (2): They bind everything together. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A little splash goes a long way in deepening the chocolate flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to give the brownies structure without making them cakey. For gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend works well.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Go for a good quality one for a richer chocolate taste.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.
Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup, semi-sweet or dark): Because more chocolate is always a good idea!

For the Peanut Butter Swirl:

Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): The star of the swirl! Regular processed creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best for a smooth, consistent swirl.
Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the peanut butter and helps with its texture.
Milk or Cream (1-2 tablespoons): To make the peanut butter mixture perfectly dollop-able.

Timing

Let’s get down to how quickly you can enjoy these beauties:

Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes. This is where you’ll gather your ingredients and mix up the batters.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
Total Time: Around 45-50 minutes, plus cooling time (the hardest part, I know!). This makes our peanut butter brownies recipe about 15% quicker to get in the oven than many more involved brownie recipes out there.

Close-up of two thick peanut butter brownies with a fudgy chocolate base and melted chocolate drizzle. — Ultra-fudgy peanut butter brownies layered with rich chocolate and swirls of creamy peanut butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into rich fudgy peanut butter brownies in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This little trick makes lifting the brownies out a breeze later. Trust me, future you will thank present you.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Don’t be shy, give it a good mix. Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; that’s a secret to truly fudgy brownies. Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips. See? These peanut butter brownies are coming together smoothly.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl

In another small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Stir until it’s mostly smooth. It might look a bit thick, and that’s where the milk or cream comes in. Add it one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the peanut butter mixture is smooth and has a dollop-able, slightly looser consistency. You’re aiming for something that will swirl nicely, not run everywhere.

H3: Step 4: Assemble and Swirl

Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Now, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture randomly over the brownie batter. Top with the remaining brownie batter, again in spoonfuls. Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the batters together to create a beautiful marbled effect. Don’t overdo the swirling, or you’ll lose the distinct layers. A few passes are all you need for that perfect peanut butter swirl brownies look.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding a peanut butter swirl if possible) should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let the easy peanut butter brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting into squares. This cooling time is important for them to set properly and achieve maximum fudginess. If you’re a chocolate fanatic, you might also appreciate the intense flavor of our Triple Chocolate Poke Cake once you’ve mastered these brownies.

Nutritional Information

While these are an indulgent treat, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 16 servings):

Calories: ~180-220 kcal
Fat: ~10-14g
- Saturated Fat: ~5-7g
Carbohydrates: ~20-25g
- Sugars: ~15-18g
Protein: ~3-5g
Sodium: ~70-90mg

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to make your peanut butter brownies a tad lighter without sacrificing too much flavor? Here are a few ideas:

Reduce Sugar: You can often reduce the granulated sugar by about 1/4 cup without drastically affecting the texture. The peanut butter swirl also adds sweetness.
Swap Fats: Consider using unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for up to half of the butter. This can add moisture and reduce fat. If you like banana in your baked goods, our Banana Brownies are another great option to try.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for a bit of extra fiber.
Natural Peanut Butter: If you prefer, use natural peanut butter, but be aware it might be a bit runnier and might require less or no milk in the swirl. Ensure it’s well-stirred.
Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher) for an antioxidant boost and a more intense, less sweet chocolate flavor.
For those who enjoy fruit-forward desserts with a healthier twist, you might also like our Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake.

Peanut butter brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle, served on a white plate with a spoon and chocolate chips. — A warm peanut butter brownie crowned with vanilla ice cream and drizzled in rich chocolate sauce, served with a spoon and chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter brownies are phenomenal on their own, but why not dress them up?

A La Mode: A classic for a reason! Serve warm brownies with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm brownie and cold ice cream is heavenly.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a little extra chocolate and drizzle it over the cut brownies for an extra touch of elegance.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Thin out a bit of peanut butter with a touch of maple syrup and water, then drizzle over the top.
With Coffee or Milk: The perfect accompaniment for an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night snack.
Dessert Platter: Cut them into smaller bites and add them to a dessert platter alongside other treats, perhaps some Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes for a truly decadent spread. Or, for a different kind of impressive dessert, consider our vibrant Red Velvet Pound Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your peanut butter brownies are perfect every time:

Overbaking: This is the #1 culprit for dry brownies. Remember, they continue to cook a bit as they cool. Aim for moist crumbs on your tester.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much after adding flour develops gluten, leading to tougher, cakey brownies instead of fudgy ones. Mix until just combined.
Not Cooling Completely: I know it’s tempting, but cutting into hot brownies leads to a gooey mess (and not the good kind). Patience is key for clean cuts and set texture. Data from baking forums often shows impatience as a top regret!
Incorrect Peanut Butter for Swirl: Super oily natural peanut butter can separate or make the swirl greasy. A processed, creamy peanut butter generally gives more consistent, visually appealing results for this recipe.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Keep your delicious homemade peanut butter dessert fresh:

Room Temperature: Store your peanut butter brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a piece of bread in the container can help keep them moist.
Refrigerator: If you prefer them chilled or live in a warm climate, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They will be firmer when cold.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

Conclusion

These peanut butter brownies are a true game-changer – rich, fudgy, and surprisingly simple to make. With the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, they’re bound to become a household favorite. If you enjoyed this recipe, perhaps you’d also like to try our Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake or the zesty Orange Creamsicle Cake for your next baking adventure!

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the review section or leave a comment on our blog. We love hearing from you! Subscribe for more updates and delicious recipes.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Brownies

How do you make the peanut butter swirl look pretty?

The key is to dollop, not pour, the peanut butter mixture, then use a knife or toothpick to make just a few gentle figure-eight motions. Don’t over-swirl, or the colors will muddle instead of creating distinct, beautiful patterns.

What makes brownies more fudgy?

Fudgy brownies typically have a higher fat-to-flour ratio (more butter, less flour), use melted butter, and often include chocolate chips or chunks that melt into gooey pockets. Avoiding overbaking is also absolutely key!

Should you use crunchy or smooth peanut butter for brownies?

For the swirl in these peanut butter brownies, smooth (creamy) peanut butter is generally recommended as it mixes better with the powdered sugar and creates a more uniform, aesthetically pleasing swirl. However, if you love texture, you could experiment with crunchy, but the swirl might be less defined.

Why are my peanut butter brownies dry?

The most common reasons for dry peanut butter brownies are overbaking or using too much flour. Ensure you measure your flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t scoop) and take the brownies out when a toothpick shows moist crumbs, not completely dry.

Can I use natural peanut butter for baking brownies?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it’s very well stirred as the oil tends to separate. Natural peanut butter can also be runnier, so you might need to adjust the liquid in the swirl mixture (perhaps use less or no milk). The texture of the final brownie might be slightly different too.