Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth but want something with a little twist, let me introduce you to these irresistible Peanut Butter Brownies. These brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic chocolate brownies with the creamy, nutty allure of peanut butter swirls and peanut butter cups scattered throughout. Every bite is a perfect dance of smooth peanut butter and deep chocolate, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for a cozy night in or a festive treat to share with friends. Trust me, once you try these Peanut Butter Brownies, they’ll become a go-to recipe to satisfy all your chocolate and peanut butter cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Peanut Butter Brownies just right means using a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing an important role in bringing out the perfect combination of texture and flavor. From the rich dark chocolate to the smooth peanut butter, every component is essential, rather than complicated.

• Dark chocolate (200 g): Provides deep, rich cocoa flavor that forms the base of the brownie.
• Unsalted butter (200 g): Adds luscious creaminess and helps achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
• Medium eggs (4): Help bind the ingredients and create that mousse-like batter texture.
• Light brown soft sugar (275 g): Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses for more depth.
• Plain flour (100 g): The structural backbone that holds the brownies together without making them cakey.
• Cocoa powder (50 g): Boosts the chocolate flavor and enhances color without weighing down the batter.
• Peanut butter (200 g, melted): Brings that creamy, nutty goodness and lovely swirls that make these brownies unique.
• Chocolate chips (100 g): Provide pockets of melty chocolate bites for extra delight.
• Mini peanut butter cups (200 g): Add fun texture and bursts of peanut butter in every bite.

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin

First things first, set your oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a 9×9 inch square tin with parchment paper—the lining makes it much easier to lift out the brownies once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Gently melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together until smooth and glossy. This mix forms the rich fudgy base that you’ll fold through your eggs and sugar next. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs later on.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs and light brown sugar vigorously until the mixture doubles in size, becomes pale, and has a mousse-like consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when a trail left by your whisk lingers for a couple of seconds before disappearing—this step is key to getting a light yet gooey brownie.

Step 4: Combine Chocolate Butter with Egg Mixture

Carefully fold the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mousse. Gently mixing ensures you keep as much air as possible for that perfect texture.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the plain flour and cocoa powder, then fold these into your wet mixture. This keeps the batter smooth without overmixing, which could make the brownies tough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter Cups

Next comes the fun part—fold through the chocolate chips and mini peanut butter cups. They add delightful bursts of gooey peanut butter and chocolate that amp up the flavor dimension tremendously.

Step 7: Pour and Swirl

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared tin, then drizzle the melted peanut butter over the top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the peanut butter through the batter to create those signature luscious ribbons of flavor.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye on the surface which should be set but with a slight wobble in the center. Once out of the oven, allow the brownies to cool fully in the tin before placing them in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours. This chilling step really helps firm up the brownies and develop flavor.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies

 

Garnishes

These peanut butter brownies are beautiful on their own, but a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their presentation and add extra texture and crunch.

Side Dishes

Serving your Peanut Butter Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a classic and decadent dessert combo. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add a lovely contrast to the richness as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing. You can even sandwich a scoop of peanut butter ice cream between two brownie squares to create mini brownie peanut butter sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed well preserves their moisture and fudgy texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these brownies for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months, ready to thaw and indulge whenever you need a chocolate fix.

Reheating

To revive the softness of frozen or refrigerated brownies, warm them slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or eat them chilled for a more fudgy, truffle-like experience. Either way, the peanut butter and chocolate flavors remain heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice extra texture to your brownies, creating delightful little bites of peanut crunch within the smooth swirls.

Do I have to use mini peanut butter cups?

While mini peanut butter cups really enhance the flavor and texture, you can swap them for chopped peanut butter candies or just add extra peanut butter chips if you prefer.

How can I tell when the brownies are perfectly baked?

The edges should look set and slightly pulling away from the tin, but the middle will have a gentle wobble when you gently shake the pan. They firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, just replace the plain flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Is it okay to substitute caster sugar for light brown sugar?

Yes, caster sugar works fine and will still sweeten nicely but you might miss the slight caramel notes that brown sugar adds to the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Your search for the ultimate cross between peanut butter and chocolate is over with these luscious Peanut Butter Brownies. Their fudgy texture, irresistible swirl, and little pockets of peanut butter joy really make them stand out from the crowd. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and make these brownies a permanent favorite in your baking repertoire. Go ahead, treat yourself—and whoever you decide to share these with—to a truly indulgent experience.

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