If you’re in the mood for pure indulgence, these Peanut Butter Brownies might just be your next baking obsession! Imagine the classic fudgy brownie getting cozy with rich, creamy peanut butter – the result is an irresistibly tender, gooey treat with a melt-in-your-mouth combo of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. Whether you want an easy dessert for a potluck or a decadent weeknight treat, this is a recipe that never fails to deliver bold flavor with minimal fuss. If you’re a peanut butter fan, these brownies deserve a top spot in your recipe box!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all about keeping things simple and delicious. Each element brings its own magic to the texture, flavor, or finishing touches, and together they create Peanut Butter Brownies that taste as good as they look!
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and keeps the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Granulated sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness and helps get that classic crackly brownie top.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for a chewy, soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the whole flavor profile and balances out all the richness.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star – it brings that distinct nutty depth and a velvety swirl to every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to bring structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise a touch, so they’re not overly dense.
- Salt: A dash to sharpen the flavors and keep things from tasting too sweet.
- Chopped peanuts (optional): For crunch, texture, and that extra peanutty pop.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
First things first: heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 8×8-inch pan ready. You can either line it with parchment paper for super easy lifting or lightly grease it if you’re not fussed about neat edges. This step keeps sticking at bay and ensures perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together your melted butter and sugar until the mixture looks shiny and smooth. Now, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each goes in. Stir in the vanilla and, most importantly, the creamy peanut butter. This combo is what makes these Peanut Butter Brownies extra luscious!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these on the side means you’ll get an even rise and perfectly seasoned brownies – no salty pockets or floury bites allowed.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix (a few streaks are fine). Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. For bonus crunch, sprinkle those chopped peanuts across the top.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick in the center to come out with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to keep baking; this ensures the brownies stay fudgy, not dry. Let them cool completely before slicing into squares – this patience pays off in clean cuts and gooey centers.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
Garnishes
If you want to dress things up, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even more chopped peanuts right before serving. These add-ons make the finished Peanut Butter Brownies look bakery-worthy and amp up the flavor wow-factor.
Side Dishes
These brownies are pretty rich on their own, so serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk for a classic pairing. For a fancier twist, fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream balance out the peanutty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Peanut Butter Brownies into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Stack squares for a rustic dessert tower, or layer brownie pieces with ice cream in parfait glasses for an irresistible dessert sundae!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Brownies will keep at room temperature for up to three days. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and gooey. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them for an extra day or two of freshness.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, these brownies freeze beautifully. Once they’re fully cooled, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their delicious texture for up to two months – just thaw at room temp before enjoying.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked feel, zap a brownie square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. It softens up the peanut butter swirl and makes the chocolatey edges extra tempting. You can also warm them in a low oven for a few minutes if reheating larger batches.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to your Peanut Butter Brownies, giving you tiny pockets of roasted peanut crunch with every bite.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). If you overbake, they’ll lose that irresistible fudginess that makes Peanut Butter Brownies so special.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the bake time; it might need a few extra minutes, but the same toothpick test applies.
What’s the best way to get clean brownie squares?
Let the Peanut Butter Brownies cool completely in the pan (really, it’s worth waiting!), then use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. For extra precision, chill them before cutting.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! A handful of chocolate chips mixed in or swirled on top before baking takes these Peanut Butter Brownies to double-decker decadence. You can even sprinkle mini chocolate chips for a bakery-style finish.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Brownies are truly a treat you don’t want to miss – they’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with peanut butter flavor in every bite. Whip up a batch for your next gathering or cozy up with one on a quiet night in. Trust me, one taste and you’ll be baking them again and again!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with these decadent Peanut Butter Brownies. These fudgy treats are easy to make and a sure crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and peanut butter until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For added indulgence, swirl in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
