Introduction

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies are a delightful treat combining rich, fudgy chocolate with creamy peanut butter swirls. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these brownies offer a moist texture with just the right balance of flavors. Whether for a special occasion or a simple snack, they never disappoint.

The image shows a stack of three thick brownies on a white marbled surface, each brownie having three visible layers. The bottom and top layers are rich, dark brown, fudgy brownies with a slightly crumbly texture. The middle layer is a creamy, smooth peanut butter layer with a light brown color, well spread between the brownie layers. Small chunks of melted chocolate are swirled in the top brownie layer, creating a shiny, textured surface with a marbled effect. A few scattered dark brown chocolate chips are placed around the stack, adding to the overall rich and decadent look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter – melted and slightly cooled

4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate – chopped or chocolate chips

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar

2 large eggs – at room temperature

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled

1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder – sifted

1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional)

Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks

Optional: 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts

Optional: Sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, combine the melted butter and semi-sweet chocolate. Melt together using a microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, or use a double boiler. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the chocolate-butter mixture and stir until smooth and glossy. Whisk in eggs and egg yolk one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder (if using), and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar. Add heavy cream or milk if needed to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 6: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Add spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over and add more peanut butter dollops on the surface. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter. Begin checking at 28 minutes as oven times may vary.

Step 8: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting out. For sharp edges, chill the brownies in the fridge for 1 hour before cutting into 16 squares. Use a hot, clean knife for neat slices.

Tips & Variations

For extra fudgy brownies, avoid overmixing the batter and omit baking powder.

Add chocolate chips or chopped roasted peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Use creamy peanut butter for easier swirling; crunchy peanut butter can be used for more bite.

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate-peanut butter contrast.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter may be thicker and less smooth, which can make swirling more difficult. If you use it, stir well and consider adding a bit of cream or milk to achieve a swirlable consistency.

How do I make the brownies cakey instead of fudgy?

To make cakey brownies, increase the baking powder slightly to 1 teaspoon and add a tablespoon more flour. Also, avoid overmixing and consider reducing the butter slightly.