If you’re a fan of the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you are in for a real treat with this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie, only to discover a luscious, creamy peanut butter center that melts perfectly with every mouthful. This dessert brings together the best of both worlds, balancing dense chocolatey goodness with a sweet and slightly salty surprise inside. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a decadent personal indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays an essential part in creating its irresistible flavor and texture. From the rich cocoa powder to the smooth peanut butter, every component harmonizes to make the perfect brownie experience.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies, helping achieve that fudgy texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and tenderizes the batter, giving it the classic brownie sweetness.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the brownies.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the flavor depth, making the chocolate and peanut butter pop.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup: Provides the essential chocolate flavor with a rich, slightly bitter undertone.
- All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: Gives the brownies just enough structure without making them cakey.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and elevates the chocolatey notes.
- Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Helps the brownies rise slightly, keeping them moist but not dense.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup: Melts into pockets of extra chocolate surprise throughout the brownies.
- Creamy peanut butter, 3/4 cup: The star of the filling, bringing a smooth, nutty richness that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling, making it easy to spread.
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the brownies come out smoothly and are easy to remove. Proper preparation here sets the stage for perfect brownies every time.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the unsalted butter until it’s fully liquid but not boiling. Stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then, add the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir just until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, so keep it gentle. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to add pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the brownie batter rests, mix together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thickened, making it perfect for spreading between the brownie layers without sinking or oozing out during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Brownies
Spread half of your brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing it out carefully. Then dollop the peanut butter mixture on top in spoonfuls, gently spreading it into an even layer without mixing it into the chocolate layer beneath. Top with the remaining brownie batter, smoothing it out delicately to cover the peanut butter layer completely. This layering is key to achieving that delightful surprise inside each brownie.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want a fudgy, moist texture rather than a dry cake. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan to allow the peanut butter layer to firm up, making slicing much cleaner and easier.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle the tops of your Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or some chopped roasted peanuts for crunch. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the pieces just before serving to impress guests and add even more flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert treat. If you’re aiming for a decadent pairing, try serving with fresh berries that cut through the richness with a burst of tartness. A cold glass of milk or a robust cup of coffee also complements their deep chocolate and peanut butter notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make an impression at your next gathering? Cut the brownies into mini squares and serve them on decorative toothpicks for easy snacking. Or layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and chopped nuts for a show-stopping presentation. You can even sandwich two brownies together with extra peanut butter or chocolate ganache for double the delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a longer shelf life, refrigeration is your best friend, keeping them fresh and firm for about a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature slightly before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months, ready to thaw and satisfy a craving anytime you want.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen brownies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. For a warm treat, microwave a brownie square for about 15 seconds, making the peanut butter filling gooey and the chocolate wonderfully melty.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture contrast that complements the smooth brownie layers. Just keep in mind the filling may be a bit less smooth but will taste fantastic.
What size pan is best for this recipe?
An 8×8-inch baking pan is ideal for this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe, giving the brownies the perfect thickness to showcase both layers without baking too quickly or drying out.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for a set top and edges that pull slightly away from the pan. Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, ensuring fudgy brownies.
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes, you can try almond butter or cashew butter for a different but equally delicious flavor twist. Just make sure the nut butter is smooth enough to spread easily.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures like regular flour. The brownies will come out just as tasty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter in a dessert, this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple to make, irresistibly rich, and guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to have a bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly these brownies become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in rich, fudgy peanut butter stuffed brownies that combine the intense chocolate flavor with a creamy peanut butter center. Perfectly baked to a moist finish and topped with chocolate chips, this dessert is both indulgent and easy to make, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Filling
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Melt Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Stir just until fully combined without overmixing to ensure a tender brownie texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute throughout the batter, adding extra bursts of chocolate.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, mix creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, perfect for spreading.
- Layer the Batter and Filling: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over this layer and spread it to create an even layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer and gently smooth it out to cover the filling completely without mixing the layers.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan so the layers set properly. For cleaner slicing, refrigerate before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
- For cleaner slices, refrigerate the brownies before cutting to firm up the filling and batter layers.
- You may substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for enhanced texture and bite.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
