If you have a thing for rich chocolate blended with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. These brownies are fudgy and moist, perfectly balancing the bittersweet cocoa flavor with luscious peanut butter ribbons that melt in your mouth. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet simple enough to whip up anytime you need a little sweet indulgence. You’ll love how each bite reveals that beautiful swirl of peanut butter that not only adds flavor but an irresistible texture contrast that makes this brownie more than just your average chocolate treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by fancy elements; this recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with pantry staples that combine to create magic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich melted butter that ensures moistness, to the cocoa powder that delivers deep chocolate flavor, to the peanut butter that brings its signature creamy texture and nutty aroma.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup melted: Use unsalted to control saltiness and melted to blend seamlessly with sugars.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Provides balanced sweetness and crunch in the crumb.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together while contributing to the dense yet tender structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, fragrant hint.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup: Gives that rich, chocolaty backbone that’s essential for fudgy brownies.
- All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: Provides structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Just enough to give a slight lift without compromising fudginess.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup slightly warmed: The star ingredient that creates those gorgeous swirls and adds irresistible flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking pan
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal easy and keep the edges perfectly tender.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until you get a glossy, smooth mixture. This step ensures your brownies will be decadently moist and sweet right from the start.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract, then stir them in fully. This infuses the batter with body and warmth, developing that classic brownie flavor we all crave.
Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients
Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to avoid any lumps and to evenly distribute the leavening. Gently fold this mixture into your wet ingredients using a spatula, careful not to overmix — that’s the key to keeping your brownies tender and dense.
Step 5: Pour batter into pan
Once combined, pour the luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly so you get consistent baking throughout. This is the base canvas for our peanut butter art.
Step 6: Add and swirl the peanut butter
Warm your creamy peanut butter slightly so it’s easier to work with, then spoon it over the brownie batter in dollops. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the peanut butter through the batter in pretty patterns. This not only makes these brownies look gorgeous but infuses every bite with that signature peanut flavor.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on your oven. Peek in and test with a toothpick – you want it to come out with just a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy texture, so be careful not to overbake.
Step 8: Cool and slice
Allow your Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Recipe to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. Cooling sets the swirls and improves texture, making it easier to cut clean pieces that look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little flair on top, dust the brownies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle with chopped peanuts for an extra crunch. You can even drizzle a bit more melted peanut butter or a touch of melted chocolate for that professional finish.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries that add brightness and contrast. A cold glass of milk is a classic companion that complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by cutting your brownies into bite-sized bars and stacking them on a dessert platter for parties. You could also serve them warm with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to transform your Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Recipe into an indulgent dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and chewy. If your kitchen is warm, placing them in the fridge will help maintain freshness but bring them to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for prepping ahead or saving some for a later sweet craving.
Reheating
When you want a warm treat, reheat frozen or refrigerated brownies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or bake them briefly in a 300°F oven until soft and melty. This revives their moist texture and peanut butter goodness just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to the swirls, giving your brownies a delightful bit of crunch in every bite. Just warm it slightly to make swirling easier.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
You can substitute with natural unsweetened baking chocolate melted and cooled; just use about 2 ounces to replace the cocoa powder. It might change the texture slightly but will still taste wonderful.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for similar results.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes, doubling the recipe works great! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly, checking with a toothpick for doneness starting around 30 minutes.
Is there a way to make these brownies vegan?
To make vegan peanut butter swirl brownies, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative. The results are delicious and just as satisfying!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way peanut butter and brownie come together in this Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Recipe — it’s a harmonious blend of flavors that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these brownies are guaranteed to delight and satisfy that sweet tooth like no other. So go ahead, dive into the swirling goodness and enjoy every fudgy, peanut buttery bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Brownies are rich, fudgy, and feature a delicious swirl of creamy peanut butter baked into classic chocolate brownie batter. Perfectly sweetened and baked to moist perfection, they make an irresistible dessert or snack for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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 creamy peanut butter, slightly warmed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar-butter mixture, stirring until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Spread Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter into the baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface for uniform thickness.
- Swirl Peanut Butter: Drizzle the warmed peanut butter over the top of the brownie batter in spoonfuls. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the batter creating an attractive marbled design.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful to not overbake to maintain fudginess.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- For best results, don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough brownies.
- Warming the peanut butter makes it easier to swirl into the batter evenly.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy if preferred, but it may affect the texture of the swirls.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To make brownies extra fudgy, avoid overbaking by checking doneness at 20 minutes.
