Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

The Ultimate Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe: Sweet Heaven

Crafting the ultimate fudgy peanut butter brownies sparks pure culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Chocolate and nutty goodness combine for an irresistible treat that melts hearts.

Rich, decadent layers promise an indulgent experience for dessert enthusiasts.

Intense cocoa meets creamy peanut butter in a delightful dance of flavors.

Texture and sweetness intertwine, creating a memorable bite that lingers.

Soft, gooey centers with crisp edges make these brownies impossible to resist.

Proper Storage for Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Place brownies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their rich taste and moist consistency.
  • Keep brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and enjoyable. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent quick spoiling.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs Regarding Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to stir it well before adding to the brownies to ensure even distribution and consistent texture.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Check the brownies at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Avoid overbaking to maintain the fudgy texture.

  • Is it necessary to swirl the peanut butter into the batter?

Swirling creates a beautiful marbled effect and helps distribute the peanut butter flavor throughout the brownies. It’s optional but recommended for both visual appeal and taste.

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform basic ingredients into decadent brownies with minimal prep work, making baking feel like a breeze.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic chocolate with creamy peanut butter, creating an irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages and tastes.
  • No-Fuss Technique: Simple swirling method adds a professional bakery-style marbled effect without requiring advanced pastry skills, ensuring beautiful results every time.
  • Versatile Treat: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, movie nights, or as a comforting sweet snack that satisfies chocolate and peanut butter cravings simultaneously.

Ingredients for Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, smooth texture and enhances overall flavor of the brownies.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender brownie structure.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the dense, fudgy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownies.
  • Flour: Gives structure and helps hold the brownie batter together.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly and creates a softer texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor profile.
Peanut Butter Swirl:
  • Peanut Butter: Creates a delicious swirled pattern and adds rich, nutty flavor to the brownies.

How to Prepare Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and coat it thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, glossy mixture that looks rich and inviting.

Step 3: Build Brownie Batter

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture:
  • Cocoa powder
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Stir everything together until you have a silky, uniform batter with no lumps.

Step 4: Craft Peanut Butter Swirl

Pour half the chocolate batter into your prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter across the surface. Use a knife to create beautiful, marbled swirls throughout the batter.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Cover the peanut butter swirls with remaining chocolate batter. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes cutting easier. Slice into squares and enjoy your indulgent creation!

Tips for Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, fudgy texture.
  • Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for a healthier, less sweet brownie option.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise squares with maximum structural integrity.
  • Test brownies at 25 minutes to prevent overcooking, checking with a toothpick for moist crumbs rather than completely clean.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking to balance the sweetness and highlight the chocolate and peanut butter notes.

Flavor Variations for Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Swirl: Replace some of the cocoa powder with chocolate chips and add chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Salted Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the cooled brownies for a rich, sweet-salty contrast.
  • Espresso Chocolate Edition: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate's deep, robust flavor profile.
  • Cream Cheese Marble: Swirl softened cream cheese mixed with a bit of powdered sugar between the brownie layers for a tangy, creamy element.

Best Pairings with Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Pair with Milk: Serve cold, whole milk alongside these brownies to balance the rich, intense chocolate and nutty peanut butter flavors. The smooth dairy cuts through the decadence perfectly.
  • Match with Coffee: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the deep chocolate notes. The bitter coffee enhances the sweet, fudgy brownie experience.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top warm brownies with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture creates a delightful contrast against the warm, dense brownie.
  • Enhance with Red Wine: Choose a bold, fruity red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel.
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Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x
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Description

Chocolate and peanut butter dance together in these irresistible Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies, creating a rich dessert that melts hearts. Dense, indulgent layers promise pure comfort with each heavenly bite you’ll savor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Ingredient:

  • 1/2 cup (128 grams) peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating an 8×8-inch baking pan with a light greasing to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a smooth base mixture by whisking together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully integrated and glossy.
  3. Gradually fold in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring carefully to achieve a uniform, velvety batter without overmixing.
  4. Transfer half of the chocolate batter into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
  5. Strategically dollop peanut butter across the initial batter layer, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns that blend the two textures.
  6. Gently cover the peanut butter swirls with the remaining chocolate batter, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick which should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
  8. Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

  • Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free diets, ensuring equal texture and richness.
  • Reduce sugar by 25% and use dark cocoa powder for a less sweet, more intense chocolate experience without compromising fudgy texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and more consistent brownie structure, preventing potential lumpy mixing.
  • Check brownies at 22 minutes to prevent overcooking, as residual heat continues baking even after removing from oven, maintaining that coveted fudgy center.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 224 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 93 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg

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Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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