Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Every bite of these peanut butter brownies is a symphony of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter – a match made in dessert heaven. This recipe transforms the classic brownie into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Sweet Story Behind the Brownies

Brownies have always been a beloved dessert, but adding peanut butter elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Inspired by the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these brownies are a testament to the magic that happens when two incredible flavors come together.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Dietary Tags: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Brownie Base

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Peanut Butter Swirl

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Additions

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • Sea salt for topping

Kitchen Equipment

  • 8×8 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
    • Line 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper
    • Grease sides of pan
  2. Brownie Batter
    • Melt butter in large bowl
    • Whisk in sugar
    • Add eggs one at a time
    • Stir in vanilla extract
    • Sift in cocoa powder
    • Add flour, salt, and baking powder
    • Mix until just combined
  3. Peanut Butter Swirl
    • Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar
    • Add melted butter
    • Stir in vanilla extract
    • Create smooth mixture
  4. Assembling and Baking
    • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan
    • Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture
    • Use knife to create swirl pattern
    • Optional: Sprinkle chocolate chips
    • Bake 30-35 minutes
    • Toothpick should have few moist crumbs
  5. Cooling and Cutting
    • Allow to cool completely in pan
    • Lift out using parchment paper
    • Cut into 16 squares

Pro Baker Tips

  • Don’t overmix brownie batter
  • Use room temperature ingredients
  • Check brownies early to prevent overcooking
  • Allow to cool completely before cutting
  • Use sharp knife for clean cuts

Variations

  • Add peanut butter chips
  • Sprinkle with sea salt
  • Use dark chocolate cocoa powder
  • Add chopped nuts
  • Drizzle with additional peanut butter

Storage and Shelf Life

  • Room temperature: 3-4 days
  • Refrigerate: Up to 1 week
  • Freeze: Up to 3 months
  • Store in airtight container
  • Separate layers with parchment

Nutritional Insights

  • Calories: Approximately 200-250 per brownie
  • High in sugar
  • Good source of protein
  • Significant fat content

Dietary Adaptations

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour
  • Reduce sugar with alternative sweeteners
  • Dairy-free options available
  • Vegan substitutions possible

Troubleshooting

  • Brownies too cakey? Reduce flour
  • Too gooey? Bake a few minutes longer
  • Prevent burning by covering with foil
  • Uneven baking? Rotate pan midway

Sustainability Notes

  • Use organic ingredients
  • Buy fair-trade chocolate
  • Minimize packaging waste
  • Compost baking scraps

Final Thoughts

These peanut butter brownies are more than a dessert – they’re a moment of pure indulgence, a sweet escape that brings joy with every bite.

Chocolate and peanut butter: a love story in every square.

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