Introduction
Let’s talk brownies. But not just any brownies—rich, fudgy, peanut-butter-swirled chocolate brownies that melt in your mouth and make you do a little happy dance with every bite. These are the kind of treats that taste like you spent hours baking but come together in under 30 minutes. If you’re a chocolate + peanut butter fan (and who isn’t?), this recipe is for you. These bars are dense, dreamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or a random Tuesday when you need a pick-me-up.
Detailed Ingredients 🍫🥜🍳
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake these rich, swirly, chocolate-peanut butter beauties:
- 🧈 ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 🍬 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🌾 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
- 🍫 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
- 🥜 ⅓ cup peanut butter (chunky or creamy, your call!)
- 🍫 ¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Direction
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F and spray a 9×9-inch pan with nonstick spray.
- Make the base batter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Lightly beat by hand just until combined. Mix in flour and salt.
- Divide and flavor: Remove ¾ cup of this batter and set it aside. Stir the cooled melted chocolate into the remaining batter in the saucepan and spread it into the prepared pan.
- Peanut butter swirl magic: Mix the peanut butter into the reserved batter and spoon it over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Swirl the two batters gently with a knife to create that beautiful marbled look.
- Bake: Pop into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top looks set. Don’t overbake—we want that fudgy texture!
- Cool & slice: Let them cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Then go ahead, treat yourself!
My Story
This recipe happened during one of those “I need something sweet right now” kind of afternoons. I was rummaging through my pantry and saw peanut butter, some baking chocolate, and just enough flour. I figured, why not make brownies with a twist? The combo of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason—comforting, rich, and never too fussy. I made a batch, shared it with my neighbors, and they were gone in minutes. Now, these brownies are one of my go-to desserts. They’re quick, crazy good, and totally satisfying, whether I’m baking for guests or just myself. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to bookmark this one forever.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but it might not swirl as well since it tends to be oilier. A no-stir peanut butter works best.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend at a 1:1 ratio.
What’s the best way to store them?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Totally! They add a nice little crunch, but the brownies are delicious without them too.
Suggestion 🍫
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm fudge for a next-level dessert.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty vibe.
- Make them extra nutty by mixing chopped peanuts into the peanut butter batter.
- Use almond butter for a fun twist if you’re out of peanut butter.
- Cut them into bite-sized squares and serve at parties as brownie bites!
Conclusion
These peanut butter chocolate brownies are everything a great dessert should be—easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast. The swirls make them look bakery-level fancy, but the ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just looking for something sweet after dinner, these brownies are the answer. They’ve got the fudgy texture we all crave, balanced perfectly by the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for just one more bite. I do it every time.
Thanks for baking with me, and if you make these, tag me @gotubbe—I love seeing your creations!
— Sarah Cooper 💕
Gotubbe.com
