Introduction

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies bring together the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate with the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. This easy recipe creates decadent brownies with a luscious peanut butter swirl that’s perfect for any dessert lover. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these brownies never disappoint.

The image shows a stack of three thick brownies with two visible layers in each piece. The bottom layer is a dark, moist chocolate brownie with a slightly crumbly texture. The top layer is a creamy, light brown peanut butter swirl that blends into the chocolate layer in some spots, with melted chocolate drizzled over the top, creating a glossy, rich appearance. Around the base of the stack are scattered dark chocolate chips on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred with dark tones, highlighting the brownies in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or use good-quality chocolate chips

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional)

Optional mix-ins and toppings: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks, 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts, sea salt flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, combine the melted butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Melt using 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring each time, or use a double boiler. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Add granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the chocolate-butter mixture and stir until smooth and glossy. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder (if using), and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream or milk (if using) until smooth and creamy for the swirl.

Step 6: Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the peanut butter swirl over the batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top. Drop more peanut butter mixture across the surface and swirl gently with a knife or skewer.

Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Step 8: Allow brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. For cleaner cuts, chill in the fridge for 1 hour before slicing into 16 squares. Use a hot knife wiped clean between cuts.

Tips & Variations

Use creamy peanut butter for a better swirl consistency; warming it slightly before mixing can help.

For extra texture, mix in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or pretzels into the batter.

To make cakey brownies, add an extra egg and bake a bit longer; for fudgier brownies, reduce baking time slightly.

Try almond butter or oat flour for a lighter, healthier twist.

Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While you can use crunchy peanut butter, creamy works best for swirling as it blends more smoothly. If using crunchy, warm it slightly and stir well to soften before mixing with powdered sugar.

How do I prevent the peanut butter swirl from sinking?

Mixing the peanut butter with powdered sugar and a little cream or milk helps stabilize the swirl and prevent it from sinking during baking. Slightly warming the peanut butter before mixing also improves the texture.