Easy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Decadent, fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies with rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter swirls. This easy, from-scratch recipe uses pantry staples, expert baking tips, and 8 must-have tools 🛒 for perfect results. Includes step-by-step instructions, brand recommendations, storage tips, and creative variations. Perfect for dessert lovers who want a sweet-salty treat that’s portable, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly delicious. Bake, share, and enjoy!

8/19/20253 min read

Peanut butter brownie bars recipe are a sweet and chocolaty dessert.
Peanut butter brownie bars recipe are a sweet and chocolaty dessert.

đŸ„œ Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe – The Ultimate Fudgy & Nutty Treat

Introduction: Brownie Lovers, Meet Your New Obsession ❀

Imagine biting into a square of deep, chocolatey brownie bliss
 then discovering a luscious, creamy swirl of peanut butter baked right in. These Peanut Butter Brownies are the ultimate treat for dessert lovers who crave rich cocoa flavor with a salty-sweet twist. Perfect for bake sales, cozy weekend baking, or surprising your friends with a dessert that gets instant “wow” reactions.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

  • Fudgy meets creamy: Perfect balance of dense brownie and silky peanut butter ribbons.

  • Easy pantry staples: No fancy ingredients; just everyday baking must-haves.

  • Customizable: Endless ways to make them uniquely yours (see variations below).

  • Portable perfection: Holds shape for lunchboxes, picnics, and parties.

  • Crowd-pleaser: Chocolate + peanut butter = guaranteed smiles.

🛒 Baking Tools You’ll Need (Affiliate Links to Amazon)

  1. USA Pan 8x8 Square Baking Pan – Nonstick, even baking.

  2. OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowls Set – Nesting, easy-grip.

  3. KitchenAid Hand Mixer – Creamy peanut butter swirls, no arm workout.

  4. Wilton Silicone Spatula Set – For perfect folding & scraping.

  5. Pyrex 2-Cup Measuring Cup – Microwave-safe for melting chocolate.

  6. Parchment Paper Sheets – Prevent sticking, easy lift-out.

  7. OXO Good Grips Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accurate, durable.

  8. Checkered Chef Cooling Rack – Speeds up cooling for clean slices.

đŸ„Ł Ingredients for Peanut Butter Brownies

Brownie Batter

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Land O’Lakes for consistent flavor

  • 2 cups granulated sugar – C&H Pure Cane Sugar recommended

  • 4 large eggs – Organic, free-range for rich taste

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Vanilla

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – King Arthur for consistent texture

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Ghirardelli Premium Baking Cocoa

  • 1/2 tsp salt – Morton Fine Sea Salt

Peanut Butter Swirl

  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter – Jif Creamy or natural, unsweetened if preferred

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Domino Confectioners Sugar

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

🕒 Step-by-Step Instructions (with Time Breakdown)

Step 1: Prep & Preheat (5 min)

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make Brownie Batter (10 min)

  1. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan.

  2. Whisk in sugar until glossy and combined.

  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

  4. Stir in vanilla extract.

  5. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold until just combined — don’t overmix.

Step 3: Prepare Peanut Butter Swirl (5 min)

  • In a separate bowl, beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Layer & Swirl (5 min)

  • Pour half the brownie batter into prepared pan.

  • Dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture evenly over it.

  • Cover with remaining brownie batter.

  • Drop more peanut butter dollops on top and use a knife to create elegant swirls.

Step 5: Bake (30–35 min)

  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

  • Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment and transfer to rack.

Step 6: Slice & Serve (5 min)

  • Cut into 16 even squares for the perfect serving size.

💡 Expert Baking Tips

  • Glossy tops: Whisk sugar into hot melted butter for that iconic brownie shine.

  • Do not overbake: Slight underbaking keeps the centers moist and fudgy.

  • Neat slices: Chill brownies for 20 minutes before cutting.

  • Swirl artistry: Drag the knife in figure-eight patterns for bakery-worthy looks.

🎹 Creative Variations

  1. Triple Chocolate PB Brownies – Add 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks to the brownie batter.

  2. Salted Caramel PB Brownies – Drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter swirl before baking.

  3. Espresso PB Brownies – Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the batter for mocha depth.

💎 What Makes These Brownies Unique

While most recipes either focus on peanut butter or fudge-heavy brownies, this one is meticulously balanced — thick ribbons of creamy peanut butter that remain distinct even after baking. The swirl method ensures every bite delivers both flavors in harmony without overpowering the other.

đŸ„¶ Storage & Serving Suggestions

  • Room Temp: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Fridge: Extends freshness to 7 days — just bring to room temp before serving.

  • Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap + foil for up to 3 months.

  • Serving Ideas: Warm slightly and top with vanilla ice cream 🍹, or pair with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic vibe.

✅ Final Thoughts & Call-to-Action

If you’re ready to experience brownie perfection, bookmark this recipe and share it with the peanut butter lovers in your life. Whether for a special celebration or your own late-night craving, these Peanut Butter Brownies will become your new go-to bake.

📌 Pin this recipe for later, try it this weekend, and tell me in the comments — are you Team Fudgy or Team Chewy?

📜 Affiliate Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love.