Peanut butter brownies are a delightful treat that brings together the richness of chocolate and the creamy goodness of peanut butter. They are soft, warm, and perfectly sweet, making them a satisfying dessert for any time of the day. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, these brownies are simple to make and always a hit.
Why You Will Love This Peanut Butter Brownies
This recipe is great because it combines easy steps with tasty results. The creamy peanut butter adds a unique twist to your classic brownie. Plus, most ingredients are pantry staples. You can whip these up quickly for a cozy family treat or a last-minute gathering. They are sure to please everyone, from kids to adults!
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Making these brownies is a fun and easy process. You will need to mix a few dry and wet ingredients before combining them. Then, layering the peanut butter gives a lovely swirl effect that looks beautiful, too. It’s a simple way to create a dessert that feels special without too much fuss.
What You Need
To create these delicious peanut butter brownies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
- Swirl the peanut butter through the batter with a knife.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool before slicing into squares and serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
These brownies are perfect on their own, but there are ways to make them even more special. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful dessert. You can also drizzle some chocolate or peanut butter sauce over them for extra flavor. They are great for birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy evening at home.
How to Store Peanut Butter Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature and they’ll be ready to eat.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure not to overmix the batter; just mix until combined for a fudgy texture.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. This helps them set.
- If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.
- For a fun twist, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- If you like nuts, add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different taste.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra melted chocolate sweetness.
- For a festive version, fold in mini candy corn or seasonal sprinkles.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them individually and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the brownies?
To reheat, simply take the brownies out of the fridge or freezer and let them come to room temperature. You can warm them slightly in the microwave if desired.
Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking?
Check the brownies sooner than the time stated. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean, for the best texture.
Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted Can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter Can substitute with crunchy peanut butter.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Baking
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
- Swirl the peanut butter through the batter with a knife.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Serving
- Let cool before slicing into squares and serving.
