Table of Contents
Anyone who’s spent time in my kitchen knows that I live for bold, nostalgic flavors. And when it comes to dessert, few combos beat chocolate and peanut butter. Growing up in small-town Georgia, I remember the magic of potlucks where Miss Edna’s peanut butter bars would disappear before anything else. Fast-forward to my Austin kitchen today, and those same flavors have found new life in my signature peanut butter brownies. These beauties are chewy around the edges, fudgy in the center, and swirled with ribbons of rich peanut butter that make every bite indulgent.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true peanut butter brownie recipe with detailed steps, creative tips, and time comparisons. Plus, you’ll discover how to customize your batch, how to store it, and what makes them so crave-worthy. Whether you’re baking from scratch or eyeing a shortcut with a boxed mix, you’ll find everything you need to whip up this decadent treat.
Bold Beginnings with Peanut Butter Brownies
Why Peanut Butter and Chocolate Never Miss
Chocolate has its loyal followers, but pair it with peanut butter and you enter a whole new level of dessert nirvana. It’s the flavor profile that delights kids and adults alike. The creaminess of peanut butter cuts through the richness of chocolate, creating balance in every bite. That contrast—salty, sweet, smooth, and dense—is what makes peanut butter brownies a go-to in kitchens across the U.S.
When I first shared a peanut butter brownies recipe on my blog, I didn’t expect the response I got. Thousands of home bakers chimed in, sharing their own spins, swaps, and praises. And it makes sense. These brownies are a perfect example of approachable creativity in the kitchen: comforting, a little rebellious, and astonishingly easy to personalize. If you’re already a fan of homemade brownies, adding peanut butter takes them to a whole new level.
A Southern Memory Baked into Every Square
One summer when I was ten, my grandmother let me help stir the brownie batter for her church fundraiser. She added a swirl of peanut butter straight into the pan—no measurements, just pure instinct. She said, “Measure with your heart, Raymond.” That pan was wiped clean in minutes at the bake sale. And here’s the thing: the recipe wasn’t fancy, but it spoke to everyone who tasted it. That spirit of food as a shared experience is what drives me to make recipes like these peanut butter brownies easy, accessible, and unforgettable.
If you’re a fan of twisty chocolate creations like brownie cookies or crave innovation like Sams Club cookie dough brownies, then this recipe will fit right into your baking rotation.
Your Go-To Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe
Essential Peanut Butter Brownies Ingredients
Ready to bring this flavor powerhouse to life? Here’s your base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla bean
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (plus more for swirls)
Want to put your spin on things?
- Swap half the butter with coconut oil for a nutty undertone.
- Add sugar-free chocolate chips to make them friendlier for low-carb diets.
- Try using almond butter instead of peanut butter for a slightly different flavor note.
You can also build on this base just like I do in my peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for an extra gooey texture. Whatever variation you choose, don’t be afraid to experiment.
Timing Breakdown for Perfect Brownies
Making peanut butter brownies from scratch takes a little bit of time but pays off in flavor.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Baking | 30-35 minutes |
| Cooling & Swirling | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | ~65 minutes |
Tip: This is about 20% faster than more complex layered desserts!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with sugar until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until thick and smooth.
- Stir in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until no dry streaks remain.
- Fold in half the peanut butter, then spread the batter evenly into the pan.
- Spoon dollops of remaining peanut butter on top. Use a butter knife to create swirls.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, checking with a toothpick (a few moist crumbs is perfect).
- Cool completely before cutting—this helps the brownies set up properly.
Pro tip: For a twist similar to our brownie refrigerator cake recipe, chill the baked pan and top with whipped cream before slicing.
Tips, Swaps & Creative Spins
Can You Use a Boxed Mix?
Absolutely! Short on time? Boxed brownie mix becomes your best friend here. Use your favorite chocolate brownie box, but zhuzh it up:
- Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the dry mix for richness.
- Mix in a ½ cup of peanut butter chips.
- Swirl in warmed peanut butter before baking.
This shortcut method gives you that same chewy, gooey payoff, similar to what you’d find in our playful peanut butter cup dump cake recipe.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, peanut butter provides healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals—so when swirled into brownies, you’re not sacrificing nutrition, just adding joy. “Is peanut butter good for you? Health benefits and nutrition” (Medical News Today)
Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free
Yes, it’s possible! Substitute:
- Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg)
- Butter: Go with vegan butter or coconut oil
- Flour: Choose a 1:1 gluten-free blend
Even the most traditional palate won’t miss a thing. The textures and flavor hold up beautifully under these modifications. And if you’re looking for more freezer-friendly treats, no-bake options like our peanut butter pretzel clusters are a great addition to your recipe file.
Final Touches: Storing, Serving & Pairings
Storage Tips to Keep Flavors Fresh
Once your peanut butter brownies are cool:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature (up to 4 days)
- Refrigerate for longer shelf-life (up to 8 days)
- Freeze up to 3 months in a zip-lock freezer bag; thaw at room temp or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm finish
Wrap individual squares for easy grab-and-go lunchbox treats or to deliver dessert door-to-door (trust me, neighbors love it).
How to Serve It Up Right
Peanut butter brownies are versatile. Serve them:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert
- Chilled with a drizzle of chocolate sauce at dinner parties
- With a spoonful of extra PB on top for hardcore addicts
Pair them with black coffee or a cold glass of milk—simple pleasures. You can even tuck one inside a marshmallow sandwich like we do in our jams peanut butter sandwich snack for a totally wacky, totally wonderful dessert.
FAQs
Can you make peanut butter brownies with a brownie mix?
Yes, using a brownie mix saves time and still delivers rich flavor. Simply prepare according to the box, and swirl in peanut butter before baking. Add-ins like chocolate chips or espresso powder can elevate the experience even more.
What is the nutritional information for peanut butter brownies?
Typical homemade peanut butter brownies contain around 300–350 calories per square (based on a 16-square pan). They offer about 15g fat, 5g protein, and 30g carbs—thanks to the sugars and peanut butter. You can reduce sugar or swap flours and sweeteners depending on dietary needs.
How to store peanut butter brownies?
Airtight container at room temperature works for short-term. For longer storage, refrigeration preserves moisture, and freezing ensures they’re available on demand. Wrap individually for easy portioning.
Conclusion
Peanut butter brownies aren’t just baked goods—they’re stories, memories, and little bites of joy. Whether you stick to the scratch method or remix with a box, these fudgy delights bring southern soul and big flavor to your kitchen. With every swirl of nutty richness and every chewy chocolate bite, you’re crafting something timeless and comforting. So, preheat that oven and keep the peanut butter close. Because once these brownies hit the table, trust me—there’ll be no leftovers.
Ready to explore more crave-worthy twists? Dig into buttery chocolate blends with our brownie cookies or try the show-stopping no-bake peanut butter clusters. Happy baking!
Print
Irresistibly Gooey Peanut Butter Brownies You’ll Want to Bake Again and Again
- Total Time: ~65 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
Chewy-edged, fudgy-centered brownies swirled with rich peanut butter. A nostalgic Southern treat reinvented for modern cravings.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla bean
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
¾ cup creamy peanut butter (plus more for swirls)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk melted butter with sugar in a large bowl until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until thick and smooth.
3. Stir in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until no dry streaks remain.
4. Fold in half the peanut butter and spread batter into pan.
5. Spoon dollops of remaining peanut butter on top and swirl with a butter knife.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Cool completely before cutting to let brownies set.
Notes
Swap half the butter with coconut oil for a nutty flavor.
Use almond butter for a different twist.
Add espresso powder or chocolate chips for extra depth.
Try boxed mix with peanut butter swirls for a faster version.
To make vegan: use flax eggs, vegan butter, and a GF flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 300-350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: peanut butter brownies, chocolate peanut butter, fudgy brownies, Southern dessert