Warm, fudgy, and swirled with rich peanut butter, these bars are the kind of dessert everyone asks for seconds of. Peanut Butter Brownies marry sweet chocolate and nutty warmth in a quick, family-friendly bake that travels well to potlucks. If you want a creamy sip alongside, try a creamy peanut butter protein smoothie for a balanced treat.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Brownies
- Decadent flavor: chocolate and peanut butter layered for maximum comfort.
- Fast to make: one bowl prep means less cleanup and faster dessert time.
- Crowd-pleaser: perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or a simple family night.
- Make-ahead friendly: refrigerate or freeze to enjoy later without losing texture.
- Kid-approved and nostalgic, much like our peanut butter jelly thumbprint cookies.
Ingredients Needed
-
Nut & Fat
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
Sugars
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
-
Eggs & Flavor
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
-
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions 5 (always use H2 and H3)
Step 1: Prep oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Combine peanut butter and butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Add sugars
Add the sugar and brown sugar, mixing well.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Step 6: Combine wet and dry, fold chips
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Swirl and bake
Swirl additional peanut butter on top if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out slightly moist.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Serving Suggestions Peanut Butter Brownies
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate.
- Cut into small squares for a dessert platter at parties.
- Serve alongside a small ramekin of cowboy butter for an unexpected sweet-savory bite.
- Pair with hot coffee or cold milk for classic comfort.
Tips for Success Peanut Butter Brownies
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients to keep brownies fudgy.
- Check doneness at 25 minutes; you want moist crumbs on a toothpick.
- Cool fully for cleaner slices and better texture set.
- For potlucks, pair these brownies with savory mains like crispy soul food fried chicken to balance the sweet flavors.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Almond butter swap: use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a milder nut flavor.
- Spicy twist: add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the batter for a subtle heat.
- Dairy-free option: substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly treat.
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