Name: Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 ⅓ cups white granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 76 reviews

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If you are searching for a rich, indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, then this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the nutty creaminess of peanut butter with the deep, chocolaty essence of classic brownies, this recipe is quick to whip up and impossibly delicious to eat. Whether you’re craving a comforting afternoon pick-me-up or a show-stopping dessert to finish off a meal, these brownies deliver layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there is one main layer of thick, golden brown dough with a rough texture, packed in a clumped form. Resting inside the dough is a spatula with a wooden handle and a white silicone head decorated with orange, yellow, and green floral patterns. A striped cloth with white and gray lines is placed next to the bowl on the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance between creamy, sweet, and tender. These pantry staples come together to create a flavor-packed, moist brownie with that signature peanut butter richness and just the right density for every bite.

1 cup creamy peanut butter: This is the heart of the recipe, bringing velvety nuttiness and moisture that makes the brownies irresistibly rich.
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds a smooth, buttery flavor and helps keep the texture soft and tender.
1 cup packed light brown sugar: Offers a subtle caramel undertone that deepens the sweetness without overpowering the peanut butter.
1 ⅓ cups granulated white sugar: Balances the brown sugar with sweetness and creates a slight crisp crust on top.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity with its warm, aromatic essence.
4 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure for these fudgy brownies.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough to be soft and tender, not cakey.
1 teaspoon salt: Elevates the sweetness and boosts the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds all the ingredients together while keeping the brownies thick and chewy.

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch pan. This ensures the brownies cook evenly and release effortlessly from the pan once done.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, both sugars, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming incorporates air for lighter texture and melds those glorious flavors.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Eggs help with structure while also contributing moisture, making the brownies perfectly fudgy.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Stir in the baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix until the batter is uniform and smooth, taking care not to overmix as that can toughen the brownies. The texture of this batter will be thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the edges are set and the top springs back when lightly touched. This ensures they are cooked through but remain soft and moist inside.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Three square pieces of a light brown crumbly dessert are stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a rough texture with slightly uneven edges. The top layer of each piece looks slightly crisp and crumbly, while the inside layers appear soft and moist with a dense, grainy texture. The colors range from pale tan to a deeper golden brown, showing a fattier, chewy inside contrasted with the crumbly outer top and sides. Small crumbs are scattered lightly around the stack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the brownies for extra texture and shine. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can also add a lovely touch to the presentation and a hint of creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve these peanut butter brownies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a vibrant berry compote. The cool, fruity elements complement the dense nutty sweetness perfectly and elevate this simple treat into a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the brownies into cute bite-sized squares for parties or layering them with layers of peanut butter mousse or chocolate ganache to make an impressive dessert. You can also sandwich two brownie squares with ice cream between them for an indulgent homemade ice cream sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making them perfect for snacking later or sharing with friends.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually or as a whole batch in foil followed by a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy warm brownies, microwave a single brownie for about 15 to 20 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and enhances the peanut butter aroma.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful little nutty bites to the texture of your brownies, giving an extra layer of crunch that pairs wonderfully with the fudgy crumb.

Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. This swap should maintain the texture and flavor, just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.

Can I substitute butter with oil?

While butter adds a lovely richness to the brownies, you can substitute it with an equal amount of neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly less rich but still delicious.

How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?

The best way is to gently press the top; it should spring back, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?

Yes! Stirring in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking adds wonderful texture and bursts of extra flavor that perfectly complement the peanut butter taste.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves rich, nutty treats that are easy to make and crowd-pleasing. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that feels like a warm, chocolatey embrace. Trust me, once you try it, these brownies will become your go-to comfort food for sharing and savoring any time of the year.

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