Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven, and Peanut Butter Brownies are no exception. This peanut butter brownies recipe combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the nutty, salty flavor of peanut butter. These treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
To make chocolate peanut butter brownies, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and of course, peanut butter. While these easy homemade brownies are relatively simple to make, they do require some patience and attention to detail to ensure that they turn out perfectly.
Best Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies are a delicious dessert that combines the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. There are many things to love about this dessert, but the best thing about Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies is their perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
The brownie base provides a rich, chocolatey sweetness that is perfectly complemented by the creamy, nutty flavor of the peanut butter fudge. The fudge layer adds a salty kick that balances out the sweetness of the brownies, making for a perfectly balanced dessert that is not too sweet or too savory.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, peanut butter brownies are a delicious and indulgent treat that are sure to please. With their rich, fudgy texture and nutty, salty flavor, these brownies are the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for chocolate and peanut butter.
Why you’ll love this Simple Brownie Recipe
- Easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a decadent dessert that will impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover peanut butter you may have lying around.
- It’s incredibly versatile. You can add in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts, to make the brownies even more delicious. Plus, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner or a dessert to bring to a potluck, these brownies are sure to be a hit. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s so popular?
Homemade Peanut Butter Brownie Ingredients
Butter: For a thick, rich brownie, you will need 10 TBSP of butter for this recipe.
Sugar: You need 1 ¼ cup of granulated sugar to create perfectly sweet treats.
Cocoa powder: Use ¾ cup of cocoa powder for a nice deep chocolatey flavor.
Salt: Help balance all the amazing flavors in this dessert by adding in ½ tsp of salt.
Vanilla extract: Add in 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the brownie batter. I found this Mexican Vanilla and it’s INCREDIBLE, it’s easily the best vanilla I’ve purchased in years.
Eggs: You will need 2 eggs to bind the ingredients together well and create great brownie texture.
Flour: Using ½ cup of all-purpose flour will ensure these brownies are thick and chewy.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Peanut butter: Adding in 1 cup of smooth peanut butter makes the fudge topping flavorful and delicious!
Butter: For a perfectly rich brownie topping that shines, you will need 1 cup of butter.
Salt: Use 1 tsp of salt for a complimentary flavor to the nutty peanut butter.
Vanilla extract: Enhance all the wonderful flavors in this treat by adding 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the topping.
Powdered sugar: Make the fudge topping nice and sweet by adding in 3 ½ cups of powder sugar.
How to make Homemade Brownies
Prep
Get started by preheating the oven to 325°F. Then, line the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper & lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Brownie batter
In a microwave safe bowl combine the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the butter is melted, and the mixture is smooth (I cut my butter and only had to zap it for 30 seconds). Set the mixture aside until it cools to room temperature.
Next, add in the vanilla extract, then the eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each.
After that, add in the flour and stir until combined, then beat vigorously for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula.
Proceed to spread the batter evenly in the lined pan, the batter will be quite thick.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and emerges slightly moist with batter.
Let the brownie pan cool completely on a rack while you prepare the peanut butter topping.
Peanut Butter Fudge Topping
In a medium size saucepan, over medium heat, bring the butter and peanut butter to a boil, stirring occasionally until combined and smooth. Then remove the pan from the heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, stirring until well combined.
Assemble & chill
Immediately pour the peanut butter fudge on top of the brownies. Smooth the fudge with a rubber spatula, then sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and/or a broken-up candy bar. I used a mix of both, YUM!
Place the brownies in the refrigerator until the fudge sets (this takes about an hour).
Then carefully lift the peanut butter fudge brownies out of the pan by pulling on the parchment paper and set on a cutting board. Cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Variations of Peanut Butter Brownies
Peanut butter brownies are a delicious and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few variations of peanut butter brownies that are worth trying:
Vegan Version: For those who follow a vegan diet, there are many ways to make peanut butter brownies without using animal products. Instead of butter and eggs, you can use ingredients like coconut oil, applesauce, or flaxseed meal to bind the batter together. You can also use non-dairy milk and chocolate chips to make the brownies extra rich and decadent.
Fun Version: If you want to make peanut butter brownies more fun and playful, you can experiment with different toppings and mix-ins. For example, you can sprinkle crushed pretzels, M&Ms, or Reese’s Pieces on top of the brownie batter before baking. You can also swirl in some Nutella or caramel sauce for added sweetness and richness.
Gluten-Free Version: For those who are gluten intolerant or sensitive, there are many ways to make peanut butter brownies without using wheat flour. Instead, you can use ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour to make the batter. You can also use gluten-free chocolate chips and baking powder to ensure that the brownies are completely gluten-free.
Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
- 10 TBSP butter
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Peanut Butter Fudge
- 1 cup peanut butter smooth for best results
- 1 cup butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- chocolate chips or candy bar for topping
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F. Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper & lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Brownie batter: Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth (I cut my butter and only had to heat it for 30 seconds). Set the mixture aside until it cools to room temperature.
- Add the vanilla extract, then the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each. Add the flour and stir until combined, then beat vigorously for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Spread evenly in the lined pan. (Batter will be quite thick.)
- Bake: Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges slightly moist with batter, 20-23 minutes. Let pan cool completely on a rack.
- Peanut Butter Fudge Topping: Bring butter and peanut butter to a boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until combined and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla until combined. Gradually add in powdered sugar, stirring until combined.
- Assemble & Chill: Immediately pour fudge on brownies. Spread the prepared peanut butter fudge Sprinkle with the ½ cup of mini chocolate chips/candy bar or chocolate chunks.
- Refrigerate until the fudge sets (about an hour). Carefully lift the peanut butter fudge brownies out of the pan by pulling on the parchment paper, and set on a cutting board. Cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How long are these brownies good for?
Peanut butter brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
What are some popular variations of chocolate brownies?
There are many variations of chocolate brownies, including fudgy, cakey, and chewy. Some popular variations include adding nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
Are there any healthy peanut butter brownie recipes available?
Yes, there are many healthy peanut butter brownie recipes available. Some recipes use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and others use healthier ingredients like almond flour or coconut oil.
Enjoy chocolate peanut butter desserts? Try more recipes here:
- THE BEST Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Popcorn
- Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Reese’s Peanut Butter cookies
- Fudge Peanut Butter cookie Cups
- No Bake Peanut Butter chocolate Cookies
- Frozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie
- Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Bark
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Bundt Cake with Peanut Butter Glaze
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip
Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and smooth nutty goodness. To make this peanut butter brownies recipe you need basic ingredients that you will most likely find already in your kitchen!
Jaime O says
oh my word, Amanda, these brownies look amazing!! Pinned! <br />Thanks for joining us at Wonderfully Creative Wednesdays!!
kewkew says
Yummy! We love chocolate and peanut butter in this house! <br />Would love for you to stop by and share on my weekly recipe linky<br />http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/01/kids-and-mom-in-kitchen-67-white-cake.html
Cathy McInnes says
I agree the combo of chocolate and peanut butter is awesome 🙂
Made In a Day says
Yum!! I am featuring you Thursday on Made in a Day! Thanks for linking up with me! <br />Kim
Suzy says
Peanut butter and chocolate are my favorites together! Love that you added a brownie layer!
Ashley F says
This is such a delicious dessert! We love all of the different layers in it!
Michele says
Looks amazing. Any way to make it gluten free?
Jessica says
You can sub in a gluten-free flour blend in the brownie recipe for sure!
Jenn says
I’ve been looking for a great PB brownie recipe and I’m so glad I’ve found this! Delicious!
Jasmine | Midsummer Life Dream says
Yum. That looks amazing! I’ve got to try these – you can never have too many peanut butter recipes!