Swirls of peanut butter take fudgy brownies to the next level in this recipe for peanut butter swirl brownies. Chocolate chips add some extra decadence, while chopped peanuts give them some crunch!
When you’re thinking about irresistible dessert combinations, I’d wager a bet that one of the first to pop into mind is chocolate and peanut butter. Whether it’s these peanut butter swirl brownies, chocolate peanut butter ice cream, or classic peanut butter blossoms, the allure of peanut butter and chocolate is hard to deny! These brownies are chewy and fudgy enough to be delicious on their own, but with a peanut butter swirl, chocolate chips, and roasted peanuts, they’re even better!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
- A swirl that works. If you’ve ever tried to swirl peanut butter into your brownies before, you probably know that it usually bakes up dry and not how you imagined it would be in your head. To combat this, I combine the peanut butter with a small amount of batter.
- Extra chocolatey goodness. Adding melted chocolate to the batter not only provides an intense chocolate flavor but also gives these brownies a gooey texture with every bite.
- Contrasting textures. Chopped roasted peanuts provide a satisfying crunchy contrast to the fudgy brownie base.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Unsalted butter – Melt this, then let it cool slightly.
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar – Learn more: Light Brown Sugar vs Dark Brown Sugar: What’s the Difference?
- Eggs – Let these come to room temperature before you start the recipe.
- Vanilla extract – I like to use homemade vanilla extract.
- All-purpose flour – Here’s how to measure flour for baking.
- Salt
- Unsweetened chocolate – Learn more: Types of Chocolate: A Home Baker’s Guide
- Chunky or creamy peanut butter – It’s important to use shelf stable (AKA “regular”) peanut butter, not natural. Because natural peanut butter separates, the consistency isn’t, well, consistent!
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips and chopped peanuts – For garnish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
- Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a square baking pan with parchment paper, then spray the lining with a nonstick cooking spray that contains flour.
- Mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together the butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Finish the batter. Stir in the flour and salt, then set aside 1/2 cup of batter. To the rest of the batter, stir in the melted chocolate.
- Make the peanut butter swirl. Stir the peanut butter into the reserved batter.
- Assemble. Spread the chocolate mixture into the bottom of the pan. Dot the peanut butter mixture on top, then swirl the batters together with a knife. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and peanuts.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cut and serve. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool, then use the parchment to lift the brownies out of the pan to cut before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overdo the swirling. Swirl the peanut butter mixture gently to keep the two components distinct. If you dollop small amounts all over the top, it will be easier to get a good distribution without overdoing it.
- Use good quality chocolate. The better the chocolate, the better your brownies will taste. Opt for a high-quality chocolate to ensure a rich chocolate flavor.
- Let them cool completely. It might be tempting to dive right in once your brownies come out of the oven, but cutting them too soon can result in a crumbly mess!
- Know the basics. Read over my guide to baking brownies and these baking tips for beginners.
Variations
- Try another nut butter. Or substitute sunflower seed butter to make these brownies allergy friendly.
- Swap out the garnishes. Chopped peanut butter cups, Butterfingers bars, or Reese’s Pieces would also be delicious toppings, or try swapping the chopped peanuts for peanut butter chips.
- Make them gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How to Store
Store peanut butter swirl brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Before freezing, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
More Delectable Brownie Recipes
- Oreo Brownies
- Cookie Butter Cheesecake Brownies
- Chocolate Chip Meringue Brownies
- Extra Nutty Brownies
- Double Chocolate Skillet Brownies for Two
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
These peanut butter swirl brownies are thick, fudgy, and loaded with rich peanut butter. Top with chopped peanuts for added flavor and crunch!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 (200g) cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 & 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/4 cup (64g) chunky or creamy peanut butter
- mini semisweet chocolate chips, for garnish
- chopped peanuts, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, and spray the lining with a nonstick cooking spray with flour. (Or skip the lining and grease the pan.)
- Combine the cooled butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
- Add the flour and salt, and stir until combined.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the batter.
- Add the melted chocolate to the remaining batter, stirring until combined.
- Add the peanut butter to the reserved batter, stirring to combine.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Dot the peanut butter mixture over the top of the chocolate layer, and then use a thin knife to swirl the batters together. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and/or chopped peanuts.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Place the pan on a wire rack, and allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Store peanut butter swirl brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months.
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