If you have a soft spot for decadent desserts that bring together the best of both worlds, get ready to fall in love with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie base bursting with luscious chocolate chips, topped with a creamy swirl of peanut butter that melts into every bite. This recipe takes a classic treat to new heights, delivering a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors that feels like a warm hug after every forkful. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just a cozy night in, these brownies never fail to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making these brownies irresistibly tasty and perfectly fudgy. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing depth of flavor, the ideal texture, or that perfect swirl of peanut butter goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Gives the brownies their rich, moist texture without overpowering other flavors.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter while helping create a slightly crisp top crust.
- Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and add structure for that classic brownie chew.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the chocolate’s depth with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides just enough structure without making the brownies heavy or cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Delivers intense chocolate flavor and that iconic deep color.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies both chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt into gooey pockets of melty chocolate throughout the brownies.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star of our swirl that adds richness and a hint of savoriness to every bite.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and smooths the peanut butter swirl for a luscious finish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Makes the peanut butter mixture silky and spreadable.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts the swirl’s consistency for easy spreading and beautiful mixing.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This setup ensures your brownies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, making sure everything is fully incorporated for that smooth brownie base.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and creates a more airy batter, which is key for a fudgy yet tender brownie.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—take care not to overmix, or you risk tough brownies. Once blended, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to scatter melty bursts of chocolate throughout.
Step 5: Create the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk until you achieve a smooth and spreadable mixture. Spoon this luscious swirl evenly over the brownie batter in your pan.
Step 6: Swirl and Bake
Use a knife to gently swirl the peanut butter through the brownie batter, creating ribbons of nutty goodness. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still look slightly fudgy for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 16 generous squares. Cooling is important to let the fudge set properly and ensure clean slices.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these brownies extra special, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or scatter chopped peanuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, which cuts through the richness and adds a creamy contrast. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also add a refreshing balance to each decadent bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the brownies on a pretty platter with parchment paper doilies or serve them skewered with a marshmallow and a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent treat. You could also pack them in decorative boxes as sweet homemade gifts that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe squares tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days, perfect for mid-week treats.
Freezing
If you want to keep these brownies longer, wrap individual squares in plastic and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you need a sweet snack fix.
Reheating
To enjoy your brownies warm like fresh from the oven, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven. This brings back that gooey texture and makes the peanut butter swirl even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but because it tends to be less sweet and thinner, you might want to adjust the powdered sugar slightly to maintain that perfect swirl consistency and flavor balance.
Do I have to use cocoa powder if I want chocolate flavor?
Cocoa powder is essential here for a deep, rich chocolate flavor and that coveted fudgy texture. Using only melted chocolate won’t have the same effect, so stick with the cocoa powder as stated.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the pan, while the center remains just a bit soft and fudgy. A toothpick inserted will come out with moist crumbs, not dry, ensuring fudgy brownies.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Is it necessary to let the brownies cool before slicing?
Yes, cooling completely allows the fudgy texture to set, making the brownies easier to slice and preventing them from falling apart. Patience here really pays off for neat squares.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and delightful about the Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe, a decadent treat that feels both familiar and indulgently special. With its rich chocolate base and luscious peanut butter swirl, these brownies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and savoring every bite of this recipe as much as I do!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with a creamy peanut butter swirl for an irresistible dessert. Moist and decadent, they feature a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor, ideal for satisfying any chocolate lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Swirl
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the brownies don’t stick and are easy to remove.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to remove lumps and evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Make Brownie Batter: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips gently to distribute them throughout the batter.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble Brownies: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl the peanut butter throughout, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center remains fudgy when tested with a toothpick.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares to ensure clean cuts and the perfect fudgy texture.
Notes
- For an extra-rich version, drizzle melted chocolate or add chopped peanut butter cups on top after baking.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
