Few treats can match the pure joy and rich flavor of Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies. These brownies are everything a decadent dessert should be: intensely chocolatey, thick and chewy in the center, crowned with creamy peanut butter swirls that make each bite a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a special occasion, or just to satisfy a serious sweet tooth, this recipe delivers the perfect balance between melt-in-your-mouth fudge and that classic peanut butter-chocolate combo we all know and love.

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that every ingredient serves a purpose, turning a handful of basic pantry staples into something extraordinary. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find that these accessible ingredients work together to give Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies their signature texture and crave-worthy flavor.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides richness and ensures that irresistible fudgy texture.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Balances bitterness from the cocoa and helps create that glossy, crackly top.
Large Eggs (2): Bind the batter and add to the chewy structure of each brownie square.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts chocolate and peanut butter flavors with its warm aroma.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Delivers deep chocolate notes without making the brownies too sweet.
All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to hold everything together while keeping things perfectly dense and fudgy.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and nutty notes without being obvious.
Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle lift, keeping the brownies from becoming too heavy.
Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): The star swirl—warming it makes it easy to drizzle and gives the brownies their signature marbled effect.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/3 cup, optional): Scattered on top for pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For effortless removal later, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a generous coating of nonstick spray. This quick step means you’ll spend less time prying brownies out of the pan and more time enjoying them.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is glossy and well blended. This process helps create those irresistibly chewy edges and that shiny top. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is silky smooth. You’ll notice the mixture will lighten and thicken—exactly what you want!

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Now add the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to your wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Over-mixing can lead to cakier brownies, so as soon as everything is combined, stop stirring.

Step 4: Get Swirling with Peanut Butter

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Next, slightly warm the creamy peanut butter in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds—this makes it pourable and easier to swirl. Drizzle the peanut butter all over the top, then gently create beautiful marbled patterns using a knife or wooden skewer. It’s oddly satisfying and makes every brownie piece unique!

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional but Highly Recommended)

If you want extra bursts of chocolate throughout, scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the swirled batter. This extra step gives Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies those gooey, irresistible pockets of chocolate that everyone rushes for.

Step 6: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25–28 minutes, watching for a set center and a toothpick with moist crumbs (not wet batter). If you’re aiming for ultra-fudgy brownies, lean toward the shorter baking time and don’t hesitate to chill them before slicing. It really makes a difference in texture!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, let your brownies cool completely in the pan (patience, friend—it’s worth it!). Once cool, lift them out using the edges of the parchment or turn out onto a cutting board. Slice into even squares and get ready to impress.

How to Serve Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, dust with a little powdered sugar, sprinkle chopped peanuts, or add a few extra chocolate chips on top. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a drizzle of warm melted chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns a simple slice into a drool-worthy dessert.

Side Dishes

These rich brownies pair beautifully with fresh berries for a tart contrast, or cut their intensity with a cool glass of milk or dark roast coffee. Want to go gourmet? Serve alongside whipped cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a salty caramel sauce for that wow factor!

Creative Ways to Present

Craft a brownie sundae bar by cutting Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies into bite-size squares alongside bowls of ice cream and all the toppings. They also make a lovely gift: wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with twine for a homemade touch, or stack them in clear boxes for party favors that never get left behind.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow don’t devour these in one sitting, you’re in luck—Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; they’ll stay moist and fudgy, just like fresh.

Freezing

To preserve brownies even longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll freeze well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for an instant treat.

Reheating

For that freshly-baked experience, warm your brownie slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The peanut butter and chocolate become delightfully gooey again, and it’s as close as you can get to straight-from-the-oven brownies.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular creamy peanut butter?

You can! Just make sure to stir it well first, as natural peanut butter tends to separate. The brownies will come out a little softer and with a bit more of that roasted peanut flavor—delicious!

How do I know when Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies are done baking?

Check with a toothpick: you’ll want to see a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Underbaking slightly is key for that signature fudgy texture, so don’t wait until the toothpick comes out completely clean.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—you may need to add 5–8 minutes, but the payoff is double the goodness.

What other mix-ins work well in Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies?

Try chopped peanuts for crunch, swirl in some raspberry jam for a PB&J twist, or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for contrast. Mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or even butterscotch chips are other fun favorites.

Do I need to refrigerate brownies with peanut butter?

No refrigeration is needed if you eat them within a few days. However, if your kitchen is particularly warm or you want to keep them fresh longer, storing in the fridge tightly covered works well—just bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies at home is honestly a little victory every time—simple ingredients, fun swirls, and the kind of decadent flavor that makes everyone smile. Give this recipe a try and share your delicious results, because nothing brings people together quite like a tray of homemade brownies warm from the oven.

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies. A perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite, these brownies are a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Topping:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
Mix wet ingredients: Combine melted butter and sugar in a bowl, then add eggs and vanilla, whisk until smooth.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
Prepare batter: Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
Add peanut butter: Warm peanut butter, drizzle over batter, swirl with a knife.
Optional: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Bake: Bake for 25–28 minutes until set in the center.
Cool and slice: Cool completely before cutting into squares.