Ah, Peanut Butter Brownies—the classic mashup of two of my favorite treats! Whenever I take a bite of these rich, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter, it feels like a little party in my mouth. I remember the first time I made these for a potluck. My friends practically attacked the dessert table! The combination is pure magic: the intense chocolate flavor mixed with the nutty sweetness of peanut butter just can’t be beaten.
These brownies are not just delicious; they’re also super easy to whip up. I love making them when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or just whenever the mood strikes you to indulge!
What’s in Peanut Butter Brownies?
Butter: The hero of any brownie recipe! I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in your brownies.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the sweetness we all love, while brown sugar adds that chewy texture and a hint of molasses flavor.
Eggs: These bind all the ingredients together, providing the classic fudgy texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature to help them mix in smoothly.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolatey flavor—this is what makes the brownies luxuriously rich!
All-Purpose Flour: Just the right amount of flour creates the perfect balance of fudgy and cakey—the holy grail of brownies!
Salt: Don’t forget this! It enhances the flavor and contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use creamy or chunky, depending on your texture preference. Natural peanut butter works great too, just keep an eye on the separation.
Is Peanut Butter Brownies Good for You?
Now, don’t get me wrong: Peanut Butter Brownies are a treat, and treats are meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a little breakdown:
Peanut Butter: It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full longer. Just keep in mind that it’s calorie-dense, so a little goes a long way!
Cocoa Powder: Full of antioxidants! It can offer some health benefits, especially when consumed in its unsweetened form.
However, these brownies do have sugars and fats, so they should be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack. A single piece is rich enough to satisfy your cravings without pushing the guilt meter into the red!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Brownies:
– ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
– Optional: chocolate chips for extra richness
*Serves: About 12 brownies*
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal after baking!
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Take your peanut butter (if you’re using the microwave, warm it slightly to make it easier to swirl), and drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter. Using a butter knife, give it a gentle swirl to create a lovely pattern.
6. Optional: Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top for that extra chocolaty goodness!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let cool for about 10 minutes (if you can wait that long!) before slicing into your delicious, fudgy rectangles.
Sweet Suggestions for Peanut Butter Brownies!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
– Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—heaven!
– You could also drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel over the top for that gourmet touch.
I seriously can’t stress enough how much you’re going to love these Peanut Butter Brownies. They’re rich, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! I’d love to hear your thoughts or any twists you added to make them your own. Happy baking!