Name: Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; ¾ cup unsalted butter; ¾ cup white sugar; ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark); 3 eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; few drops almond extract (optional but recommended); 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter; 5 tablespoons powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 2 tablespoons heavy cream (double cream also works)

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If you are a chocolate and peanut butter lover looking for the perfect treat, look no further than this Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe. These brownies deliver an incredibly gooey, rich chocolate base swirled generously with creamy peanut butter, creating an irresistible combination that’s both sweet and satisfyingly dense. Every bite melts in your mouth with deep cocoa flavor punctuated by the smooth peanut butter swirl, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser whether for a cozy night in or a special celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a shiny, smooth, dark brown chocolate batter inside a round silver metal bowl. The batter has thick texture with soft swirls made by a white spatula with a black handle resting gently in the center, covered partly with batter. The background shows a white marbled texture surface, giving a clean and bright look photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe requires a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder bring the deep fudgy flavor, sugars balance sweetness and texture, and the peanut butter swirl adds that signature nutty richness that makes these brownies unforgettable.

Semisweet chocolate (¾ cup, coarsely chopped): Melts beautifully to give the brownies their rich, glossy base.
Unsalted butter (¾ cup): Adds creaminess and ensures a buttery texture.
White sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and contributes to the chewiness of the brownie.
Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Intensifies flavor and moisture for that fudgy, tender bite.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Bind everything together and help develop that luscious brownie structure.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the chocolate flavor with subtle warmth.
Almond extract (few drops, optional): Adds an enticing aroma that complements both chocolate and peanut butter.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 ½ tablespoons): Boosts the chocolate intensity and darkens the color.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides just enough structure without drying out the brownies.
Creamy peanut butter (⅔ cup): The star of the swirl, creamy and nutty for richness and flavor contrast.
Powdered sugar (5 tablespoons): Sweetens the peanut butter swirl evenly without grittiness.
Vanilla (½ teaspoon, optional): A subtle touch elevating the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Softens the peanut butter swirl for easy swirling and luscious texture.

How to Make Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Melt Chocolate

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and lining an 8-inch square metal pan with parchment paper on the bottom and two sides to ensure easy removal later. Avoid glass pans here for the best heat distribution. Melt your semisweet chocolate and butter together gently, either in the microwave by stirring every 10 seconds or over a double boiler. The silky chocolate-butter mixture forms the indulgent base you’ll build on.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Add Eggs

Next, stir in both the white and brown sugars until fully combined. This step cools down your chocolate mixture slightly, so the eggs won’t cook when added. Beat in the eggs along with the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it for that extra aromatic touch. Toss in the unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep, dark chocolate richness.

Step 3: Add Flour and Spread Batter

Fold the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture in two stages, gently stirring just until everything is combined without overmixing. This ensures your brownies end up dense and fudgy rather than cakey. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface as the canvas for your peanut butter masterpiece.

Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl

In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla (optional), and heavy cream until completely smooth with no lumps. Drop spoonfuls of this luscious peanut butter mixture atop the brownie batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate layer, making sure to leave some whole pockets of peanut butter to maintain that gorgeous marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Baking takes between 25 to 30 minutes depending on your pan and oven, so watch closely. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs but not wet batter, and the top looks set but still slightly soft. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before slicing – this step allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to perfect. If you can, give the brownies a rest overnight for the best, fudgiest results.

How to Serve Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Three square brownie pieces with swirled light brown and dark brown tops are placed on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Each brownie shows a marbled pattern made from mixed light and dark batter layers, giving a textured, slightly cracked look on top. The edges are firmer and darker brown, while the inside is softer with the swirl pattern continuing through. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these brownies are stunning on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few chopped roasted peanuts right before serving enhances the sweet and salty balance, elevating every bite. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also turn these into eye-catching treats perfect for sharing.

Side Dishes

Pair your fudgy peanut butter brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic warm-and-cold sensation. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a bright, tart contrast that cuts through the richness deliciously. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the flavors and textures effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized cubes and stacking them on a platter for a fun party display. You can also make brownie sandwiches by sandwiching a dollop of whipped cream or peanut butter frosting between two squares for an extra indulgent treat. Wrapping individual portions in parchment makes for an adorable homemade gift that your friends will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover brownies keep wonderfully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, ensuring they stay moist and fudgy. Refrigeration can cause them to firm up and lose some softness, so only refrigerate if you live in a very warm climate.

Freezing

These fudgy peanut butter brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap portions carefully in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. They will maintain their delicious texture and flavor for at least a month, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Reheating

To revive frozen or leftover brownies, let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to return to that fresh-from-the-oven softness and gooey center. Just be careful not to overheat, which can cause the peanut butter swirl to separate.

FAQs

Can I substitute natural peanut butter for creamy?

Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and oilier, which might affect the consistency of the swirl. If you use natural, stir it well and consider reducing the heavy cream slightly to maintain the right thickness.

Why should I avoid using a glass pan?

Metal pans conduct heat more evenly, resulting in better texture and consistent baking. Glass pans heat slower, which can cause uneven cooking and affect the fudginess of your brownies.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on butter, eggs, and heavy cream, so for vegan or dairy-free versions, you’ll need substitutes like dairy-free margarine, flax eggs, and plant-based cream alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and taste may vary slightly.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Look for a dry-looking top with a still slightly jiggly center. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking will dry them out, so it’s better to err on the side of fudgy.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped peanuts or chocolate chips folded into the batter add great texture and flavor. Just be careful not to overload the batter or it may become dense and lose some fudgy quality.

Final Thoughts

This Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is truly a treasure for any baker craving that perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these brownies deliver comfort and joy with every bite. Give them a try—I promise they’ll become one of your new favorites to make and share!