Name: Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter, not natural; 1 cup powdered sugar (110 grams), AKA icing sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams); 1/4 cup cocoa powder (22 grams); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams); 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (180 grams), or 50-60% dark chocolate; 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams); 2 large eggs; 1 large egg yolk (in addition to the 2 full eggs, discard the white); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

If you love the dreamy combo of chocolate and peanut butter, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe. Imagine biting into a thick, fudgy brownie that hides a velvety peanut butter cream right in the center. Every mouthful delivers that perfect balance of rich chocolate and nutty sweetness, making these brownies a standout dessert you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging in a cozy moment at home, these stuffed brownies bring a wonderful twist to a beloved classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a dry mix with a light brown color and powdery texture, with a white fork placed next to it on the surface. The right bowl has dark brown chocolate chips and several small pale yellow butter pieces on top. The bowls are side by side, evenly spaced and well lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the smooth peanut butter that creates a luscious filling, to the rich chocolate that forms the fudgy layers, every component is essential for achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter: Use creamy, not natural, for the best smooth filling consistency.
1 cup powdered sugar (110 grams): Sweetens the peanut butter filling to a perfect balance.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Adds warmth and depth to the peanut butter layer.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams): Gives structure to the brownie batter.
1/4 cup cocoa powder (22 grams): Provides that rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams): Melts into the batter for a buttery richness.
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (180 grams): Use 50-60% dark chocolate for a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams): Sweetens the brownies and adds moisture.
2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk: Creates a luscious, fudgy texture in the brownie.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for batter): Boosts the overall flavor of the brownies.

How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper. The parchment overhang makes it easy to lift the brownies out later. Lightly greasing the pan before adding parchment helps it stick, which ensures your brownies bake evenly without sticking to the sides.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If your powdered sugar has lumps, don’t forget to sift it first for the silkiest texture. Once combined, pop this golden filling into the fridge while you prepare the brownie batter to keep it firm and ready to layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a small bowl and set aside. In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate gently, either in 45-second intervals in the microwave (stirring each time) or over a double boiler. Allow this glossy chocolate mixture to cool slightly before whisking in the sugar, eggs, extra yolk, and vanilla until you achieve a smooth, shiny batter free of any lumps.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with the Chocolate Mixture

Gradually sift the dry flour mixture into your chocolate base and whisk until smooth with no dry streaks visible. Your batter should be thick but velvety—ready for layering!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Retrieve the peanut butter filling from the fridge, scoop out spoonfuls, and flatten them slightly. Arrange these dollops evenly over the first brownie layer—don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every inch perfectly. Next, carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter on top. Rather than pouring, gently dollop and spread to avoid disturbing the peanut butter layer. Bake for 32 to 37 minutes until the top is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan completely—this can take several hours. To speed things up, place the pan in the fridge on a wire rack. When cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out and slice with a sharp knife for neat edges. Your Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe is now ready to share or savor.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe

A stack of five brownie squares sits on a white plate, each piece showing three clear layers: a dark brown, fudgy bottom layer, a smooth, light brown peanut butter middle layer, and a thin, crackly dark brown top layer. The brownies have a slightly rough texture on top with small cracks, and the middle peanut butter layer is thick and creamy. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred spoon holding two dollops of peanut butter in the foreground. The background is softly lit with a clean white tile wall. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these brownies even more, sprinkle flaky sea salt or crushed roasted peanuts on top just before serving. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar adds visual flair and a little extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair these decadent brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee, milk, or even a chilled glass of almond milk complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut these brownies into small squares and serve them on decorative plates with fresh berries on the side for a pop of color. You can also stack two brownies sandwich-style with extra peanut butter frosting in between for a fun twist on presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them tightly sealed prevents them from drying out and preserves that gooey peanut butter center perfectly.

Freezing

Wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

For warm, melty brownies, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back the fudgy texture and softens the peanut butter filling just right without overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling?

It’s best to use smooth, not natural, peanut butter because natural versions may be too runny and oily, which can affect the texture of the filling and make it harder to layer between the brownies.

What type of chocolate works best for these brownies?

Semi-sweet or 50-60% dark chocolate is ideal for balancing the sweetness of the peanut butter while giving the brownies a rich, deep chocolate flavor.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that measures cup for cup. This swap keeps the texture fudgy and delicious.

Why add an extra egg yolk to the batter?

The extra egg yolk adds richness and moisture, creating that famously dense and fudgy brownie texture everyone loves in this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe.

How do I prevent the peanut butter from mixing into the batter layers?

Chilling the peanut butter filling before assembling helps it stay firm. When spreading the top brownie layer, spoon it gently to avoid disturbing the peanut butter and maintain distinct layers.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe that brings pure joy with every bite. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence that’s simple enough to make any day feel festive. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new go-to dessert for sharing love and sweetness with friends and family. So, don’t hesitate — grab your ingredients and start creating these fudgy, peanut buttery masterpieces today!