Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and full of flavor, these Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter are the perfect treat! With the classic fudgy brownie base, enhanced by the creamy peanut butter swirls, every bite offers a decadent blend of chocolatey goodness and a nutty finish. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just a cozy night at home.

These brownies are easy to make and come together in under 45 minutes, making them the ultimate go-to for busy bakers who still want to enjoy a homemade dessert. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate never fails to impress, and these brownies are no exception. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them on their own—either way, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistibly Fudgy Texture

The brownies are perfectly dense and fudgy, with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s a chocolate lover’s dream.

2. Peanut Butter Perfection

Swirling creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter creates a marbled effect and gives every bite a creamy, nutty contrast to the rich chocolate.

3. Quick and Simple

With just 15 minutes of prep and about 25-30 minutes of baking, these brownies come together quickly—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.

4. Family Favorite

Everyone loves a good brownie, and adding peanut butter takes these to a whole new level. They’re bound to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion.

5. Customizable

You can experiment with this recipe by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Creamy peanut butter

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For extra richness, fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Nutty Version: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Salted Peanut Butter: Use salted peanut butter for a salty-sweet contrast that enhances the flavor.
• Marshmallow Swirl: Add a layer of mini marshmallows to the batter for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Beat in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The batter will be thick.

Step 4: Spread the Batter

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 5: Add the Peanut Butter

Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the batter for a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in dense, tough brownies.
• Check for Doneness: The baking time can vary slightly based on your oven, so be sure to check the brownies with a toothpick at 25 minutes.
• Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them for cleaner, more uniform slices.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: If you want a stronger peanut butter flavor, consider increasing the peanut butter to 3/4 cup.

How to Serve

These Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter are perfect served:

• Warm with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the richness of these brownies.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or milk for a delightful afternoon treat.
• For Dessert: Serve as a dessert at family gatherings or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay extra fudgy, you can place a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap each brownie square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm brownie, simply heat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can work as a substitute, butter gives these brownies a richer flavor and texture.

2. Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, you can substitute creamy almond butter or cashew butter for a different twist, though the flavor will vary.

3. Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

To make these brownies dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and check that your cocoa powder and peanut butter are dairy-free as well.

4. How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), the brownies are done.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan or larger. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

6. How can I make these brownies more gooey?

For an extra fudgy texture, underbake the brownies slightly. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

7. Can I freeze the batter?

It’s best to bake the batter right away for the best results, but you can freeze the unbaked batter for up to 3 months. Let it thaw completely before baking.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey flavor.

9. How do I store the brownies?

Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

10. Can I add frosting to these brownies?

Yes, you can top the brownies with a peanut butter frosting or a classic chocolate ganache for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter offer the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these brownies are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. With a simple preparation and irresistible flavor, they’re a go-to recipe that you’ll make again and again. Enjoy these decadent brownies on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

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