Go Back
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional) For these brownies, I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The melted butter gives a rich flavor and a moist texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the brownies rise. Eggs bind everything together and add fluffiness. - Mixing bowls - Whisk and spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - 9x13 inch baking pan You will need a few basic tools. Mixing bowls help you combine the wet and dry ingredients. A whisk and spatula ensure even mixing. Accurate measuring cups and spoons are key for baking. A 9x13 inch baking pan is perfect for these brownies. - Alternatives for butter: You can swap the butter for coconut oil or applesauce if you want a dairy-free option. - Sugar alternatives: Try brown sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a different flavor. - Gluten-free options for flour: Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make these brownies gluten-free. These substitutions can help you adapt the recipe to fit your needs. Each choice will add a unique twist to your brownies while keeping them delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. - In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. - Add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a nice flavor. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. If you want extra chocolate, fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. - Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. - In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds. Make it pourable, but don't overheat. - Drizzle the warm peanut butter over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the batter. This creates a beautiful marbled effect. How to know when brownies are done To check if your brownies are ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean, they are done. A few moist crumbs are okay. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Preventing dryness To keep your brownies moist, do not overbake them. Use a timer to check at the 25-minute mark. If you want a fudgier texture, reduce the baking time slightly. Adding chocolate chips also helps keep them soft. Toppings to enhance flavor You can take your brownies to the next level with toppings. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle extra peanut butter for more flavor. Add crushed peanuts for a nice crunch. Pairing with ice cream Serving these brownies warm with ice cream is a must. The cold ice cream melts into the warm brownie. This creates a delicious contrast in texture and flavor. Proper cooling and storing methods Let your brownies cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. Once cut, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for several days. Best ways to reheat brownies To reheat, place a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This warms them up without drying them out. You can also enjoy them cold, straight from the fridge! Pro Tips Use room temperature eggs: This helps them incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture for your brownies. Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the brownies' fudgy texture. Overmixing can lead to a cakey result. Check for doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean, for the perfect fudgy brownie. Let them cool before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan ensures they set properly and makes them easier to slice into neat squares. {{image_2}} You can make these brownies even more fun! Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to give a nice crunch. You can also swap chocolate types. Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter twist. If you want to explore different nut butters, peanut butter is great, but almond or cashew butter works well too. Each nut butter adds its own unique taste. Want a vegan version? Replace eggs with flax eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This change keeps the brownies rich and tasty. For a low-sugar version, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol. It keeps the sweetness without the extra calories. Just make sure the substitute is suitable for baking. For holidays, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. Top with festive sprinkles or drizzle colored chocolate for a fun look. In spring and summer, try adding fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries. They add a nice tartness that pairs well with chocolate. Every season can inspire a new twist on these brownies. Get creative and have fun! Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It will add a nice texture to the brownies. The chunks of peanuts will give a delightful crunch. Just remember, it will change the smoothness of the swirl. Store leftover brownies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, place them in the fridge. They can last up to a week when refrigerated. Yes, you can make these brownies in advance. Bake them and let them cool completely. Once cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs well with the warm brownies. You can also drizzle extra peanut butter on top for more flavor. Crushed peanuts or chocolate sauce make great toppings too! Each brownie is about 300 calories. This is a great treat but enjoy in moderation. Here’s the macronutrient breakdown per brownie: - Fat: 16g - Carbohydrates: 37g - Protein: 4g - Sugar: 25g Using natural ingredients can be good for you. Unsalted butter adds richness, while cocoa powder packs in antioxidants. Peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats. However, keep in mind: - Allergens: These brownies contain eggs, dairy, and peanuts. - Caution: If you have nut allergies, skip the peanut butter or find a safe substitute. The recipe makes 12 brownies. A serving is one brownie. If you want to save some, here are my tips: - Sharing: Bake and share with friends or family. - Freezing: Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and freeze. They last up to three months. Just thaw before enjoying! In this post, we explored how to make delicious chocolate peanut butter swirl brownies. We covered ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for baking and serving these treats, along with variations to fit your taste. Remember, the joy in baking comes from being creative. Feel free to experiment with flavors and share your brownies with friends! Happy baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a creamy peanut butter swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 0.25 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, and mix until smooth.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in chocolate chips.
  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the creamy peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds, just until it’s pourable.
  • Drizzle the peanut butter over the brownie batter in the pan. Using a knife or a skewer, swirl the peanut butter into the brownie mixture to create a marbled effect.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and crushed peanuts for garnish.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, dessert, peanut butter