Peanut Butter Brownies
One bite of these Peanut Butter Brownies, and you’ll be hooked! This dessert combines the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate with the creamy indulgence of peanut butter – a flavor duo that’s truly a match made in heaven.
Remember those classic Reese’s commercials where someone accidentally gets their chocolate in someone else’s peanut butter? Well, forget the accident—this brownie recipe makes it totally intentional. Rich chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in a baked love affair so perfect, it’ll make you wonder why they ever pretended it was a mistake in the first place.
Customize Your Brownies
Want to elevate this already delicious treat? Add your favorite peanut butter-inspired candies to the layers. Try mixing miniature Reese’s Cups or Reese’s Pieces into the batter, or sprinkle peanut butter chips over the top. You can even add Reese’s Pieces to the peanut butter layer and miniature peanut butter cups to the chocolate layer for an extra indulgent twist.
Warning: resisting a second brownie may be impossible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chocolate Layer: Cocoa powder, sugar, flour, butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Peanut Butter Layer: Peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, butter, egg, vanilla, baking powder, and salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray.
Make the Peanut Butter Layer
Combine peanut butter, melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture.
Spread the peanut butter layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the Chocolate Layer
Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Lightly fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
Top the peanut butter layer with the brownie batter, spreading the batters for both layers out evenly.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 22 minutes until set but still gooey. Cool before cutting into squares.
Storage Tips
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for a longer shelf life. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
Pro Baking Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the texture fudgy, not cake-like.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick – aim for moist crumbs, not dry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies are a hit for parties, family gatherings, or when you’re simply craving a sweet treat. Whether you stick with the classic version or customize with candies, this recipe will quickly become your favorite.
Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Chocolate Layers
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Layer
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray the sides of the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Peanut Butter Layer
- Combine peanut butter, melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Spread the peanut butter layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.
Chocolate Layer
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Lightly fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Do not mix or the brownies will turn out cake-like.
- Top the peanut butter layer with the brownie batter, spreading the batters for both layers out evenly.
Baking Time
- Bake for 22 minutes. Brownies will still be soft and gooey, but will finish setting while they cool.
Notes
- Measurements: Accurate measurements of ingredients like flour, cocoa, and sugar ensure consistent and delicious brownies.
- Mixing: Gently mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense brownies.
- Quality Cocoa: Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can enhance the depth of chocolate taste.
- Doneness Test: Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs for fudgy brownies or clean for cake-like ones.
- Cooling Time: Allow brownies to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and become easier to cut.
Nutrition
Love peanut butter and chocolate? Save this Peanut Butter Brownies recipe for your next dessert craving! Share your creations and tag us – we’d love to see your delicious masterpieces.
