Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

After one bite of these Peanut Butter Brownies, you will agree that peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Rich, decadent, and delicious – these brownies will satisfy your cravings for something sweet.

If you want to jazz up the recipe, you can add miniature Reese’s Cups, Reese’s Pieces, or peanut butter chips to either batter. Or go all out and add Reese’s Pieces to the peanut butter layer and miniature peanut butter cups to the chocolate layer. Be warned: you just might find it hard to have only one brownie.

Brownie Ingredients

For these delicious brownies, you need the following ingredients:

Chocolate Layers

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

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

That’s right – these brownies have two delicious layers. The bottom is made with creamy peanut butter that is combined with both brown and regular sugar, flour, egg, butter, vanilla, and leaveners.

To make them, start by preheating your 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.

For the bottom 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 brownie layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.

To 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. 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. Once baked, the two layers make for one delicious brownie.

Storage

Once the brownies have been baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For long-term storage, you can cut them into individual portions and freeze them. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer zip-top bag to help preserve their freshness.

Recipe Notes

1. Measurements: Accurate measurements of ingredients like flour, cocoa, and sugar ensure consistent and delicious brownies.
2. Mixing: Gently mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense brownies.
3. Quality Cocoa: Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can enhance the depth of chocolate taste.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

If you wish to use natural peanut butter, make sure that it is the kind that has sugar, is smooth, and does not have to be refrigerated. 

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If you are a chocoholic, be sure to check out my original recipes for super cute and tasty Mini S’Mores Pies and sweet Nutella Bread that is great for breakfast or snacking.

Peanut butter lovers will agree – these peanut butter brownies are great for serving for dessert or taking to a party or get-together.

Be sure to come back and tell us how your brownies turned out!

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