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To make these rich peanut butter brownies, gather these simple items: - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup peanut butter - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) You can add chocolate chips for extra delight. These semi-sweet chocolate chips blend well with the brownie base. If you want more texture, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. They give a nice crunch and pair great with chocolate. Not all ingredients are must-haves. If you’re out of cocoa powder, use dark chocolate instead. Melt it and mix it into the batter. For a healthier twist, swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar. It adds a nice flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour. And if you prefer a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works well instead of peanut butter. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting those brownies nice and fluffy. While the oven warms up, grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. You can grease it or line it with parchment paper. Either way works well and makes it easy to lift out the brownies later. In a large bowl, mix these dry ingredients together: - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt Stir until everything is well combined. Next, add in the wet ingredients: - 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir gently until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix. If you want, you can fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips at this point. Now, pour half of your brownie batter into the baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat 1/2 cup of peanut butter for 20-30 seconds. This makes it easier to spoon out. Drop spoonfuls of the warm peanut butter on top of the brownie layer. Then, pour the rest of the batter over the peanut butter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. This creates a beautiful marbled effect. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Do not overbake; you want them soft. Once they are done, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get that rich, fudgy texture, follow these steps: - Use good cocoa powder. Quality matters for deep flavor. - Don’t overmix your batter. Stir just until combined. - Bake at the right temperature. Use an oven thermometer if needed. - Check for doneness with a toothpick. Look for moist crumbs, not wet batter. These tips ensure your brownies are soft and chewy inside. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for: - Using cold eggs. Always use room temperature eggs for better mixing. - Overbaking. Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking. - Skipping the cooling time. Let the brownies cool before cutting, for neat slices. Avoiding these pitfalls helps you achieve perfect brownies every time. Add-ins can take your brownies to the next level. Here are some ideas: - Add chocolate chips for extra gooeyness. - Mix in crushed nuts for a crunchy texture. - Try a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast. These additions bring more depth and excitement to your brownies. Enjoy experimenting! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Check for Doneness: Start checking the brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes for cleaner slices. {{image_2}} You can make your brownies even better by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can mix in about 1/2 cup of nuts after you combine the wet and dry ingredients. If you love extra chocolate, add semi-sweet chocolate chips. They bring a rich taste that pairs well with peanut butter. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan. If you want gluten-free brownies, you can easily swap the flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum for the best texture. Replace the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with the gluten-free option. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This way, you can enjoy a tasty treat without gluten. To make these brownies vegan, you'll need to change a few ingredients. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter. Finally, choose a vegan chocolate chip for a fully plant-based treat. Your vegan brownies will still taste amazing! To keep your peanut butter brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Place a layer of wax paper between the brownies if stacking them. This method keeps them moist and flavorful. Store them at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option, but it may change the texture slightly. Freezing brownies is a great way to save leftovers. First, let the brownies cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. Next, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. Brownies can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. This keeps the brownie warm and gooey. Enjoy your rich and decadent treat! To check if your brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it comes out clean, you may have overbaked them. Keep an eye on them after 25 minutes. The right bake will give you soft, fudgy brownies. Yes, you can use creamy peanut butter. It will mix easily into the batter and create a smooth texture. If you prefer, you can also mix half creamy and half crunchy peanut butter for a unique twist. Both options will still taste great. You can serve your brownies with many tasty options. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool touch. Whipped cream creates a light, fluffy contrast. You can also add fresh berries for a fruity kick. Try dusting brownies with powdered sugar for a nice finish. Each option pairs well with the rich flavor of the brownies. This blog post covered all you need to make amazing peanut butter brownies. You learned about the right ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips for perfect texture. Exploring variations helps you meet different tastes, too. Don't forget the best storage and reheating tips. Now you can bake with confidence! Enjoy your brownies and share them with others. Happy baking!

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a creamy peanut butter swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup peanut butter
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Gently fold in the chocolate chips if using. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds until it is easy to stir and pour.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the warmed peanut butter over the brownie batter in the dish. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
  • Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (do not overbake).
  • Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Cut the brownies into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Keyword brownies, chocolate, peanut butter