Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a dessert that feels both indulgent and surprisingly easy to whip up, the Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This treat beautifully marries the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the satisfying chew of a classic brownie, creating a delightful balance of sweet and nutty that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making it for a casual family snack or a special occasion, these brownies deliver on taste, texture, and that homemade charm that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using a handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in turning out moist, flavorful brownies. From the creamy peanut butter that forms the base to the chocolate chips that add little bursts of sweetness, every ingredient counts.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides richness and the signature peanut flavor that defines these brownies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the peanut butter’s natural savory notes.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds a tender structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances depth of flavor with its warm, aromatic hint.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their texture and lightness without overpowering the peanut butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch to round out flavors and amplify the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): For a melty, chocolatey surprise that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple preparation will make your brownies come out perfectly smooth and easy to slice later on.
Step 2: Mix Peanut Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter with the granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This step is crucial because it creates the luscious, fudgy base that holds the brownies together.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a hint of warmth and complexity to every bite.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, fold in the chocolate chips here for delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan to ensure consistent cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it—this means the brownies are fudgy inside, never dry.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This waiting period lets the brownies set up perfectly, making slicing neat and easy while preserving that soft, chewy texture.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a stunning finish. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts can add a pleasant crunch and amplify the peanut flavor, making every bite truly irresistible.
Side Dishes
While these brownies stand strong on their own, serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience. Fresh berries can also add a hint of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the rich peanut butter base.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dessert, serve your brownies in small glass jars layered with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, turning a simple treat into a showstopper. Alternatively, cut them into bite-size pieces and thread them onto skewers alongside mini marshmallows and strawberries for a fun, shareable dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover peanut butter brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and delicious, perfect for grabbing a quick sweet fix.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these brownies later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert option.
Reheating
To reheat, simply let the brownies thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives their softness and brings out the gooey chocolate and peanut butter flavors just like fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra texture dimension to your brownies, delivering delightful peanut bits with every bite. Just keep in mind that the batter might be slightly less smooth but equally delicious.
Are chocolate chips necessary for this recipe?
Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended if you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo. If you prefer a pure peanut butter flavor, you can easily skip them and still enjoy rich, tasty brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies during baking; when it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, your brownies are perfectly fudgy and ready. Avoid waiting until it comes out completely clean or you might end up with dry brownies.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For best results, choose one that includes xanthan gum to help maintain the brownies’ structure and texture.
What is the best way to cut these brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wait until the brownies have cooled completely. For even cleaner cuts, you can warm the knife under hot water, dry it off, and slice the brownies in a single smooth motion.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed brownies without that irresistible peanut butter twist. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—these brownies are bound to put big smiles on everyone’s faces!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Brownies are a quick and delicious treat combining creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate chips for a perfect balance of flavors. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward instructions, these brownies are ideal for an easy dessert that offers a chewy texture and peanut butter goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix peanut butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will create the base of the brownie batter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture. At this point, gently fold in the chocolate chips if using, for added chocolate richness.
- Spread batter evenly: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform baking and thickness.
- Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating the brownies are perfectly baked but still fudgy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps set the texture and makes cutting easier without crumbling.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- If you prefer extra fudgy brownies, reduce the flour slightly to 1/3 cup.
- Ensure not to overbake as they can become dry; check early to keep them moist and chewy.
- Storing brownies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- Adding a pinch of baking powder can make the brownies slightly cakier if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
