These Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies are going to become your new favorite treat. Fudgy, rich, and swirled with creamy peanut butter, these brownies are a chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream come true. They’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing (or not!).
Why You Will Love This Recipe
What makes these Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies so special? Well, first off, they’re incredibly moist and fudgy thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients. The peanut butter swirl adds a delightful salty-sweet contrast to the rich chocolate, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, the swirling effect looks impressive, making these brownies perfect for parties or as a thoughtful homemade gift. This recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients, so you can whip up a batch of these irresistible brownies in no time! This homemade brownie recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This prevents the brownies from sticking and makes them easy to remove.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure everything is fully incorporated for that perfect brownie texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a separate small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzable consistency.
Step 6: Assemble the Brownies
Pour the chocolate brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Create the Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate batter. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the distinct swirl pattern.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly soft.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly, making them easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. The cold ice cream complements the warm, fudgy brownies perfectly. You could also add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra flair.
For a beautiful presentation, dust the brownies with powdered sugar or arrange them on a platter with fresh berries. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, birthday parties, or simply as a special treat for yourself. Pair with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to make the experience even more special.
Storage and Reheating
To store these Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat, you can microwave a brownie for 10-15 seconds until warm, or let it thaw at room temperature. Avoid overheating them, as they can become dry.
Key Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 9-16 (depending on the size of the squares)
- Equipment: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, knife or skewer
Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This prevents the brownies from sticking and makes them easy to remove.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure everything is fully incorporated for that perfect brownie texture.
- Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzable consistency.
- Pour the chocolate brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate batter. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the distinct swirl pattern.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly soft.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly, making them easier to slice.
