Peanut Butter Brownies are a delicious treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and make a fantastic dessert for any occasion. They are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Peanut Butter Brownies is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are simple to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients that are often already in your pantry. Second, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic favorite that everyone loves. Finally, these brownies are incredibly moist and fudgy, providing a delightful treat for any chocolate lover.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cocoa powder, not Dutch process
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for the peanut butter swirl)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for the peanut butter swirl)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until combined.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl it into the batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
You can serve Peanut Butter Brownies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving!
How to Store Peanut Butter Brownies
To keep Peanut Butter Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing!
Tips to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
- Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- For extra peanut butter flavor, consider adding chopped peanuts on top before baking.
- Check your brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Variation
You can add mix-ins to your Peanut Butter Brownies, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirls of Nutella for an extra treat!
FAQs
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture, but the brownies will be a little less smooth.
How can I tell when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked.
Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cocoa powder, not Dutch process
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Swirl
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for the peanut butter swirl)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until combined.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Baking
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl it into the batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
