Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies

Peanut butter and chocolate swirl brownies bring together the best of two worlds in a single tray. These brownies always disappear quickly at every gathering, and the marbled top makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.

The first time I baked these for a friend’s birthday, we ate nearly half the pan as soon as they cooled. Now my family asks for them every time a chocolate craving hits.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Use high-quality European style if possible for extra richness
• Granulated sugar: This gives the brownies a classic crackly top
• Eggs: Bring to room temperature for best texture and rise
• Vanilla extract: Real vanilla brings deeper flavor than imitation
• All-purpose flour: Go for unbleached for a tender crumb
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose Dutch process for a smoother, intense chocolate flavor
• Salt: Even a pinch rounds out the flavors and balances sweetness
• Baking powder: Ensures a delicate lift so the brownies are not too dense
• Creamy peanut butter: Natural style works but a smooth commercial one gives the best marbled swirl
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and loosens the peanut butter for easier swirling
• More unsalted butter: Melts into the swirl for a creamier texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Line an eight-inch square baking pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang. This will make lifting the brownies out for slicing much easier.

Mix the Brownie Base:

In a large bowl whisk together the melted butter and sugar until glossy and smooth. Add in eggs and vanilla and continue whisking until well combined and slightly thickened.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Sift in flour cocoa powder salt and baking powder to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together just until you cannot see any dry spots. Take care not to overmix which keeps the brownies tender.

Pour and Smooth:

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to the corners using a spatula.

Prepare Peanut Butter Swirl:

In a separate small bowl stir together the peanut butter powdered sugar and melted butter until smooth and pourable.

Marble the Batter:

Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the chocolate batter making a pretty marbled pattern. Do not overdo it so you get distinct ribbons.

Bake:

Place pan in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven. Bake for about twenty eight to thirty two minutes. The top will look set but a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Slice:

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan sitting on a wire rack. Once cooled lift out with the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

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My favorite part is swirling the peanut butter through the chocolate. My kids love helping with this step and every batch looks different but always tastes incredible. The marbled top looks fancy enough for a party but it just takes a minute.

Storing Your Brownies

These brownies keep well at room temperature in a sealed container for up to four days. For longer storage pop them in the fridge and they stay fudgy for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully so wrap individually for a chocolate fix any time.

Playing with Ingredients

Feel free to swap the creamy peanut butter for almond or even sunflower seed butter if you want a nut-free treat. If you love more chocolate fold in some chocolate chips before baking. For a little crunch sprinkle the top with chopped roasted nuts.

How to Serve

Cut brownies into neat squares for a classic look or slice them into fingers for an easy-to-grab party treat. Take them over the top by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. They make fantastic lunchbox surprises as well.

American Roots of this Dessert

Brownies have been a beloved dessert in the United States for more than a hundred years with each generation adding its own twist. The peanut butter swirl is a modern riff that takes cues from classic American flavor combos and feels nostalgic and homey all at once.

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Common Questions

→ How do I achieve the perfect peanut butter swirl?

Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate batter, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl a marbled pattern. Avoid overmixing so the two flavors remain distinct.

→ Can I use another nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter work well as alternatives, offering a unique flavor twist while maintaining the creamy texture.

→ What should I do if I want extra chocolate flavor?

Fold 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking to intensify the chocolate taste with melty bites throughout.

→ How can I tell when the brownies are finished baking?

Brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs; avoid overbaking for a fudgy texture.

→ How do I store peanut butter chocolate brownies?

Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

→ Are these brownies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these brownies are vegetarian, made without any meat or gelatin ingredients.