Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies: that ultra-fudgy interior swirled with ribbons of rich, creamy peanut butter and the perfect crinkly top. Each bite hits the sweet spot between deep chocolate and nutty bliss, making these brownies a must for every chocolate lover and peanut butter enthusiast. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to add a little joy to your week, these brownies promise pure, home-baked comfort in every delightful square.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies is how each simple ingredient brings its own magic to the pan. Get ready for fudgy, decadent brownies with a swirl of sweet, creamy peanut butter that transforms your everyday bake into something extraordinary!

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Melted butter gives the brownies their irresistibly chewy texture and rich flavor base.
• Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Adds necessary sweetness and helps achieve that shiny, crackly brownie top we all adore.
• Large Eggs (4): Eggs provide structure and keep your brownies dense and moist rather than cakey.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A splash of vanilla deepens the chocolate flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Just enough flour binds everything, avoiding any dry, crumbly texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 cup): The secret to that dark, luxurious chocolate punch.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter, making every flavor pop.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melty chocolate pockets make every bite even more decadent.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): Smooth peanut butter gives you those luscious, signature swirls.
• Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the peanut butter mixture for the best contrast.
• Butter, softened (2 tablespoons): A touch of extra butter makes the peanut butter swirl silky and irresistible.
• Milk (2–3 tablespoons): A little milk loosens up the swirl mixture, making it just right for drizzling and swirling.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready when the batter is mixed. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides for easy removal later. Gather all your ingredients and measure everything out—you’ll thank yourself when the mixing starts!

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks thick and glossy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently just until combined—be careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in the chocolate chips so you get gooey chocolate chunks in every brownie.

Step 3: Spread and Swirl

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk until you have a smooth, spreadable swirl mixture. Dollop spoonfuls of this peanut butter mixture all over the top of the brownie batter. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the peanut butter through the chocolate, creating beautiful ribbons and patterns—don’t over-swirl or you’ll lose those gorgeous layers!

Step 4: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set and a center that’s still just a little soft and glossy—a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, never clean! Remove from the oven and let the Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies cool completely in the pan for the ultimate fudgy texture.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift your brownies out of the pan. Cut them into generous squares. The swirled top will look irresistible, and the fudgy interior is just dreamy! Get ready for the ooohs and aaahs as everyone dives in.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Garnishes

Want to give these brownies an extra-special touch? Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking for a sweet-savory kick, a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel, or a shower of mini chocolate chips. You can even chop up a few peanut butter cups and scatter them on top for extra wow-factor—and even more peanut butter goodness!

Side Dishes

While these brownies are show-stopping on their own, they pair especially well with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a lighter touch, serve alongside fresh berries, or balance the richness with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of strong coffee. These combos make your Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies the stars of any dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Craving a playful twist? Try serving these brownies in a sundae bowl topped with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and chopped peanuts for a decadent brownie sundae. For parties, slice the brownies into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go treats. Or build a dessert platter mixing brownie cubes, berries, and little cups of extra peanut butter for dipping—you’ll earn rockstar host status!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have any Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies left (no judgment if you don’t!), keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The peanut butter swirl will stay creamy and the brownies will stay wonderfully fudgy—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Freezing

These brownies are just as dreamy after a stint in the freezer. Cut them into squares, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When the brownie craving hits, just let one thaw at room temperature, or microwave it briefly for a warm treat.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked gooeyness, pop a brownie square in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Warmed up, the chocolate chips get melty and the peanut butter swirl softens—no one will ever guess it wasn’t made that day!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and little surprises of peanut crunch in each bite. Just know your swirls may be less sleek but no less delicious.

What’s the best way to tell when the brownies are done?

Look for set edges and a center that’s still a bit soft. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out with moist crumbs (not dry and not wet batter), your Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies are perfectly fudgy.

Can I halve this recipe for a smaller pan?

Yes! Halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan. Your brownies may need a little less time in the oven, so start checking at the 25-minute mark.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (look for one labeled as a 1:1 substitute). The brownies will still come out dense and delicious—nobody will miss the gluten!

Are these brownies very sweet?

They’re rich and sweet, but the pairing of deep chocolate and the salty, nutty peanut butter swirl keeps things balanced. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup without affecting the fudgy texture.

Final Thoughts

Ready to fall in love with baking all over again? These Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies are the ultimate treat for sharing, gifting, or savoring in a quiet kitchen moment. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe anytime a chocolate-peanut butter craving strikes!

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