When rich chocolate meets creamy peanut butter, magic happens — and these Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are living proof. Each bite is a perfect marriage of dark, fudgy chocolate and salty-sweet peanut butter ribbons that melt right into the brownie base. They’re gooey, decadent, and dangerously easy to “just have one more” of (you’ve been warned).
These are the kind of brownies that make people stop mid-bite and go, “Wait… what is this?” The swirl on top looks bakery-level fancy but takes minutes to do — and the taste? A flawless balance of deep cocoa and roasted peanut butter richness.
🎯 QUICK FACTS TABLE
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30–35 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Servings: | 12 brownies |
| Difficulty: | Easy but looks impressive |
📝 INGREDIENTS (Chocolate + Peanut Butter Heaven)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter – Melted for richness.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – The base of the crackly top.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature for better texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor.
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour – Just enough to hold the fudgy mix together.
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder – The backbone of chocolate intensity.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances all the sweetness.
- ½ cup (120g) creamy peanut butter – The good stuff, not natural (you want swirlable).
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar – To sweeten the peanut butter swirl just right.
- ¼ cup (45g) chocolate chips (optional) – For melty pockets of surprise.
👩🍳 HOW TO COOK!
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until glossy and smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, then whisk vigorously until the mixture lightens in color — this gives that signature brownie crust.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
3. Mix the Peanut Butter Swirl:
In a small bowl, stir together peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
4. Layer and Swirl:
Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan and smooth it out. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture over the surface, then cover with the remaining brownie batter. Add a few more dollops of peanut butter on top and use a butter knife to gently swirl — don’t overdo it, you want those pretty streaks.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just slightly underdone. That’s your fudgy zone.
6. Cool (The Hardest Step):
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set and keeps the swirls intact.
📊 NUTRITION & TIPS
Pro-Tips Section: Little Tweaks, Big Results:
- [Flavor Boost]: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for that sweet-salty contrast.
- [Substitution]: Almond or cashew butter works too, but classic peanut butter gives the best texture.
- [Presentation Trick]: Warm your peanut butter slightly before swirling — it glides like a dream.
❓ READERS ASKED, WE ANSWERED
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. They taste even fudgier the next day.
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: You can, but it may be too oily or separate during baking. A stabilized peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best for those perfect ribbons.
Q: How do I make them extra gooey?
A: Bake a few minutes less and chill them after cooling — the texture turns ultra-fudgy and truffle-like.