Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: The Ultimate Fudgy Delight

Introduction

Can’t decide between rich chocolate brownies and decadent peanut butter? Now you don’t have to! These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies combine the best of both worlds into one incredible dessert. We’re talking about a dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey brownie base topped with generous dollops of creamy peanut butter, which is then swirled to create a beautiful and delicious marbled effect. This recipe is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to master and is guaranteed to be a hit with every chocolate and peanut butter lover in your life.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

• Fudgy, Not Cakey: This recipe is designed for maximum fudginess, with a rich and dense texture.
• Iconic Flavor Combo: The classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter is elevated in this baked treat.
• Visually Stunning: The simple act of swirling the peanut butter creates a beautiful, professional-looking dessert.
• Customizable: Easily add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture.¹
• Perfect for Gifting: These brownies are so impressive, they make an ideal gift for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes²
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar³
• 2 large eggs, room temperature⁴
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup (85g) all-purpose flour⁵
• ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder⁶
• ½ teaspoon salt⁷

For the Peanut Butter Swirl:

• ½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (processed brands like Skippy or Jif work best)

Equipment You’ll Need:

• 8×8-inch metal baking pan⁸
• Parchment paper⁹
• Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula or whisk
• Small spatula or knife for swirling

Instructions

Part 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

• Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to ¹⁰350∘F (¹¹175∘C).¹² Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
• Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Alternatively, you can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments and stirring until melted.
• Add Sugar and Eggs: Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the granulated sugar. Once the mixture is no longer hot, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined and the batter is glossy.
• Fold in Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the chocolate mixture.¹³ Use a spatula to gently fold until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Part 2: Swirl and Bake

• Pour Batter: Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Add Peanut Butter: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter evenly over the top of the brownie batter.¹⁴
• Create the Swirl: Using a small knife or a skewer, gently drag it through the peanut butter and brownie batter to create a marbled, swirled pattern. Do not over-swirl, as you want the distinct layers to remain.
• Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The brownies should still have a slight “jiggle” in the middle, which will ensure a fudgy texture.
• Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.¹⁵ Cooling is crucial for the brownies to set and become perfectly fudgy.

Storage and Essential Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the batter.
• No Natural Peanut Butter: For the best results, use a processed, shelf-stable peanut butter. The oil in natural peanut butter can separate and make the brownies greasy.¹⁶
• Do Not Overbake: This is the key to fudgy brownies. An under-baked brownie is better than an over-baked, dry one.
• Chill for Clean Slices: For the cleanest, most perfect cuts, chill the cooled brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to sprinkle a handful of chocolate or peanut butter chips over the batter before swirling for an extra rich treat.

Share Your Sweet Creation!

Did you bake a batch of these glorious Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies? We’d love to see how they turned out! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @FoodieFlow and use the hashtag #PeanutButterBrownies. What’s your go-to brownie recipe?