Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Name: Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 0.75 cup Unsalted butter; 1.5 cup Granulated sugar; 0.5 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 2 Large eggs; 0.75 cup All-purpose flour; 0.5 cup Creamy peanut butter; 0.25 cup Powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon Milk

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I’m so excited to share this recipe with you guys! Are brownies the star of every bake sale and birthday party growing up?Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: What are someare like the grown-up, even more delicious version of those memories! What is that swirl of peanut butter? I’ve made a ton of brownies in my time, but these are seriously something special. What are some variations on my classic brownie recipe?

What is Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies?

Think of these brownies as the ultimate marriage of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s essentially a batch of incredibly fudgy brownies that gets an amazing ribbon of peanut butter swirled right through the middle. You get that deep chocolate flavor in every bite, but then, BAM, a hit of salty, creamy peanut butter comes in and just… elevates everything. The best part? They’re not overly complicated. You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of these. It’s a fun twist on a classic, and everyone always goes crazy for them! Seriously, the name just says it all – pure peanut butter bliss swirled into a perfect brownie.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why are Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies so good? First and foremost, the human body.flavorWhat are the best combinations of dark chocolate and peanut butter? Every single bite is an adventure. But it’s not just about the taste.simplicityIs this recipe a huge win? I mean, you’re basically mixing up a brownie batter and swirling in some peanut butter. What is the perfect dessert to eat when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen eating it? What are some of the best ingredients in a recipe?cost-efficient! Most of them are staples I always have on hand, so it’s a great way to treat yourself without breaking the bank. And finally, the versatility. You can eat them warm with a scoop of ice cream, enjoy them as a late-night snack, or even dress them up for a special occasion.

What I love most about this is how many happy memories it brings. I made these for my son’s first birthday, and now it’s tradition! This is a must try. If you’re a fan of brownies and peanut butter (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), then this recipe is absolutely for you. It’s the best brownie and one that I always go back to, they are also similar to my What are some of the best brownie recipesWhat is better with peanut butter?

How to Make Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Quick Overview

This recipe is seriously a breeze! First, you’ll make the brownie batter. Then, you’ll whip up a quick peanut butter filling. Next, you’ll pour the brownie batter into a pan, dollop the peanut butter filling on top, and swirl it all together to create that signature look. Finally, you’ll bake it until the edges are set and the center is still a little fudgy. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool down so you can dig in! This is so easy.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. Make sure it’s good quality butter, the flavor really makes a difference!
1 cup granulated sugar: This is the base sweetness – you can experiment with reducing it a bit if you prefer less sweet brownies.
1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. Don’t pack it too tightly, or your brownies might get a little too dense.
4 large eggs: These are key for structure and richness. Room temperature eggs mix in better and help the batter come together smoothly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for enhancing the chocolate flavor! I love using pure vanilla extract.
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Don’t skimp on quality here!
½ cup all-purpose flour: This adds structure, but don’t overmix the batter or your brownies could get tough.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

For the Filling:

½ cup creamy peanut butter: Use your favorite brand! I prefer the kind that’s a little bit on the natural side (the kind with just peanuts and salt).
14 cup powdered sugar: Sifts in easily for a smooth filling.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and helps everything combine.
1 tablespoon milk: Adds to the creaminess of the filling, use more or less until you achieve the consistency you desire.

For the Glaze:

¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can use any chocolate chips you like, milk chocolate works well too!
1 tablespoon heavy cream: Helps create a smooth, pourable glaze. You can substitute with milk if you prefer.
Optional: Peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts for garnish.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it generously. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides – this makes it super durable. Is it easy to lift brownies out later? If you don’t have parchment paper, just make sure to grease the pan really well to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together helps to distribute them evenly. This step is important for ensuring your brownies have a great texture and that there aren’t any pockets of cocoa powder.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large heat-safe bowl, melt the butter. Then, whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and glossy. If you want, you can warm the mixture in the microwave (in 30 second bursts) until the sugar dissolves easily. Make sure not to overcook or scorch the butter.

Step 4: Combine

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour and make the brownies tough. The batter should be thick and glossy. At this point, it’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour left. What do you want in a brownie?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter and milk. Set aside. Beat with electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if needed to get the right consistency – you want it to be easy to dollop and enjoy. Taste it! And add a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do I make brownie batter? Pour it into a pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter filling over the batter, spacing them out evenly. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. How do you create a marbled effect? Is it beautiful to be swirly?

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, because ovens vary. You don’t want to overbake them! The edges should be set, and the center should still be a little soft. If you’re unsure, start checking at 25 minutes. If your oven cooks unevenly, you can rotate the pan halfway through baking. This is crucial for even baking. I always test with a toothpick, and I take them out a few minutes before I think they’re “done” – they’ll continue to cook a little as they cool.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is super important! If you cut into them while they’re still warm, they’ll fall apart. Once the brownies are cool, make the glaze. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the brownies. For extra flair, sprinkle some peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts on top before the glaze sets. This is my favorite part! The glaze adds the perfect final touch.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, cut the brownies into squares. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the whole slab of brownies out of the pan before cutting. This is a great trick for extra-clean edges! Serve at room temperature and prepare to be amazed.

What to Serve It With

The fun doesn’t stop at the brownie! Honestly, these Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are delicious all on their own, but there are so many ways to level them up, depending on the occasion.

For Breakfast: Why not? Okay, hear me out – a brownie with your morning coffee is a luxurious way to start the day! Maybe pair it with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries for a special treat.

For Brunch: These brownies make an excellent addition to any brunch spread. Arrange them on a beautiful platter alongside fresh fruit, a side of yogurt, and maybe some mimosas.

As Dessert: Of course, these are a classic dessert option! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The contrast of hot and cold is amazing.

For Cozy Snacks: Sometimes, you just need a little treat to enjoy while curled up on the couch. These brownies are perfect for a cozy night in. Serve with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or your favorite beverage. It’s also great for a quick boost of energy during the day!

We always like to have these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream at our house. My kids have been known to sneak one for breakfast!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

After all the batches I’ve made, I’ve learned a thing or two! Here are some top tips to make these brownies the best they can be:

Zucchini Prep: This is super important. Make sure you use a good quality, fresh zucchini. The fresher the better. If you want to be extra fancy, you can remove the skin of the zucchini before grating it. If you are using zucchini in the recipe, ensure that you remove as much moisture from the grated zucchini as possible. Place the grated zucchini in a clean dish towel and squeeze it until it’s almost dry. This is so that it does not affect the final texture of the brownies. The drier it is, the better.

Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which leads to tough brownies. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. The batter should be thick and glossy. I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour.

Swirl Customization: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the swirl! You can use a toothpick, a knife, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. For a more pronounced swirl, drag your utensil through the batter in one direction and then in the opposite direction. If you want a really marbled look, don’t swirl too much. The goal is to have a beautiful mix of chocolate and peanut butter.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment! I’ve tried making these with different types of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, even white chocolate) and they all work great. You can also try different types of peanut butter – just make sure it’s creamy! The one time I tried a natural peanut butter with only peanuts and salt, and it worked great!

Baking Tips: Watch your oven! Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the brownies towards the end of the baking time. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe says they should be ready. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking. The center should still be slightly soft when you take them out. I’ve also found that lower and slow is the best way to go, in my opinion. Lower the temperature by 25 degrees, but increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.

Glaze Variations: If you want to get fancy, try adding a pinch of salt to the glaze. You can also use different flavors of chocolate chips. Or, if you are in a hurry you can also add a layer of peanut butter.

Storing and Reheating Tips

So, you’ve got a delicious batch of brownies, but how do you keep them fresh and delicious? Here’s what I do:

Room Temperature: You can store the brownies at room temperature for up to 3 days, as long as they’re stored properly. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps them from drying out. Don’t leave them out uncovered, or they’ll get stale! I usually only keep them out on the counter if I know they’ll be eaten within a day or two.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly. The refrigerator can dry out baked goods, so this is key. Sometimes I’ll cut them into individual servings, so they’re easy to grab and go! They still taste great chilled, or you can bring them to room temperature before serving. I find it best to add the glaze right before serving, but adding it before refrigerating will not affect the overall quality.

Freezer Instructions: If you want to keep them even longer, the freezer is your friend! Wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure the wrapping is tight to prevent freezer burn.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re freezing or storing the brownies for an extended period, I recommend adding the glaze after they’ve thawed. This will help keep the glaze from getting too sticky or losing its shine. If you want to add the glaze before freezing, that’s totally fine too! Just make sure the brownies are completely cooled before glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this helps with the structure and texture of the brownies. You might need to adjust the amount of flour slightly, depending on the brand. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free baked goods can sometimes cook a little faster.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

It’s up to you! I usually don’t peel the zucchini unless the skin is really thick or tough. The skin actually contains a lot of nutrients. If you do peel it, the brownies will have a slightly smoother texture. But honestly, I’ve made it both ways, and you can’t really tell the difference in the final product. Either way, use a box grater to shred the zucchini.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Yes, definitely! You can bake this batter as muffins. Fill muffin liners about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep a close eye on them, as they’ll cook faster than brownies. The swirl effect might not be as pronounced in muffins, but they’ll still be delicious!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can definitely adjust the sweetness! You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup. Keep in mind that the brown sugar also adds sweetness, so don’t eliminate that. If you like, you can also try using a sugar substitute, but be aware that it might affect the texture of the brownies. I’ve never tried this with sugar substitutes, so start with a small amount.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of the glaze, you have a bunch of options! You could simply dust the brownies with powdered sugar. You could also make a simple peanut butter drizzle by whisking together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a little milk or cream. Or, you could even top them with a dollop of peanut butter frosting. The possibilities are endless, and I think all of them would be good!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends! The recipe for the perfect Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies. I truly hope you enjoy this one as much as my family and I do. The combination of that fudgy, rich brownie with that creamy peanut butter swirl is just… irresistible. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion, big or small. If you love this one, you might also love my Fudge Brownie recipe. Please, please let me know what you think in the comments below, and if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

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