Name: Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 oz Dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup Unsalted butter; 1/2 cup Granulated sugar; 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract; 2/3 cup All-purpose flour; 1/4 cup Cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Espresso powder; 1/4 cup Natural salted creamy peanut butter, warmed until pourable

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert that’s both gooey and decadent, look no further than these Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies. Imagine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies marbled with ribbons of creamy, salty peanut butter—just the thought will have your mouth watering. Did you know that brownie recipes date back to the late 1800s, and peanut butter was first introduced as a health food at the 1904 World’s Fair? Now, the marriage of these two American favorites creates a timeless treat that brings out the child in everyone. What makes this dessert even more special is how effortlessly it comes together, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight cravings. If you loved our blog’s classic Fudgy Triple Chocolate Brownies, you’ll absolutely adore this nutty, swirled twist. So preheat your oven and treat yourself—you truly deserve this irresistible indulgence!

What is Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies?

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies—now there’s a mouthful that will leave you smiling before you even take a bite! Ever wonder how brownies and peanut butter became best friends? Some say whoever invented this combo must’ve understood the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Essentially, these brownies are a fudgy batch of chocolate squares jazzed up with lovely peanut butter streaks that dance through each piece. The name itself is a clue: gooey chocolate layered with swirls of glorious peanut butter. It’s hard to resist trying something with a name so playful, don’t you think? Go ahead, swirl up some love and see why everyone raves about this treat!

Why You’ll Love This

There are so many reasons this recipe will become your go-to dessert. First and foremost, nothing beats that irresistible blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter—it’s like biting into a slice of dessert heaven. Making Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies at home means you can whip up bakery-quality treats at a fraction of the cost; no fancy ingredients or trips to the patisserie required. The real secret? Those decadent peanut butter swirls melt right into the brownie, guaranteeing a gooey, two-in-one flavor with every bite. If you’ve enjoyed my Chewy Cookie Dough Brownies, this recipe brings an extra layer of creamy, nutty delight. Ready to elevate your brownie game? Grab your ingredients—these are the brownies you’ll crave again and again!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies check all the boxes for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. They’re simple to prepare, loaded with bold chocolate flavor, and crowned with a beautiful peanut butter swirl that bakes up perfectly creamy. Start to finish, you’ll need under an hour—most of that is baking time! The result? Thick, fudgy brownies with that signature salty-sweet ribbon running through every piece. This is a no-fuss, no-mixer recipe you’ll turn to whenever you want a show-stopping treat without any hassle.

Ingredients

4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
1/4 cup natural salted creamy peanut butter, warmed until pourable

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped dark chocolate and butter in 20-second increments, stirring after each one until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy—about 2 minutes.
Pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Over the wet mixture, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients in with a spatula, mixing just until no flour streaks remain.
Pour the rich, chocolatey batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Drizzle the warmed creamy peanut butter in several horizontal lines across the batter’s surface. Using a thin knife or skewer, gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Don’t over-mix—the goal is a rippled, marbled look.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached. For extra-gooey centers, err on the shorter baking time.
Cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and enjoy!

What to Serve Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies With

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are a star on their own, but you can elevate them to decadent dessert status with a few creative pairings. Try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries add a burst of tartness that complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a cozy, comforting finish, enjoy your brownie with a tall glass of ice-cold milk or a piping mug of hot cocoa. If you’re going savory, consider pairing them with a simple espresso or cold brew for the ultimate coffee shop experience right at home!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Always melt your chocolate and butter together gently to avoid burning—microwave in short bursts and stir well.
Use quality cocoa powder and real chocolate for deeper, richer flavor.
Don’t over-mix once you’ve added the flour; this keeps your brownies dense and fudgy, not cakey.
Warm the peanut butter slightly to make it easy to swirl.
For allergy-friendly options, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Swirl gently—the more you swirl, the more blended the flavors, but too much can muddy the pretty pattern.
Err on the side of slightly under-baking for the fudgiest result.
Cool completely before slicing for the neatest squares.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover brownies (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week—just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer to freeze your brownies, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. To reheat, microwave individual squares for just 10-15 seconds for that just-baked softness. Avoid overheating so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that the brownies will be a bit sweeter and less intense in chocolate flavor.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and nutty crunch—just make sure it’s pourable.

Can I double the recipe for a larger pan?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan, increasing the bake time by 8-12 minutes as needed.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for a slightly firm edge and a glossy, slightly undercooked center—a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make the brownies dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter and plant-based chocolate to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are the dream team of rich chocolate and silky-smooth peanut butter, bringing a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor to your dessert table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this is a recipe you can whip up any night of the week—no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re baking for family movie night, a casual brunch, or just to treat yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to wow every time. Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes for your next baking adventure. Fire up your oven and get ready to swirl—your sweet tooth will thank you!