Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it combines rich, fudgy chocolate with the creamy swirl of peanut butter, creating the ultimate indulgent treat! The delightful marbled pattern and the blissful blend of flavors are what make these brownies a must-have for every sweet-tooth moment.

Creating desserts that incorporate traditional flavors is something I truly enjoy, and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies I make are a classic example. They feature creamy peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate, and just the right amount of vanilla extract for a flavor that’s downright luscious.

But when you make these brownies, ingredient proportions are key. The cocoa powder in particular plays a vital role; it intensifies the flavor of chocolate without the brownies tasting like just chocolate.

Ingredients

Butter with no salt: provides richness and moisture; necessary for texture.

Sugar, in its granulated form, not only sweetens the brownies but also serves to balance out the bitterness of the cocoa.

Contribute protein, provide structure and leavening: eggs.

Cocoa Powder Unsweetened: Deep chocolate flavor; flavor number one.

Antioxidant-rich.

All-purpose flour: Constitutes the structure; has proteins and carbohydrates.

Smooth peanut butter: Supplies protein and a creamy texture; perfectly balanced nutty flavor.

Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweets peanut butter swirl smoothly.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds sweetness and texture; bursts of chocolatey goodness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang that will facilitate easy removal of the baked good from the pan.

2. Melted butter and granulated sugar combine in a medium bowl to make a smooth mixture.

3. One at a time, beat the eggs into the mixture, then add the vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is fully incorporated.

4. Combine the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, folding it in gently, until everything is just combined.

5. Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan using a spatula.

6. In a tiny bowl, combine the powdered sugar and peanut butter, mixing them until they reach a smooth consistency.

7. Spoon the peanut butter mixture by the spoonful onto the brownie batter.

8. Using a knife or a skewer, swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter, creating a marbled pattern.

9. Evenly distribute the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the mixture that has been swirled.

10. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, and 1 tsp baking powder. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together 1 cup sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1 cup peanut butter. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8-inch square baking pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Small mixing bowl
7. Whisk
8. Hand mixer
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Spatula
12. Knife or skewer
13. Spoon

FAQ

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?Certainly, but decrease the salt you add to the recipe to a mere pinch.
• How do I store these brownies?An airtight container at room temperature is the best place to store your brownies. That way, they can be enjoyed fresh for several days. Still, I know how hard it can be to not just keep snacking on those fudgy squares. So, if they go uneaten for a few days, no worries. They keep really well in the fridge and are just as delicious straight from the chill as they are at room temp.
• Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour?Indeed, a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour should perform admirably in this particular recipe.
• What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the peanut butter swirl?Granulated sugar can be used, but it may require more blending or mixing to achieve a texture that is as smooth as the one achieved with superfine sugar.
• Is there a way to make these brownies vegan?You can substitute the eggs for a vegan alternative, like flax eggs; and use a plant-based butter and chocolate chips to make a vegan version.
• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?Indeed, the brownies will be given a textural boost from the addition of crunchy peanut butter, but their flavor will remain largely unaffected.
• What type of cocoa powder should I use?For the right flavor balance, this recipe takes unsweetened natural cocoa powder.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute for unsalted butter by using an equal amount of coconut oil or margarine.
Use 3/4 cup honey or 3/4 cup maple syrup when substituting for granulated sugar, but decrease other liquid components in the recipe to balance for the extra moisture in the honey/maple syrup.
When you require a substitute for an egg, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed bananas for each egg.
Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free version.
If you desire, you can substitute creamy peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure your eggs and peanut butter are at room temperature before mixing. This will help them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a more uniform texture.

2. Sift Dry Ingredients Sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder together before folding them into the wet ingredients. Sifting helps to avoid lumps in the batter and ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.

3. Gentle Folding When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, use a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring. This helps to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense brownies.

4. Chill the Peanut Butter Mixture Before swirling the peanut butter mixture into the brownie batter, consider chilling it for a few minutes. This can make it easier to handle and create more defined swirls.

5. Check for Doneness Test the brownies for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; a few moist crumbs are ideal. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so aim for a slightly underbaked center for the best fudgy texture.