These Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Brownies are a match made in dessert heaven. Imagine rich, fudgy chocolate meeting creamy peanut butter in a perfect swirl of flavors. They’re the ultimate treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover!
Let's break down the key players in this recipe. First up, butter. It’s the foundation of any good brownie, providing richness and moisture. We’re using both granulated sugar and brown sugar for a chewy texture and a touch of molasses flavor. The eggs act as a binder, giving structure to the brownies. A splash of vanilla extract elevates the chocolate flavor, making it more complex. Our dry mix of flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder creates the perfect brownie texture—dense but not heavy. The star of our swirl is creamy peanut butter, bringing a nutty contrast to the chocolate. Finally, a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top adds extra bursts of chocolatey goodness.
These brownies are perfect on their own, but if you’re feeling indulgent, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream against the warm brownie is pure bliss. They also pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day.
First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F. While that’s heating up, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan and give it a good greasing. Trust me, nothing’s worse than brownies stuck to the pan. Now, melt your butter in a saucepan over low heat, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Once it’s melted, stir in both the granulated and brown sugars. You’re aiming for a smooth mixture.
Next, it’s time to whisk in the eggs. Do this one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. This helps create a smooth batter. Add the vanilla extract and give it a quick stir. Now, in a separate bowl, combine your flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make brownies tough, and we want them tender.
Pour half of this chocolatey batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Now, grab your peanut butter and warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This makes it easier to swirl. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter over the batter and use a knife to create swirls. Be gentle; you want distinct swirls, not a blended mess.
With the first layer swirled, pour the remaining brownie batter over the top, spreading it out gently. Repeat the peanut butter swirl process. Finally, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares—this helps them set up properly.
Share