Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

What Ingredients are used to make chocolate peanut butter brownies

There are two layers in this peanut butter brownies recipe, the chocolate brownie bottom and the chocolate ganache peanut butter swirl layer.

For the chocolate brownie layer (or the brownie batter layer) you are going to need some semi-sweet baking chocolate (baker's chocolate) or some semi-sweet chocolate chips), unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder.

To make the chocolate ganache and peanut butter swirl layer, you will dark chocolate, heavy cream, creamy peanut butter, vanilla and powdered sugar.

How to make The Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe – Overview

You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make homemade chocolate peanut butter brownies from scratch!

Begin by preheating the oven to 325°F. Prepare an 9″x13″ rectangular metal baking pan by greasing it with butter, and line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the brownies when they're ready.

For this recipe, it's best to prepare all the separate components first and set them aside so you can quickly and easily assemble your brownies. You'll need to prepare the brownie batter for the bottom layer, the peanut butter swirl mixture, and the chocolate ganache topping.

To make the Chocolate Brownie Batter: The bottom layer of the chocolate peanut butter swirl brownies is made by melting semi sweet chocolate with butter, then combining it with eggs, white granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, all purpose flour and cocoa powder. This mixture is poured into the prepared pan and baked for 35 minutes in a preheated oven.

To make the Peanut butter swirl mixture: In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and heavy cream until smooth. The mixture should be slightly glossy when ready. Keep warm on low and set aside mixture until needed.

To Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping: In a heat proof bowl, melt the chocolate with the heavy cream. Combine the melted chocolate with the cream until smooth. Pour this over top of the baked brownie layer.

Finally, spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture over top of the chocolate ganache. Using a toothpick, skewer or butter knife, pull the dollops of peanut butter mixture around, making decorative swirls. Be gentle and try to avoid over mixing the peanut butter into the chocolate topping – overmixing will make you lose those pretty swirls! 

When making peanut butter swirls, use a light touch – too much stirring will cause the ingredients to overmix together and that will ruin the appeal of having separate textures. Less is more when it comes to swirling for an enticing final product!

Allow the brownies to come to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap, then place in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Once ready to serve, gently lift the brownies out of the baking pan by holding the sides of the parchment paper – it should slide right out. Now, using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into 24 rectangles.

What kind of pan is best for baking chocolate and peanut butter brownies?

The best kind of pan to use is a 9″x13″ metal rectangle baking pan.

What is the secret to moist brownies?

A good recipe for moist fudgy brownies will have a higher proportion of eggs and butter compared to the proportion of dry ingredients such as flour. If you follow the recipe on this page you won't need to worry about getting the correct ratios – we've got you covered!

The other secret to ensuring moist brownies is to not over-bake them. Bake them for just as long as it says in the recipe and not longer. When your brownies come fresh out of the oven they might seem too wet and soft to serve but this is deceptive.

Don't be tempted re-insert them for more baking, just give them some time. Set the brownies aside to cool and they will firm up while remaining moist. The best time to remove the brownies from the oven is when the edges have firmed up but the brownies remain soft in the middle.

Recipe Variations/Substitutions

If you want to make the brownies more chocolatey you can substitute the semi-sweet baker's chocolate with dark chocolate chips or chunks (or mix and match both semi sweet and dark chocolate together for a greater intensity of flavor).

You can substitute chocolate chips for your favorite chocolate bar but be sure to chop it up into morsels that are sized to melt.

You can increase the peanut taste by adding peanut butter chips, Reese's Pieces candies or mini peanut butter cups to the batter.

If you want to add crunchiness and texture, mix in some chopped roasted peanuts into the batter.

You can also experiment by substituting different nut butters such as almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for the top layer. This will give your brownies their own unique flavor profile, though it does risk becoming a different recipe altogether.

Can I use Natural Peanut Butter?

You can also use natural peanut butter if you like, but it can prove troublesome as the lack of hydrogenated vegetable oil will cause it to separate and become difficult to spread. You will have to stir the natural peanut butter very well before adding it to the brownies to make sure the separated flavors blend better. If you want to use natural peanut butter, remember it is not sweetened. You will need to add additional sugar to the peanut butter mixture.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies Toppings Ideas

Chocolate peanut butter brownies are one of the most delicious desserts ever. But what makes them even better?

Toppings! Here are a few ideas:

Peanut Butter Drizzle: Take a generous spoonful of creamy peanut butter and melt it in the microwave. Once melted, drizzle it over your cooled down brownies for an added layer of flavor and texture.

You could make the brownies more decadent with a drizzle of melted white chocolate once they come out of the oven.

Drop some mini marshmallows over the top of the brownie layer before popping them into the oven; as they bake, they’ll puff up and form a golden-brown crust that adds crunch and sweetness. Continue the recipe as usual, pour the ganache, and swirl the peanut butter filling – you'll have toasty marshmallows under all that yumminess!

Just before serving, some fresh raspberries can be placed over top of the brownies to add tartness and color. Blueberries could also work as a substitution.

Chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips sprinkled over top will give extra crunch and flavor as well. Even adding just peanuts overtop works amazingly!

Sprinkling some sea salt on top of the finished dish will add an amazing salty-sweet balance to the flavors.

Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownies stay soft and chewy when made ahead of time.

How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies?

Start by having the brownies cool completely at room temperature before transferring them into an airtight container or bag. This will help reduce any moisture buildup which can cause mold growth and spoilage over time.

How long are leftover chocolate peanut butter brownies good for?

Store your chocolate peanut butter brownies in an airtight container and they will last up to 4-5 days at room temperature. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, chocolate peanut butter brownies will last longer, for a week or slightly longer.

Can I freeze chocolate peanut butter brownies?

Yes! Chocolate peanut butter brownies freeze well and can last up to 3 months in an airtight container. To thaw, simply take out the desired amount of frozen brownies and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also thaw the frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

These peanut butter and chocolate brownies taste great served warm with a scoop of ice cream – especially vanilla bean ice cream or salted caramel. In addition, a dollop of whipped cream adds a frothy touch that can be combined with vanilla ice cream or served with whipped cream alone.

Salt and Caramel Sauce: Drizzle it on top for an extra layer of sweetness, and the salt adds a sharp contrast to all the sweetness and fudgy flavor.

Nuts & Sprinkles: Add crunchy texture and a pop of color with chopped nuts or candy sprinkles.

Fruit: Serve up these brownies with some fruit for a healthy addition to the meal. Berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are especially delicious when paired with chocolate and peanut butter.