Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Introduction

Few desserts strike the perfect balance between chocolate and peanut butter as beautifully as Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies. These brownies combine a rich, fudgy chocolate base with creamy, nutty swirls of peanut butter that create both an eye-catching design and an irresistible flavor combination. Each bite is indulgent yet balanced—the deep cocoa richness of the brownies pairs seamlessly with the slightly salty, creamy sweetness of peanut butter.

This recipe transforms two classic favorites—fudgy brownies and peanut butter spread—into one decadent dessert bar that’s equal parts comfort food and showstopper. Whether you’re baking for a casual family treat, a party dessert table, or simply to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these brownies always deliver.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me the best of both worlds—chocolate indulgence and peanut butter comfort in one bite. The texture is incredible: chewy edges, gooey centers, and creamy ribbons of peanut butter that melt into the brownie batter as it bakes. I also love how beautiful they look straight out of the oven, with their marbled swirls making them look bakery-perfect with little effort.

On top of that, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together quickly, but the results feel luxurious. It’s one of those desserts that impresses guests but is easy enough to make on a whim when a craving strikes.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

These brownies are a must-try because they’re:

• Flavor-packed – Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pairing everyone loves.
• Visually stunning – The swirled tops look like they came from a bakery.
• Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness, add nuts, or even swirl in extra chocolate.
• Universal crowd-pleasers – Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or gifting.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the plate, Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are the one.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 16 brownies
• Calories: ~270 per serving
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Swirl:

• ½ cup (120g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the brownie batter:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
   • Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisk until fully incorporated.
   • Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Prepare peanut butter swirl:
   • In a small bowl, stir peanut butter until smooth. If you’d like it sweeter, mix in powdered sugar.
4. Assemble brownies:
   • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
   • Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the top.
   • Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
6. Cool and slice: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Enjoy at room temperature with a glass of cold milk.
• Slice into smaller squares for party platters or bake sales.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overbake—brownies should remain slightly fudgy in the middle.
• Warm the peanut butter slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to make swirling easier.
• For extra richness, add ½ cup chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
• Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges.

Variations

1. Nutty Crunch: Stir in ½ cup chopped peanuts or walnuts for extra texture.
2. Double Swirl: Add melted chocolate chips on top and swirl with peanut butter for a richer marble effect.
3. Peanut Butter Cup Brownies: Chop peanut butter cups and fold them into the batter before baking.
4. Salted Peanut Butter Swirl: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before baking for a sweet-and-salty twist.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week (great if you like them chilled).
• Freezing: Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8x8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Knife or skewer (for swirling)

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are the ultimate dessert mash-up, combining rich, fudgy chocolate with creamy, nutty peanut butter in every bite. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for sharing (though you may want to keep them all to yourself), these brownies are a guaranteed hit no matter the occasion. Once you bake them, they’ll quickly become one of your most requested treats.