Gooey Peanut Butter BrowniesÂ
Add Preferred SourceIf you’re a fan of fudgy, chocolatey goodness mixed with the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Brownies recipe is perfect for you. With the rich depth of chocolate and the silky smoothness of peanut butter, it’s a delicious treat that’s simple to make. Ideal for a quick dessert, a school bake sale, or a comforting snack, these brownies promise satisfaction in every bite.
Why you will love making Peanut Butter Brownies
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with baking this treat:
- Quick and Convenient: Using a box mix as the base speeds up the process, making these brownies an excellent choice for last-minute dessert plans.
- Flavorful: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason; it’s hard to resist!
- Versatile: These brownies can be dressed up with nuts, chocolate chips, or a scoop of ice cream, or enjoyed as is, making them wonderfully adaptable.
- Perfect Texture: The result is a perfectly fudgy brownie with creamy swirls of peanut butter, striking the right balance between soft and chewy.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with children and adults alike, these brownies are a fun baking project for kids, especially with the simple mixing and swirling involved.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or just a regular weekday, peanut butter brownies are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to make Peanut Butter Brownies with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making peanut butter brownies is so simple with our easy instructions:
Preparing Your Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 320°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine your box of peanut butter brownie mix with water, one egg, and vegetable oil. Blend these ingredients together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Assembling the Brownies
Take an 8×8 inch square baking tin and line it with parchment paper. This step helps in easy removal of the brownies once baked. Pour the smooth brownie batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Adding the Peanut Butter
Drizzle the peanut butter included in the mix over the top of the batter. For extra peanut butter flavor and creaminess, add an additional two tablespoons of peanut butter. Optional: using a knife or a toothpick, swirl the peanut butter into the batter to create a marbled effect.
Baking
Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Afterward, lift them out using the edges of the parchment paper and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. This step is crucial as it lets the brownies firm up and develop their full flavor and texture. Serve them as they are, or top them with a sprinkle of sea salt or powdered sugar for an extra special touch!
Ingredients
- 1 box peanut butter brownie mix any brand
- 4 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, water, egg, and oil. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients until the batter is smooth.1 box peanut butter brownie mix, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Line an 8×8 inch square baking tin with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the tin.
- Drizzle the included peanut butter over the batter. You can add as much or as little as you like. For extra creaminess, consider adding an additional two tablespoons.4 tablespoons peanut butter
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Bake the brownies for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool on a cooling rack. Once cooled, cut them into small squares.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Box Brownie Mix: If you can’t find peanut butter brownie mix, regular brownie mix will work. Just add more peanut butter on top if desired. You can also use my homemade brownies recipe.
- Batter Consistency: Make sure your batter is smooth and lump-free by mixing thoroughly. This consistency will help achieve a uniform texture in your brownies.
- Swirling Technique: For a beautiful marbled effect, use a knife or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Don’t overmix, as you want to see distinct swirls of peanut butter.
- Checking Doneness: The perfect baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven. Start checking the brownies at 15 minutes and continue every two minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Add-Ins: Customize your brownies by adding semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: You can use crunchy instead of creamy peanut butter for added texture. Just ensure it’s evenly distributed for consistent bites.
- What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly? For clean cuts, make sure the brownies are completely cooled, use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between slices. This helps prevent the peanut butter and chocolate from sticking to the knife.
Storage Instructions
- Cool and Airtight: Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing. Once cool, store them in an airtight container to keep them moist and fudgy. You can store them at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the brownies. This is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm or humid. Place them in a sealed container and they can last up to a week in the fridge.
- Reheat: If you prefer your brownies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This will bring back the gooey texture.
- Freeze: Peanut butter brownies freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-lock freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them directly from frozen for a quick treat.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Creating the perfect batch of peanut butter brownies is easy with these expert tips:
- Box Brownie Mix: If you can’t find peanut butter brownie mix, regular brownie mix will work. Just add more peanut butter on top if desired. You can also use my homemade brownies recipe (from scratch).
- Batter Consistency: Make sure your batter is smooth and lump-free by mixing thoroughly. This consistency will help achieve a uniform texture in your brownies.
- Swirling Technique: For a beautiful marbled effect, use a knife or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Don’t overmix, as you want to see distinct swirls of peanut butter.
- Checking Doneness: The perfect baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven. Start checking the brownies at 15 minutes and continue every two minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Add-Ins: Customize your brownies by adding semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: You can use crunchy instead of creamy peanut butter for added texture. Just ensure it’s evenly distributed for consistent bites.
- What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly? For clean cuts, make sure the brownies are completely cooled, use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between slices. This helps prevent the peanut butter and chocolate from sticking to the knife.
How to Store Leftover Peanut Butter Brownies
To keep your peanut butter brownies tasting fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Cool and Airtight: Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing. Once cool, store them in an airtight container to keep them moist and fudgy. You can store them at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the brownies. This is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm or humid. Place them in a sealed container and they can last up to a week in the fridge.
- Reheat: If you prefer your brownies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This will bring back the gooey texture.
- Freeze: Peanut butter brownies freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-lock freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them directly from frozen for a quick treat.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
When making peanut butter brownies, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down without compromising on taste. Here are three tips to help you save money while enjoying this treat:
- Generic Brands: Opt for store-brand or generic versions of ingredients like brownie mix and peanut butter, which often taste the same as pricier brands (like Jif or Skippy).
- Minimize Waste: Use every bit of your ingredients. For example, scrape out peanut butter jars completely with a spatula.
- Control Portion Sizes: Cut brownies into smaller pieces to make your batch go further, especially for gatherings.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Brownies
Peanut butter brownies are delicious on their own, but they also taste delicious with a few simple pairings:
Coffee
Serve your peanut butter brownies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the brownies, making for a sophisticated dessert option.
Ice Cream
Top a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat. The cold ice cream melting into the warm brownie offers an irresistible contrast of temperatures and textures.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie makes for a light and fluffy addition that complements the dense, fudgy texture of the brownies.
