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Here are the key ingredients you need for Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies. These items create a rich, tasty treat that everyone will love. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 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 - 1/4 cup milk - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) Each ingredient plays a big part. The butter gives a soft, rich texture. Sugar adds sweetness that balances the cocoa's bitterness. Eggs bind everything together and make the brownies fluffy. The vanilla brings out the other flavors. Cocoa powder gives that deep chocolate taste, while flour gives structure. Salt and baking powder enhance the flavors and help the brownies rise. Peanut butter adds creaminess and a nutty taste. Milk keeps the mixture smooth and easy to swirl. If you want extra chocolate, mini chocolate chips make a perfect touch. Remember, you can mix and match these ingredients, but this list creates the best flavor. Enjoy your time baking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Grease or line an 8-inch square baking pan. This step helps the brownies come out easily. I like using parchment paper for easy clean-up. Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, take it off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar until mixed well. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweet touch. In a different bowl, sift together 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. This helps each dry ingredient blend well with the wet mix. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, but don’t overmix. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/4 cup of milk. Stir until it’s smooth. Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Then, dollop half of the peanut butter mix on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Pour the rest of the brownie batter over this layer. Add the remaining peanut butter mixture on top and swirl again for a marbled look. Bake your brownies in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. This means the brownies are ready. Let them cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your delicious treat! To get the best texture for your brownies, use room temperature ingredients. This helps them mix well. Melt the butter slowly over low heat. It should be fully melted but not bubbling. Mix the sugar in until it looks smooth. Add the eggs one at a time. This makes them rich and yummy. Don't overmix the batter; just stir until combined. This gives you that chewy texture we all love. For a perfect peanut butter swirl, warm the peanut butter slightly. This makes it easier to blend. Use a small bowl to mix the peanut butter and milk until smooth. When adding it to the brownie batter, dollop it in evenly. Use a knife or skewer to swirl gently. Make sure not to mix too much. You want to see the swirls, not just a brown mix. A great way to make these brownies look fancy is by dusting them with powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The white ice cream looks great next to the dark brownies. For an extra pop, add some fresh berries on the side. This not only adds color but also a fresh taste. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and a more even bake. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix until just combined to keep your brownies fudgy and chewy. Swirl with Care: When swirling the peanut butter, use a gentle hand to create beautiful marbling without overmixing the brownie batter. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares. {{image_2}} You can make these brownies gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. Almond flour works great, too. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil instead of butter. For a creamy texture, use a dairy-free milk, like almond or soy milk. These swaps keep the brownies rich and tasty without losing flavor. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. You can also mix in chopped nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. If you love coffee, try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules. It boosts the chocolate flavor and adds a nice twist. These brownies are amazing on their own, but you can elevate them! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra sweetness. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar for a pretty touch. These ideas make your brownies a showstopper at any gathering. To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Line the container with parchment paper for easy removal. If you plan to eat them in a few days, keep them at room temperature. For longer storage, put them in the fridge. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing. Freezing brownies is a great way to save some for later. First, cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave if you want them warm. Brownies can last up to a week at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they can last about two weeks. When frozen, they can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your chocolate peanut butter swirl brownies fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use dark chocolate. Melt about 4 ounces of dark chocolate. Replace cocoa powder with the melted chocolate. This will make your brownies richer and more fudgy. To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked. If your brownies turn out too cakey, they likely had too much flour or were overbaked. Try using less flour next time or bake for a shorter time. Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will taste even better the next day as flavors mix. This blog post covered how to make rich and tasty brownies with a peanut butter swirl. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ways to customize your brownies and how to store them properly. In conclusion, whether you enjoy them fresh or freeze a batch, these brownies are sure to impress. Make them your own with different flavors or toppings. Happy baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a creamy peanut butter swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 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
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and milk until smooth.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Then, dollop half of the peanut butter mixture on top of the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter.
  • Pour the remaining brownie batter over the top, followed by the rest of the peanut butter mixture. Swirl again for a marbled effect.
  • If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top for extra chocolate goodness.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes

Dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Keyword brownies, chocolate, peanut butter