Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 ½ cups creamy all natural peanut butter
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
Brownie Batter
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 ¼ cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup flour (all purpose or gluten free flour)
Swirl
- ⅓ cup creamy all natural peanut butter (to swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the brownies.
- Make Peanut Butter Filling: In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter and ⅔ cup powdered sugar. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is thick and smooth. Set aside for later layering.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In another bowl, mix ½ cup melted butter with 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and creamy. Microwave briefly if needed for complete melting.
- Mix Sugar and Eggs: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 eggs vigorously for about 2 minutes until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg-sugar mixture and stir well until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Flavoring: Stir in 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ cup flour until just combined to form a smooth brownie batter.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Add Peanut Butter Filling Layer: Drop dollops of the peanut butter filling over the brownie batter. Use your hands or a spatula to gently spread it into an even, but imperfect layer.
- Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the peanut butter filling layer, spreading it evenly to cover.
- Add Peanut Butter Swirl: Spoon ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter over the top of the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl it through the top layer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the center looks set and the brownies no longer jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. This ensures clean cuts and proper texture.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the brownies from the pan and prevent sticking.
- Choose creamy peanut butter for smooth filling and swirling; natural types are preferred for flavor.
- Microwave chocolate chips with butter carefully to avoid burning; stir frequently.
- Do not overbake; brownies are done when the center is set but still moist.
- Gluten free flour can be used as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour to make these brownies gluten free.
- Allow brownies to cool fully before cutting to achieve neat slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American