Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies

These chocolate peanut butter fudge brownies combine rich, gooey chocolate with creamy peanut butter swirls for a decadent dessert experience. Thick, fudgy, and intensely satisfying, they’re a dream come true for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brownies are the ultimate treat—deeply chocolatey, moist, and layered with ribbons of smooth peanut butter that melt into every bite. Whether served warm with ice cream or as a handheld snack, they’re easy to make and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chips or chopped)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Peanut butter (creamy or natural)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate together until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

3. Whisk in granulated and brown sugar, then add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.

4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently to combine without overmixing.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

6. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the surface and swirl with a knife or toothpick.

7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set but still soft.

8. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9 large or 16 small brownies

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use chunky peanut butter for texture.

• Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

• Substitute almond or cashew butter if desired.

• Swirl in raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity twist.

• Make them gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/reheating

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for up to 2 months—wrap individually for convenience. To enjoy warm, microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir it well beforehand. Natural peanut butter may create a slightly oilier swirl.

How do I get that fudgy texture?

Avoid overbaking. Remove from the oven when the center is just set, and let them cool fully to firm up.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time by adding 5–10 minutes.

Can I make these brownies without cocoa powder?

You can, but the cocoa enhances the chocolate flavor. If omitting, increase the chocolate slightly.

What kind of chocolate is best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate gives a rich flavor. Avoid milk chocolate, which may make the brownies too sweet.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but reducing it too much can affect texture. You may decrease each sugar by 1–2 tablespoons.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily. They keep well at room temperature, but refrigerating can help them last longer.

How do I make cleaner cuts?

Chill the brownies first, then use a warm, sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut.

Can I freeze them with the peanut butter swirl?

Yes. The swirl holds up well to freezing—just ensure they’re cooled and wrapped tightly.

Are these suitable for kids?

Absolutely. They’re a hit with children and adults alike thanks to the classic chocolate-peanut butter combo.

Conclusion

Chocolate peanut butter fudge brownies are a luxurious dessert that’s easy to make yet delivers rich, bakery-quality results. Perfect for sharing—or not—these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy even the most serious sweet tooth. Ready for the final article?