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If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, you are going to fall absolutely in love with this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe. Rich, fudgy, and boasting a gooey peanut butter center, these brownies strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering chocolatey goodness with a surprise creamy peanut butter filling that makes this dessert irresistibly decadent. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to become your new go-to treat that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color for these peanut butter stuffed brownies. From the rich cocoa powder to the creamy peanut butter filling, every component is essential to crafting this heavenly dessert.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Helps create a moist, fudgy base with a luscious texture.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy brownie crust.
- Large eggs (4, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and help the brownies rise properly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives structure while keeping the brownies tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Brings deep, rich chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a slight lift for a perfect fudgy yet soft texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt inside the batter for extra bursts of melty chocolate.
- Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup): The star of the filling, delivering smooth, nutty richness.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the peanut butter filling for easy spreading.
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make clean-up super easy and ensure your brownies release perfectly after baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until silky and smooth, which creates the rich base for these brownies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mixing these thoroughly helps the batter become glossy and thick, setting the stage for decadent brownies with a soft crumb.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually blend these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. This keeps your brownies tender and chewy, not cakey.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, which will melt into little pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the brownies for those extra indulgent bites.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. The powdered sugar balances the saltiness of the peanut butter and helps it hold together nicely as a luscious filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Brownies
Spread half of your brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Next, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the batter, then carefully spread them into an even layer. Top with the remaining brownie batter, smoothing out the surface to seal in the peanut butter filling.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your brownies for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake as you want these to stay fudgy and gooey inside. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing so that the peanut butter filling can set beautifully without oozing out.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance and to intensify flavor contrasts, sprinkle flaky sea salt or crushed peanuts on top before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can make the presentation pop and add extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
These brownies are a dessert star on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience. A simple cup of hot coffee or milk also complements the richness wonderfully, creating the ultimate cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your brownies into small bite-sized squares for a party platter or layering them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and chopped nuts. You could also sandwich two brownies with extra peanut butter or chocolate spread to create a fun, decadent brownie sandwich that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them from drying out, layering parchment paper between brownies if stacking is recommended.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your brownies warm, thaw them at room temperature and then heat briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that soft, gooey texture and makes the peanut butter filling wonderfully melty again.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to stir it well beforehand to smooth out any oil separation so it spreads easily and holds together for the filling.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease the pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cutting the brownies cleaner, especially with the creamy filling.
Can I substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips create a richer brownie, while milk chocolate will add more sweetness. Both options work well depending on your taste preference.
How do I get clean brownie slices with the peanut butter filling inside?
For the neatest cuts, chill the brownies in the refrigerator after cooling. A sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry before slicing will also help make clean edges.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
You can double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, adjusting baking time as needed. Just keep an eye on doneness since thicker layers may require extra time in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels special every time you make it. From the ease of combining simple ingredients to the delightful surprise of the peanut butter center, it promises a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these irresistible brownies with the people you love!
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Print
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and fudgy peanut butter stuffed brownies featuring a smooth peanut butter center swirled between layers of chocolate batter. Perfectly moist and decadent, these brownies combine the classic chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter for a delightful dessert treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Filling
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
- Make the Brownie Batter: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender texture. Then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until completely smooth and well blended, creating a sweet and creamy filling layer.
- Layer the Brownies: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter filling over this layer and gently spread the peanut butter into an even layer.
- Top and Smooth: Carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer and smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for best texture and easier slicing. For cleaner cuts, consider chilling them before slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
- For cleaner and neater cuts, chill the brownies in the refrigerator before slicing.
- You may use natural peanut butter but stir it well to ensure it is smooth and spreadable so it layers nicely.
- A light sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavor contrast and adds a subtle crunch.
