Dessert

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Introduction

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter in a delightful marbled treat. These fudgy brownies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for satisfying your dessert cravings.

The image shows a close-up of a square chocolate brownie with two distinct layers. The bottom layer is thick, rich, and dark brown with a dense and moist texture. The top layer is a lighter tan color, swirled with darker brown lines creating a marbled effect, looking smooth and creamy. The brownie is cut neatly with sharp edges, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
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
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang slightly over the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is thick and pale.
Step 3: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
Step 4: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 5: In a small bowl, stir together peanut butter and powdered sugar. Warm slightly if the mixture is too thick to spread easily.
Step 6: Spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter. Use a toothpick or knife tip to swirl it gently, creating a marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper edges and slice into squares.

Tips & Variations

Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, or swap in crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra richness and crunch.
Make sure not to overbake; brownies should be moist inside for the best texture.
For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a cut piece of rich, dark brown chocolate brownie with a smooth, creamy light brown peanut butter swirl on top. The brownie appears dense and moist with a thick bottom layer, topped by a marbled layer where the peanut butter and chocolate mix in soft, wavy patterns. The brownies are cut into even squares and are placed close together on a white marbled surface. The texture of the peanut butter layer looks smooth, contrasting with the fudgy texture of the brownie base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, natural peanut butter works well but may be a bit thinner. You might want to adjust the amount of powdered sugar or chill it slightly before swirling to make it easier to handle.