Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 16 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container for 5 days.
Quick Answer
These Peanut Butter-Stuffed Brownies combine rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter for an irresistible treat.
Brownies are a beloved comfort food, especially as the seasons turn cooler and holiday gatherings begin to fill our calendars. Sitting here in my cozy New York City kitchen as the aroma of fresh-baked brownies wafts through the air, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia. The rich, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies, combined with the creamy decadence of peanut butter, creates a harmony that’s impossible to resist. If you’re looking to impress family and friends this Thanksgiving or Christmas, these Peanut Butter-Stuffed Brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy peanut butter that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, impressing family and friends with a decadent dessert.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it easy to whip up a batch any time.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create the ultimate Peanut Butter-Stuffed Brownies:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (the classic kind works perfectly)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Peanut Butter-Stuffed Brownies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Peanut Butter-Stuffed Brownies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring every corner is well coated. This is vital to prevent any sticky situations later on!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir it occasionally, letting the delicious nutty aroma fill your kitchen, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Brownie Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the melted butter. Add in the vanilla extract. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gently sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until you see that luscious, dark brownie batter forming. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as there are no flour streaks left!
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In another bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. This is the moment when you’ll find it hard not to taste test!
Step 6: Layer the Brownies
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Next, dollop the peanut butter filling over the brownie layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it carefully to encapsulate the peanut butter.
Step 7: Bake
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—this will ensure a fudgy texture. As they cool, the filling will settle slightly, creating a delightful contrast.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. I find that using a heavy, sharp knife helps achieve clean slices, showcasing the beautiful layers within. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Not Greasing the Pan: Make sure to grease the pan properly; otherwise, those brownies may stick and ruin your presentation!
- Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Overbaked brownies can become dry, while underbaked ones can be gooey and unset.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For ultimate indulgence, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra chocolatey experience.
- To store, place brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- They also freeze beautifully for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Variations
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the brownie batter for added crunch.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the brownie batter and peanut butter filling in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.
- Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for a melty experience.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for longer storage; they can be kept for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe was a delightful exploration of flavor balance. The interplay of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter has become a go-to combination in my baking repertoire, capturing the simple joys of homemade desserts—perfect for sharing during the festive season!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 brownies · Serving Size: 1 brownie
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 4g protein · 30g carbs · 13g fat
Decadent Peanut Butter-Stuffed Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring every corner is well coated.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir it occasionally, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Add in the vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Gently sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until you see the brownie batter forming.
- In another bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the peanut butter filling over it, leaving a small border around the edges. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
- Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience!
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but it may slightly change the consistency of the filling.
2. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy texture.
3. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them.
4. What’s the best way to cut brownies for clean slices?
Use a heavy, sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to achieve neat, even slices. Allowing the brownies to cool for at least 20 minutes helps as well.
5. How should I store leftover brownies?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them tightly wrapped.
