Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies

$To make these delicious brownies, gather these key items: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 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 For an extra treat, consider adding: - 1/4 cup chocolate chips These chocolate chips will boost the brownie’s chocolate flavor. They add little bursts of chocolatey goodness with each bite. Make sure you have these tools ready: - A 9x9-inch baking pan - Mixing bowls - A whisk - A spatula - A microwave-safe bowl - A knife or skewer for swirling Having the right tools makes baking much easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the brownies bake evenly. Take a 9x9-inch baking pan, and grease it well. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out later. In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Whisk after each egg to mix well. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, or your brownies may turn out dense. Pour three-quarters of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. In a small bowl, microwave the peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds. This makes it easier to drizzle. Pour the warm peanut butter over the brownie base. Now, take the remaining batter and dollop it over the peanut butter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the two batters together. This creates a lovely marbled effect. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs. After baking, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. If you used parchment paper, lift them out carefully before cutting into squares. To get the best brownie texture, focus on mixing. Start with melted butter and sugar. Whisk them well until they blend smoothly. Next, add eggs one at a time. This helps create a nice, airy mix. When you add dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing makes them tough. Your batter should be thick but pourable. Swirling adds beauty to your brownies. After pouring the peanut butter, dollop the brownie batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl gently. Move in an "S" shape for a lovely marbled look. Don’t go too deep. You want to see both colors. The top will look amazing when baked. Make these brownies your own! Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also try different chocolate types, like dark or milk. Want a little spice? Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder. For a fun twist, mix in some crushed candies. This gives your brownies unique flavors and textures. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your eggs and peanut butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter. Don't Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Check for Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are perfectly fudgy. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes cutting easier without crumbling. {{image_4}} If you want to make these brownies nut-free, you can try sun butter. This spread comes from sunflower seeds and tastes great. Another option is soy nut butter, which is also nut-free. Both choices work well in place of peanut butter. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for. These swaps keep the brownies rich and tasty. Mix-ins can make these brownies even more fun. You can add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts. For a fruity twist, try dried cherries or raspberries. You can sprinkle these on top before you bake. You can also add a layer of caramel sauce for extra sweetness. Just drizzle it before swirling the batters. If you want gluten-free brownies, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer great mixes that work well in baking. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but adjust the amounts. Start with less and add as needed for the right texture. Just remember, the baking time might change slightly, so keep an eye on them! To keep your peanut butter chocolate swirl brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness and flavor. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing. Freezing brownies is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature. To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will restore their soft texture. For a quick fix, you can also microwave a square for 10 to 15 seconds. Enjoy them warm! You can tell your brownies are done when a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it has a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them! Yes, you can use oil instead of butter. Use a light oil, like canola or vegetable oil. Replace the butter with the same amount of oil, but the taste will change a bit. Brownies may taste less rich but will still be soft and good. To make brownies more chocolatey, add chocolate chips. Mix in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips into the batter. You can also use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. This change will boost the chocolate flavor. For clean edges, let the brownies cool first. Use a sharp knife to cut them. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. This step helps keep the edges neat. You can also chill the brownies for a bit before cutting to make this easier. You now have all you need to make awesome brownies. We covered the key ingredients, with options to boost flavor. I shared simple steps for mixing, swirling, and baking. I also gave you tips for texture and personalization. Plus, I included variations for different diets and preferences. Finally, I shared how to store and reheat your tasty treats. With these insights, you can create perfect brownies every time. Happy baking!$

Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter and topped with chocolate chips.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
0.25 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly, or alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easier brownie removal after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Incorporate the eggs into the mixture one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to ensure proper emulsification. Follow this by adding the vanilla extract and mixing until combined.
Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder directly into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—taking care not to overmix, as this could lead to denser brownies.
Take the brownie batter and pour three-quarters of it into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan for a smooth base layer.
In a separate small bowl, microwave the creamy peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds until it reaches a smooth and pourable consistency. Drizzle this warm peanut butter generously over the brownie base.
Next, take the remaining brownie batter and spoon it dollop by dollop over the layer of peanut butter. With the back of a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the two batters together to create a beautiful marbled effect.
For an added touch of indulgence, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top of the brownie batter. This step is optional but highly recommended!
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Once they’re done baking, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. If you used parchment paper, lift the brownies out using the edges of the paper before cutting them into squares.

Notes

For a delightful serving suggestion, plate the brownies warm, dust them lightly with powdered sugar, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A drizzle of chocolate sauce on top can add an extra decadent touch!

Keyword brownies, chocolate, peanut butter