These decadent peanut butter brownies combine a rich, fudgy texture with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter and melted chocolate chunks. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family, these brownies are sure to become a favorite dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, these brownies will quickly become a go-to treat. The creamy peanut butter gives the brownies an added depth of flavor, while the cocoa powder creates a soft and fudgy base. The chocolate chips melt in your mouth, adding another layer of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy a craving, these peanut butter brownies will never disappoint.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 9-12 brownies, depending on the size you cut them.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Peanut Butter Swirl: For extra peanut butter flavor, swirl extra peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like peanuts, walnuts, or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: To make the recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure the peanut butter does not contain dairy additives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these peanut butter brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm brownies, microwave them for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. It will give the brownies a bit of extra crunch, which can be a delightful twist.
2. Can I use another type of nut butter?
Certainly! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter of your choice. The flavor and texture will change slightly, but the brownies will still turn out delicious.
3. How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the brownies are done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
4. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Use a 9×13 inch pan and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes, depending on your oven.
5. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for several days. In fact, they may taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
6. Are these brownies gluten-free?
The original recipe is not gluten-free, but you can easily make them gluten-free by swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend.
7. Can I use oil instead of applesauce?
While applesauce adds moisture and a slight tang, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil if needed. The texture may be a bit different, but the brownies will still be tasty.
8. How can I make these brownies less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar and brown sugar by a quarter or half. The chocolate chips will still contribute some sweetness.
9. Can I add more chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add more chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent treat.
10. How long do these brownies last?
When stored in an airtight container, these brownies will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
Peanut butter brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy texture and irresistible peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this simple recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy these brownies as they are or make them your own with easy variations.
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent peanut butter brownies with a rich, fudgy texture and chunks of chocolate that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones.
- If you prefer a denser brownie, reduce the baking time slightly.
- Make sure to let the brownies cool before cutting to ensure they set properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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