If you are craving the ultimate treat that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate with the creamy, nutty surprise inside, let me introduce you to the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe. This heavenly dessert brings together two classics—chocolate and peanut butter—in a way that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Every bite is a perfect harmony of dense, moist brownie layers hugging a luscious peanut butter filling that’s both smooth and sweet. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these brownies promise an unforgettable, indulgent experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe lies in its simple but perfectly chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the moist texture provided by butter and eggs to the rich chocolate flavor from cocoa powder and the creamy peanut butter center that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps the brownies moist and tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa with sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Enhances moisture and adds a slight caramel note for depth.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the flavors and adds aromatic sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for the brownies’ dense texture.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the rich chocolate flavor with a hint of deep bitterness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift without compromising fudginess.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the stuffed center, adding creaminess and nutty flavor.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the peanut butter filling.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): For an extra chocolate hit and a delightful texture contrast on top.
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies later. This preparation ensures your brownies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s fully melted, remove the pan from the heat and allow the butter to cool slightly. This step is crucial because adding hot butter to eggs could scramble them, so cooling helps everything mix smoothly.
Step 3: Mix Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until well incorporated. The brown sugar here adds moisture and a hint of molasses, which makes the brownies extra fudgy and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
To your sugar-butter mixture, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances the overall flavor complexity. This step is key to achieving a tender crumb.
Step 5: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and keeps the batter light. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix—you want your brownies fudgy, not cakey.
Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In another bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar until you get a smooth, creamy filling. This sweet and nutty center will melt just perfectly inside the brownies, creating that memorable stuffed surprise.
Step 7: Layer the Brownies
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the peanut butter filling on top, spacing them to cover as much of the surface as possible. Then, carefully pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer, spreading gently so that the filling stays nestled inside.
Step 8: Add Optional Chocolate Chips
If you love an extra punch of chocolate, sprinkle chocolate chips across the top of the brownie batter. They will melt slightly, forming little pockets of chocolate heaven in every bite.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—this ensures the brownies remain moist and fudgy, never dry. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Cut and Enjoy
When fully cooled, slice your delicious peanut butter stuffed brownies into squares and get ready for pure bliss. This step-by-step method guarantees a show-stopping dessert every time you make the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these brownies even more irresistible, consider sprinkling flaky sea salt on top just before serving. The salt perfectly contrasts the sweet, rich chocolate and peanut butter filling. You can also dust the brownies lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty, classic finish that adds a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Serving brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a total game-changer and instantly turns this dessert into a decadent treat. Fresh berries or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce also complement the flavors beautifully, giving you a refreshing or gooey twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter for parties and gatherings. You might even layer them in a clear trifle dish with whipped cream and chopped nuts to make a stunning layered dessert display that charms both the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, maintaining their fudgy texture and creamy peanut butter surprise.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies to enjoy later! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months without losing their wonderful flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the brownies at room temperature, then warm them gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to recapture that just-baked, gooey sensation. Be careful not to overheat, as you want the peanut butter filling to stay creamy, not hard.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you love a bit of texture in your filling, but keep in mind it will add a slight crunch inside the smooth brownie layers. It makes for a delightful contrast if you enjoy that extra nutty bite.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the recipe safe and tasty.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate taste and fudgy texture in this recipe. If you don’t have any, you could try melting high-quality chocolate and adjusting the fat accordingly, but this would change the texture and flavor quite a bit.
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but since it tends to be less sweet and more oily, you might need to adjust the powdered sugar slightly to maintain the right sweetness and consistency in the filling.
How can I tell when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures your brownies remain chewy and fudgy—not dry. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, chocolatey hug with a peanut butter surprise inside. It’s a go-to classic that never fails to impress, whether baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in rich, fudgy Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies, featuring a luscious peanut butter filling layered between classic chocolate brownie batter, then baked to perfection. This ultimate recipe combines the deep chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter in every bite, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar-butter mixture, stirring well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Make Peanut Butter Filling: In another bowl, blend the creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy for the filling.
- Layer Brownie Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to create the first layer.
- Add Peanut Butter Filling: Drop dollops of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the brownie batter layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter gently over the peanut butter dollops and spread evenly to cover.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and enjoy this rich indulgence.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies fudgy and moist.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the brownies out of the pan for clean slicing.
- Peanut butter filling can be adjusted in sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar to taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
