If you are ready to indulge in a dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter, you are going to love this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe. This delightful treat combines fudgy, decadent brownies with a luscious peanut butter filling that surprises and excites your taste buds in every bite. The texture contrast between the moist brownie layers and the smooth peanut butter center makes these brownies an irresistible favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the velvety melted chocolate to the silky peanut butter filling, the mix is as simple as it is satisfying.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Adds richness and a tender crumb texture to the brownies.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): Provides deep chocolate flavor and a smooth, fudgy base.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the batter while contributing to a slight crunch on top.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Enhances moisture and adds subtle caramel notes.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the batter together and give brownies their structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the flavors and adds depth in both the brownie and peanut butter filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the necessary structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Boosts chocolate intensity and adds a lovely, dark color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate’s richness.
- Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup): Creates the star of the stuffed filling with a smooth, nutty surprise.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and smooths the peanut butter filling texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Adds extra creaminess to the peanut butter mixture.
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking pan right is crucial: line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal, and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. These simple steps will ensure your brownies come out perfectly and can be neatly cut after baking.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter with chopped semi-sweet chocolate, stirring occasionally until the mixture is silky smooth. Removing it from the heat and letting it cool just slightly keeps the chocolate luscious without scrambling the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Whisk Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined. Adding the melted chocolate to this fluffy mixture gradually creates the rich, fudgy brownie batter you want.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, then fold gently using a spatula. Be careful to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tougher brownies instead of tender, soft ones.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
Mix the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. This filling is where the magic happens, creating a luscious layer that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate brownie.
Step 6: Assemble the Brownies
Layer half of the brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan. Next, spread the peanut butter filling gently on top, making sure it’s an even layer. Finally, cover with the remaining brownie batter, spreading it carefully to seal in the peanut butter surprise.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should feel set, while the center remains slightly gooey for that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift them out and then cut into squares. This cooling step helps the layers set together, making every bite neatly stuffed with peanut butter goodness.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate presentation and add extra texture to your Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a few chocolate chips on top just before serving amps up the indulgence factor.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors. A fresh berry compote can also add a bright, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares for a fun party platter or layering them in a dessert trifle with alternating whipped cream and chopped nuts for a stunning visual and textural twist. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe fresh by storing leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The rich peanut butter filling keeps them moist and flavorful, making it hard to resist reaching for seconds even a day later.
Freezing
Brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe any time a craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your brownies warm, reheat wrapped pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just heated through. Warming brings back that soft, gooey texture and releases delicious peanut butter aromas that make these brownies even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add extra crunch to the filling, giving your brownies an appealing texture contrast. Just keep in mind it won’t be quite as smooth, but it can add a delightful twist.
What type of chocolate works best in this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate is perfect because it balances sweetness and deep cocoa flavor. You can experiment with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference, but semi-sweet tends to yield the best fudgy brownie base.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the right texture.
How thick should the peanut butter layer be?
About a half-inch layer works beautifully. This ensures every bite has a noticeable peanut butter presence without overpowering the rich brownie layers.
Why are my brownies cakey instead of fudgy?
Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can develop gluten and make the brownies cakey. Fold the flour in gently until just combined for the best fudgy results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dessert that combines chocolate and peanut butter in one perfect bite. This Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe is exactly that—a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug you can eat. I hope you give it a try and find it as much of a joy to bake and share as I do!
Print
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies, featuring a luscious layer of creamy peanut butter sandwiched between layers of decadent chocolate brownie. Perfectly baked to have a slightly gooey center and set edges, these brownies are an irresistible treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Filling
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually pour in the melted chocolate mixture, whisking continuously until smooth and fully incorporated. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined, careful not to overmix.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Dollop the peanut butter mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it gently to create an even layer. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly to cover the filling.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges should be set and the center slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For easier slicing, refrigerate brownies after cooling to firm up the peanut butter layer.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To make the peanut butter filling less sweet, reduce powdered sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth filling; crunchy peanut butter may affect texture.
