Name: Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 sticks Unsalted Butter; 2 cups Sugar; 1.25 cups Unsweetened High-Quality Baking Cocoa; 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 4 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla; 2 teaspoons Freshly Brewed Coffee; 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 10-12 ounces 60% Bittersweet Chocolate (Chopped into chunks.); 0.5 cup Peanut Butter; 1/3 cup Toffee Chips; 1 teaspoon Coarse Sea Salt

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There’s something truly magic about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and that’s exactly what you get with these Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies. I remember the first time I tried a peanut butter brownie at a friend’s house. It was love at first bite! The balance of rich, fudgy brownie with the creamy swirl of peanut butter is a match made in dessert heaven. Since then, I’ve been perfecting my own recipe, and I’m excited to share these deliciously indulgent brownies with you. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these brownies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make, and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
4g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12g g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Whisk

The Best Thing About This Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Rich and Fudgy Texture

One of the standout features of these Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies is their wonderfully rich and fudgy texture. Unlike cake-like brownies, these are dense, moist, and melt in your mouth. The secret lies in using high-quality baking cocoa and just the right amount of butter, resulting in that irresistible fudginess.

Perfect Balance of Sweetness

These brownies strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty. The sweetness from the sugar and chocolate pairs beautifully with the slight saltiness of the sea salt and the savory notes from the peanut butter. One bite will leave you craving more!

Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up these brownies. The steps are straightforward, and you’ll find that the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Customizable Toppings

While the peanut butter and toffee topping is divine, feel free to get creative! Add your favorite nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These brownies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing dessert to a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, they fit the bill. Everyone will love them!

Great for Sharing

With a yield of 30 brownies, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. You can cut them into small squares, making them the ideal treat for gatherings. Everyone will appreciate the rich, satisfying flavors!

Everything You Need for Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

When it comes to making the best brownies, the quality of the ingredients truly matters. For these Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, we’re bringing together key players like unsalted butter, high-quality cocoa, and peanut butter. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s dive into these essential ingredients!

2 sticks unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the brownies. Using unsalted allows you to better control the sweetness.
2 cups sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
1 1/4 cups unsweetened high-quality baking cocoa: This is the star ingredient, giving the brownies their deep chocolate flavor.
1 teaspoon espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and makes it richer.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and complements the chocolate.
4 eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla: A crucial flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness.
2 teaspoons freshly brewed coffee: Amplifies the chocolate flavor, making it more robust.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift to the brownies.
10-12 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) 60% bittersweet chocolate: For that gooey goodness, chopped into chunks for a delightful texture.
1/2 cup peanut butter: This adds creaminess and a lovely nutty flavor.
1/3 cup toffee chips: Adds a sweet crunch that complements the brownies perfectly.
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: A finishing touch that elevates the entire dessert.

How to Assemble Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Making these Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies is as enjoyable as eating them. The process is straightforward, and soon enough, you’ll have a batch of delicious brownies ready to impress! Let’s walk through the steps together.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×13 inch metal cake pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter. This ensures easy removal of the brownies once baked.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside. This dry mixture is essential for ensuring a well-combined batter.
In a large saucepan, add the butter and melt it over very low heat, stirring every few minutes until it’s smooth. This gentle heating allows the butter to incorporate well with the sugar.
Add sugar to the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes creamy and shiny. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
After a few minutes, whisk in eggs, vanilla, and coffee into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until smooth and well combined.
Now, add this warm butter and egg mixture to the dry flour mixture. Stir everything together until it’s smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flour to absorb moisture, contributing to the fudgy texture.
Gently fold in the chocolate chunks, reserving a few for topping if you wish. This step ensures that every bite of the brownie will have a delightful chocolate surprise.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top using a spatula for an even bake.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, place peanut butter and microwave it for 30 seconds. Stir it well and then spoon or drizzle it over the brownie batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Sprinkle the toffee chips evenly over the top and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt. This adds a sweet and salty contrast.
Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a tester inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Remember, it’s better to underbake slightly for that fudgy texture!
Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack at room temperature for about an hour. If you used parchment paper, lift them from the pan and cut into 30 squares. These brownies are incredibly rich, so small servings are perfect!

Things Worth Knowing

Quality Ingredients Matter: Always use high-quality chocolate and cocoa to enhance the flavor of your brownies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the baking time to achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
Let Them Cool: Allowing your brownies to cool before cutting is crucial for clean edges and a better texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different mix-ins like nuts or fruits to personalize your brownies.

Ways to Customize

If you’re looking to add your own flair to these Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, you’re in luck! Here are some ways to make this recipe your own:

Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them to prolong freshness.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these brownies! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Pairing: Enjoy these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Flavor Variations: Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or hazelnut spread for a different flavor profile.
Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
Different Chocolates: Use different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for variation in flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your batter for a unique spicy twist!

Serving Options for Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

When it comes to serving your Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, there are countless delightful ways to present this sweet treat. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience:

Ice Cream Sundae: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate syrup and a cherry for a classic sundae.
Gourmet Dessert Plate: Pair brownies with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant dessert plate.
Picnic Treat: These brownies are perfect for outdoor gatherings. Pack them in a container for a delicious picnic dessert.
Holiday Events: With their rich flavors, these brownies are ideal for holiday parties and gatherings, making them a festive choice.
Kids’ Parties: Slice them into fun shapes for a kid-friendly treat at birthdays or school events.
After Dinner Delight: Serve them with coffee or dessert wine for an after-dinner indulgence.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment!

FAQ

The Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies get their fudgy texture from the combination of unsweetened cocoa powder, a generous amount of butter, and eggs. These ingredients help create that moist and dense texture that brownie lovers crave. Additionally, the method of mixing the ingredients plays a crucial role. By ensuring you’re not overmixing once the flour is added, you preserve that fudginess. Baking just until set and allowing them to cool before cutting also contributes to their rich consistency.

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for peanut butter, you can easily switch it out for almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter you prefer. Just keep in mind that different nut butters have varying flavors and textures, which might influence the final taste of your brownies. It’s a great way to customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences!

To store leftover Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated. For even longer storage, consider wrapping individual brownies in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making them perfect for future cravings!

Yes! The beauty of these Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies is their versatility. You can add a variety of mix-ins such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the texture of the brownies. Stir in your desired mix-ins right before pouring the batter into the pan for the best results. This way, you can personalize the brownies to your liking!

Conclusion

The Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are truly a treat that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite. They are so easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I encourage you to whip up a batch soon and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Trust me, once you taste these brownies, you won’t want to go back to store-bought!