If you're craving a rich, fudgy, and indulgent dessert, The Best Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect treat. The combination of smooth peanut butter, a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, and the richness of cocoa creates a dessert that satisfies every chocolate craving. With a swirl of peanut butter on top, every bite is both creamy and chocolatey—what’s not to love? These brownies are quick to prepare, have a delightfully moist texture, and are perfect for sharing or keeping for yourself!
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
½ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, and eggs to the bowl. Mix well until fully combined.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
(Optional) Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the batter if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Servings and timing
Servings: 9 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe:
Nut butter options: If you prefer almond butter or cashew butter, feel free to swap those in for peanut butter for a different flavor.
Sweetener choices: Maple syrup can be swapped with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Chocolate chips: For a richer chocolate flavor, you can add more chocolate chips or even use a variety of chocolate (dark chocolate, milk chocolate, etc.).
Toppings: Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top once they’re baked, or sprinkle some chopped nuts (like peanuts or almonds) for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: These Peanut Butter Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. They’re great on their own or with a scoop of ice cream on top!
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey, agave syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, depending on your preference.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
Yes! To make these Peanut Butter Brownies vegan, simply swap the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Make sure to use a maple syrup that is vegan-friendly, too.
Can I make these brownies without chocolate chips?
Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips if you prefer. The brownies will still be delicious and chocolatey because of the cocoa powder.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! After they’ve cooled completely, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw before enjoying, or reheat them for a freshly-baked taste.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. A few crumbs sticking to the toothpick is fine, but if there’s wet batter, they need more time in the oven.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a personal treat, these brownies will surely become a go-to favorite.
Recipe
The Best Peanut Butter Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulgent Peanut Butter Brownies with a Rich, Fudgy Center and a Swirl of Peanut Butter on Top
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
½ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, and eggs to the bowl. Mix well until fully combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- (Optional) Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the batter if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
These brownies are gluten-free and incredibly easy to make—just mix everything together and bake!
Customize with nut butter options, sweeteners, or additional toppings like melted chocolate or chopped nuts.
Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.
Freeze the brownies for up to 3 months after cooling completely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
