If you’re someone who craves a perfect balance between fudgy brownies and the creamy goodness of peanut butter, then you’ve come to the right place! Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies are the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. This indulgent dessert combines the richness of chocolate brownies with the creamy texture of peanut butter, creating a perfect fusion of flavors in every bite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies recipe, explore its origins, and give you tips and variations to customize your own batch. So, let’s dive into this decadent, chocolatey world where peanut butter meets gooey brownie goodness!
What are Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies?
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies are an irresistible dessert that consists of a fudgy, rich chocolate brownie with a creamy peanut butter layer embedded right in the middle. The combination of the rich chocolate flavor with the creamy peanut butter filling makes this treat a deliciously addictive indulgence. The peanut butter layer melts beautifully into the chocolate when baked, creating a gooey, satisfying texture that will have you coming back for more.
This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to fancy dinner parties, and it’s a guaranteed hit with anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, the texture and flavors of these brownies are bound to please any crowd.
The Origin of Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter has been a staple in desserts for decades. The Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies recipe takes this classic pairing to the next level by stuffing peanut butter directly into the middle of a rich chocolate brownie. While the exact origin of this specific recipe is unclear, it’s a modern twist on traditional brownie and peanut butter cup recipes that have been popularized in North American baking.
Peanut butter and chocolate are a timeless duo, often seen in candy bars, cookies, and pies. This recipe brings that same comforting flavor combination into the brownie world, where the richness of the chocolate and the smoothness of the peanut butter work in perfect harmony.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1¼ cups creamy peanut butter (make sure to use a smooth, creamy peanut butter, not natural-style)
- Optional: A sprinkle of sea salt flakes for contrast (adds an extra burst of flavor)
For the Brownie Batter:
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 oz semisweet baking chocolate, chopped (use high-quality chocolate for the best taste)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (this will ensure smooth batter)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt (a pinch to enhance flavor)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1: Freeze the Peanut Butter Layer
- Microwave the Peanut Butter: Start by microwaving the creamy peanut butter for 20–30 seconds until it becomes pourable and slightly melted. This makes it easier to spread in the pan.
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift out the brownies later.
- Spread the Peanut Butter: Pour the peanut butter into the lined pan and spread it out evenly. This creates the creamy peanut butter layer that will be sandwiched inside the brownies.
- Freeze: Place the pan in the freezer and let it freeze for about 1 hour until the peanut butter layer is solid. This step is crucial for easy assembly later.
- Lift the Peanut Butter Layer: Once solid, lift the peanut butter slab out of the pan using the parchment paper and return it to the freezer while you prepare the brownie batter.
2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8-inch square pan with parchment paper again, ensuring it’s ready for the brownie batter.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and semisweet baking chocolate together. Use 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
- Whisk in Sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Let it cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes light and slightly thickened.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the sifted all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain that rich fudgy texture.
3: Assemble the Brownies
- Layer the Brownie Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
- Add the Peanut Butter Layer: Take the frozen peanut butter slab from the freezer and place it on top of the brownie batter. This layer of peanut butter should be spread evenly to ensure every bite has that perfect peanut butter filling.
- Top with Remaining Brownie Batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
4: Bake the Brownies
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You want the edges to be set, while the center remains slightly gooey and fudgy.
- Cool in the Pan: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Lift and Cool Completely: After 30 minutes, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Let them cool for another 30 minutes on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Tips & Variations
- Chilled Brownies = Extra Fudgy Texture: For a denser and more fudgy texture, chill the brownies in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: For a beautiful visual effect and extra peanut butter flavor, swirl some peanut butter on top of the brownies before baking.
- Nutella or Biscoff: Want to experiment with different flavors? Swap out the peanut butter for Nutella or Biscoff spread for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. However, the crunchy pieces may affect the smoothness of the filling.
2. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free. Make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
3. How do I store these brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness for up to a week.
4. Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Conclusion: Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and smooth, creamy peanut butter. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these brownies are sure to impress. With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is one you’ll want to make time and time again. Enjoy every bite of these gooey, chocolatey treats, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends!
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Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe: A Decadent Delight for Every Sweet Tooth
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies are an irresistible dessert that consists of a fudgy, rich chocolate brownie with a creamy peanut butter layer embedded right in the middle. The combination of the rich chocolate flavor with the creamy peanut butter filling makes this treat a deliciously addictive indulgence. The peanut butter layer melts beautifully into the chocolate when baked, creating a gooey, satisfying texture that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1¼ cups creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
- Optional: a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for contrast
Brownie Batter:
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 oz semisweet baking chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Freeze the Peanut Butter Layer:
- Microwave peanut butter for 20–30 seconds until pourable.
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
- Pour and spread peanut butter evenly. Freeze for 1 hour until solid.
- Lift out the slab using parchment and return to freezer while prepping batter.
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the pan again with parchment.
- Melt butter and chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl (30-sec bursts).
- Whisk in sugar until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Add eggs, yolk, and vanilla. Whisk vigorously for 1 minute.
- Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Assemble:
- Pour half the batter into the pan and smooth it out.
- Place frozen peanut butter slab on top.
- Cover with remaining batter and smooth the surface.
- Bake:
- Bake for ~30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly gooey.
- Cool in pan for 30 minutes, then lift out and cool another 30 before slicing.
Notes
For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted chocolate or warm peanut butter over the top before serving. These brownies also taste amazing slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
