Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies: Fudgy, Rich, and Irresistable!

Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in dessert heaven.

These Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies take that classic combination to the next level.

Each bite is packed with rich, fudgy brownie layers and a smooth, creamy peanut butter center.

It’s a simple recipe that delivers indulgent results.

These brownies are guaranteed to impress, whether for a special occasion or a midweek treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

The brownie base is rich, dense, and fudgy, creating the ideal foundation for the smooth, creamy peanut butter filling.

Each layer complements the other, offering a delightful combination of sweet and slightly salty in every bite.

The recipe is straightforward, with easy-to-follow steps that require no special equipment or advanced baking skills.

It’s designed to produce consistently delicious results, making it a go-to dessert for novice and experienced bakers.

Best of all, these brownies are universally loved—whether served at parties, shared with family, or enjoyed as a personal indulgence, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

3. Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these decadent Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies:

For the Brownie Batter

• 10 tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a fudgy texture.
• 6 ounces (170g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate: The base for the chocolatey flavor; opt for high-quality chocolate.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and contributes to a shiny, crinkly top.
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor.
• 3 large eggs: Provide structure and help achieve the perfect fudgy consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ⅔ cup (85g) all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the brownies; measure carefully to avoid dryness.
• ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.

For the Peanut Butter Filling

• ¾ cup (185g) creamy peanut butter (not natural): Creates the smooth, rich filling. Stick to conventional brands for consistency.
• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps it hold its shape.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the peanut butter flavor.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk: Softens the filling to make it spreadable.

Optional Toppings

• 2 tablespoons (30g) chocolate chips: For an extra dose of chocolate.
• 2 tablespoons (30g) peanut butter chips: Add a burst of peanut butter flavor on top.

Equipment Needed

To prepare these Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies, you’ll need the following tools:

• 9×9-inch baking pan: Provides the perfect depth and size for evenly baked brownies.
• Mixing bowls: At least two, one for the brownie batter and one for the peanut butter filling.
• Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl: For melting the butter and chocolate together smoothly.
• Whisk and spatula: A whisk for combining ingredients evenly and a spatula for folding and spreading the batter and filling.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: To line the baking pan, making it easier to lift the brownies out for clean slicing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Peanut Butter Layer

Start by making the peanut butter filling.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup (185g) creamy peanut butter, 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk.

Mix until the ingredients form a thick, crumbly consistency, similar to cookie dough.

Once combined, flatten the mixture into a disc or rectangular shape on a sheet of parchment paper.

Transfer it to the freezer and let it chill until firm.

This step ensures the peanut butter layer holds its shape when layered into the brownies.

Step 2: Making the Brownie Batter

In a heatproof bowl or saucepan, melt 10 tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter and 6 ounces (170g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate together.

Use medium heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly, or melt them in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.

Next, whisk in 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar and ½ cup (100g) brown sugar until the mixture is well combined.

Add 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly after each addition.

The batter should appear shiny and smooth at this stage.

Finally, fold in ⅔ cup (85g) all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.

Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Step 3: Assembling the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Spread half of the prepared brownie batter evenly into the pan, creating a smooth base layer.

Remove the peanut butter layer from the freezer and carefully place it over the brownie base.

If the layer is slightly uneven, press it gently to flatten.

Pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer, ensuring it covers the filling completely.

Use a spatula to smooth the top layer.

For added flavor and texture, sprinkle 2 tablespoons (30g) chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons (30g) peanut butter chips evenly across the surface, gently pressing them into the batter.

Step 4: Baking

Place the assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies.

It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

This ensures the brownies remain fudgy without being undercooked.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

This step is crucial for setting the layers and achieving clean slices.

After cooling, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.

Serve and enjoy the perfect combination of fudgy chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite!

Tips for Success

Use Room Temperature Eggs

Bringing your eggs to room temperature before mixing ensures they incorporate smoothly into the batter.

Cold eggs can cause the melted butter and chocolate to solidify, leading to a lumpy mixture.

Room-temperature eggs blend better, creating a more cohesive and evenly textured batter.

Measure Flour and Cocoa Powder Accurately

For perfect brownies, precise measurements are key.

Use a kitchen scale if possible, or spoon the flour and cocoa powder into your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge.

Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as it can lead to over-measuring, resulting in dense and dry brownies.

Avoid Overbaking

Overbaking can ruin the fudgy texture that makes these brownies so irresistible.

Keep a close eye on the baking time and test for doneness with a toothpick.

As we mentioned earlier, insert it into the center of the brownies—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Remove the pan from the oven promptly to preserve the soft, gooey interior.

Cool Completely Before Slicing

Patience is crucial when it comes to slicing these brownies.

Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

This gives the peanut butter layer time to set and prevents it from oozing out when cut.

Once cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the brownies into neat squares, wiping the blade clean between cuts for a professional finish.

Variations

Nutty Twist

For an extra layer of texture, mix in chopped peanuts to the peanut butter layer.

The crunch adds a delightful contrast to the creamy filling and fudgy brownie layers.

Simply stir in ¼ cup (30g) of chopped peanuts when preparing the peanut butter mixture.

It’s a small change that makes a big difference for those who love a bit of crunch in every bite.

Chocolate Lovers

If you’re a fan of bold, rich chocolate flavor, swap the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher).

This variation enhances the intensity of the chocolate, making it the perfect choice for true chocolate enthusiasts.

You can also add an extra tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter for an even deeper chocolate profile.

Gluten-Free Option

To make these brownies gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the structure of the brownies.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.

At room temperature, store the brownies in an airtight container to maintain their soft, fudgy texture.

They will stay fresh for up to 3 days when kept in a cool, dry place.

For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies in the same airtight container for up to a week.

Chilling them can enhance their dense, fudgy consistency, and they’re easy to reheat if you prefer them warm.

If you need to store them even longer, place the brownies in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Freeze them for up to 3 months.

To enjoy frozen brownies, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter.

Their rich, fudgy layers and creamy filling make them hard to resist.

Give this recipe a try and experience the indulgence for yourself.

If you do, let us know how they turned out or share any creative twists you added.

We’d love to hear about your baking adventures!

FAQ’s

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s best to use conventional creamy peanut butter, like Skippy or Jif, for this recipe.

Natural peanut butter tends to separate and has a runnier consistency, which can affect the texture and setting of the peanut butter layer.

How can I achieve a shiny, crinkly top on my brownies?

To get that signature shiny, crinkly top, focus on properly dissolving the sugars into the melted butter and chocolate mixture.

Whisk the eggs thoroughly for at least a minute to incorporate air, which helps create that glossy, delicate crust during baking.