If you have a soft spot for the divine combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie with a molten peanut butter center that oozes out with every forkful. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and dense, packed with flavors that will have you craving one more slice—trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be your go-to treat for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is refreshingly simple, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing these peanut butter stuffed brownies to life. From the melty butter that ensures fudginess to the cocoa powder that adds depth, every element is essential to the texture and flavor you will love.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, creamy base for the brownies, ensuring they stay moist.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the chocolate or peanut butter flavors.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the brownies their structure.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted: Infuses the batter with luscious chocolate goodness.
- 1 cup peanut butter chips: Adds extra pockets of peanut butter flavor throughout the brownies.
- 1 ¾ cups flour: The main dry ingredient that holds the brownie together with a tender crumb.
- ½ cup Hershey cocoa powder: Brings intense chocolate flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste.
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter: For the gooey peanut butter filling that melts in your mouth.
- ¼ cup chunky peanut butter: Provides a delightful crunchy texture inside the gooey center.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Incorporates into the peanut butter frosting for smoothness.
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter frosting perfectly.
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream: Creates a creamy texture in the peanut butter frosting.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Used to make a luscious ganache topping.
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Mixed with chocolate chips to form the ganache.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Swirled into the ganache for the finishing touch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Start by bringing ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream to a slow simmer over low heat—don’t let it boil! Pour this warm cream over ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Whisk gently until you achieve a smooth, glossy ganache. Then, fold in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to give it that irresistible swirl of nutty goodness. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the brownies.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Add the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, mixing until smooth and shiny. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, being careful not to overmix—you want those brownies dense and fudgy. Stir in the peanut butter chips to scatter little bursts of peanut flavor throughout.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
Using a mixer, blend the softened butter, both creamy and chunky peanut butter, powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. The result should be a thick but spreadable peanut butter frosting that forms the gooey center of your brownies.
Step 4: Assemble the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and pour half of the brownie batter evenly into the pan. Dollop the peanut butter filling across the batter, then gently spread it out but don’t reach the edges, leaving a little margin to avoid mixing layers. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it to cover the filling completely.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the brownies at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the edges comes out clean. The center should still be slightly fudgy—remember, that’s the magic of these stuffed brownies! Allow them to cool before topping with the peanut butter chocolate ganache you prepared earlier.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a few crunchy roasted peanuts sprinkled on top take these brownies from decadent to downright show-stopping. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a little flaky sea salt can also add an elegant touch and enhance the flavor layers.
Side Dishes
These brownies are rich, so pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream helps balance the intensity. A fresh berry compote or sliced strawberries add a bright, tangy contrast that keeps your palate excited.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual brownies in cute ramekins with a spoon for a cozy, indulgent treat. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized squares and stick in a toothpick for fun party snacks. Wrapping a brownie square with a colorful ribbon makes for a lovely gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge will keep them fresh and prevent the peanut butter filling from becoming too soft.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, microwave a brownie for about 15 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. The peanut butter filling will get wonderfully gooey again, making each bite extra indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy and chunky peanut butter?
You can certainly use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind it may alter the texture of the filling slightly since natural peanut butter is thinner and less sweet. Adding a bit more powdered sugar can help maintain that classic creamy, sweet filling.
What pan size is best for this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe?
A 9×13 inch pan is ideal because it allows the brownies to bake evenly and gives a perfect thickness that showcases the peanut butter stuffing without overwhelming the chocolate layers.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just check that your cocoa powder and chips are gluten-free as well. The texture may be a touch different, but the flavor will still shine!
Is it necessary to melt the chocolate chips for the batter?
Melting the chocolate chips helps create a silky, fudgy batter with that signature dense texture. If you use unmelted chips, they will add pockets of texture but might impact the overall smoothness of the brownies.
How long should I wait before slicing the brownies?
It’s best to let the brownies cool completely in the pan for at least an hour. This allows the peanut butter filling to set and makes cutting clean slices much easier—plus, no one wants a gooey mess when they’re ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe feels like handing you a ticket to pure chocolate and peanut butter bliss. From the easy mix of ingredients to that unforgettable gooey peanut filling, this dessert is guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a special celebration, give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These indulgent Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layers with a creamy peanut butter filling. Perfectly gooey and chocolatey with bursts of peanut butter chips, these brownies are an irresistible treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Hershey cocoa powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Peanut Butter Filling
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup chunky peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Heat cream for ganache: Using a small pot, bring the ¼ cup heavy whipping cream to a slow simmer, being careful not to boil.
- Make chocolate ganache: Pour the hot cream over ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips placed in a heat-safe bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Prepare peanut butter filling: In a mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup chunky peanut butter, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream together until smooth and creamy.
- Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, melted chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, flour, cocoa powder, and kosher salt until just combined.
- Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Spread half the brownie batter evenly in the pan. Dollop the peanut butter filling over the batter and gently spread it out. Top with the remaining brownie batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool completely before spreading the prepared chocolate ganache mixed with ½ cup creamy peanut butter on top. Chill to set ganache before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for melting.
- The peanut butter filling can be adjusted to taste by using all creamy or all chunky peanut butter.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep brownies fudgy and moist.
- Allow brownies to cool fully before adding the ganache topping to prevent melting.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
