👉FudgyPeanut ButterBrownies – Recipes on a Budget

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Description:
Indulge in the best of both worlds with these Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies! A perfect marriage of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter. These brownies have a decadent, moist texture with a slightly chewy bite, and each bite is bursting with the delicious flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Simple to prepare and bake, this recipe creates a sweet treat that’s perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings or impressing guests. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these brownies will be the star of the show!

Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Yield:
Makes about 16 brownies (depending on the size of the cut).

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or chunky, based on preference)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or cooking spray for easy removal.
Melt Peanut Butter and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter together. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each until completely smooth and combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted peanut butter and butter mixture. Mix until the sugar is dissolved, and everything is well incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined (be careful not to over-mix).
Pour and Spread: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges should appear set while the center remains slightly soft for that fudgy texture.
Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve!

Nutrition Information (Per Brownie):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 5g

Serving Tips:

Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, fudgy texture of these brownies.
Top with Peanut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle some extra melted peanut butter on top for a more decadent finish.
Enjoy with Milk: A cold glass of milk complements the rich flavors and balances the sweetness of the brownies.
Perfect for Gifting: These brownies are easy to cut into squares and make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.

Variations:

Add Chocolate Chips: For extra richness, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk or dark) into the batter before baking.
Add Crushed Peanuts: If you love texture, fold in some crushed peanuts for an added crunch.
Swirl Nutella: Add a swirl of Nutella or another hazelnut spread to the brownie batter for an even more indulgent treat.
Make them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Use Brown Sugar: For a deeper, caramel-like flavor, replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, crunchy peanut butter will give the brownies a fun texture, but smooth peanut butter is typically preferred for a creamy consistency.
Can I make these brownies dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free butter and ensure the peanut butter you’re using is dairy-free.
How do I store these brownies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these brownies? Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate? Yes, substitute 1/4 cup cocoa powder with 2 oz of melted dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
How do I prevent the brownies from being too dry? Make sure not to over-bake them. Check for doneness at 25 minutes and remove them once a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these in a 9×13 pan? Yes, but they will be thinner. Adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes.
Can I add more peanut butter? Yes, you can increase the peanut butter to 1 1/2 cups for an even more peanut butter-forward flavor.
Can I substitute the eggs? For an egg-free version, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.
What’s the best way to cut brownies? For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and clean it between each cut.
Can I make these in mini muffin tins? Yes, bake them in a mini muffin tin for about 12-15 minutes for brownie bites.
What if my brownies are too gooey in the middle? Try baking them a few minutes longer, but be careful not to over-bake, as this can make them dry.
How can I make them more fudgy? Reduce the baking time slightly or use an extra tablespoon of butter to keep the brownies moist.
Can I add a layer of peanut butter in the middle? Yes, you can spoon half of the batter into the pan, add a layer of peanut butter, and then top with the remaining batter.
Are these brownies better on the first day? These brownies are actually even better the next day as the flavors meld and the texture becomes more fudgy.
Can I add coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor? Yes, a teaspoon of brewed coffee will bring out the chocolate flavor without being overpowering.
How do I make these brownies less sweet? Reduce the sugar slightly or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of stirring by hand? Yes, you can use a hand mixer, but mix the ingredients on low speed to avoid over-beating.
How do I know when they’re done? They should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. Test with a toothpick — it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these brownies vegan? Yes, use dairy-free butter, peanut butter, and an egg substitute such as flax eggs to make these brownies vegan.

20 Best Tips for Perfect Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies:

Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature for smoother mixing.
Don’t over-mix the batter: Stir just until combined for a tender, fudgy texture.
Grease the pan properly: Ensure the pan is greased well or lined with parchment paper to easily remove the brownies.
Check for doneness early: Start checking at 25 minutes to avoid over-baking and drying out the brownies.
Let them cool completely: Let the brownies cool in the pan for better texture and easier cutting.
Use high-quality peanut butter: Opt for a natural, creamy peanut butter for the best flavor and texture.
Add a pinch of salt: A small amount of salt will enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Use a sharp knife to cut brownies: Clean your knife between cuts to keep your brownie squares neat.
For extra fudginess, under-bake slightly: Remove the brownies when a few moist crumbs are on your toothpick for extra fudginess.
Do not skip the cooling time: Let the brownies cool before cutting them to set the texture.
Make sure the oven is preheated: Preheat your oven fully before placing the brownies inside for even baking.
Use a glass baking dish: Glass pans provide even heat distribution for perfectly baked brownies.
Incorporate chocolate chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Swap the sugar for coconut sugar: For a healthier twist, try coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Top with peanut butter drizzle: Melt some extra peanut butter and drizzle it over the brownies for a beautiful finish.
Don’t over-bake: Brownies continue to set while they cool, so it’s better to take them out slightly underdone.
Use parchment paper: For easy removal, line your baking dish with parchment paper.
Add swirls of Nutella: For a unique flavor combination, swirl Nutella into the batter before baking.
Experiment with different nuts: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts for added texture and flavor.
Let them rest overnight: Letting the brownies sit for a few hours or overnight will improve their texture and flavor.