Description
Indulge in these Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies featuring a fudgy, deeply chocolatey brownie exterior with a thick, creamy peanut butter center. This ultimate recipe creates a dramatic layered effect with a gooey middle and a crackly top, perfect for bakery-worthy treats that satisfy both chocolate and peanut butter cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, then fold gently into the wet ingredients until just combined. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips if using.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a separate bowl, blend the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth, thick, and spreadable.
- Assemble: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Carefully spoon and spread the peanut butter mixture over this brownie layer, distributing it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer and gently spread or smooth it to cover, forming the top chocolate layer.
- Bake to Fudgy Perfection: Bake the assembled brownies for 30 to 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick near the edge to test doneness; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing to maintain clean, distinct layers.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them rather than baking fully.
- Chilling the brownies for an hour before cutting helps achieve sharp, clean slices.
- Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance flavor contrast.
- For extra richness, swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the top brownie layer instead of fully covering it.
- Variations include adding chopped Reese’s cups for double peanut butter flavor, using dark cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste, or substituting peanut butter with cookie butter or Nutella.
