If you adore rich, fudgy chocolate with a luscious surprise hidden inside, you are going to fall head over heels for these Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies. This indulgent treat boasts a decadent layer of creamy peanut butter nestled right in the middle of moist, chocolaty brownie goodness. Every bite combines that perfect balance of sweet chocolate and salty peanut butter, creating a slice of heaven that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to brighten up your afternoon snack, these brownies are sure to become your new go-to dessert!

Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for these brownies is straightforward, yet each component plays a vital role in building the perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base to the rich peanut butter filling and intense cocoa powder, every item is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece:

Smooth peanut butter: Use regular smooth peanut butter (not natural) to ensure a creamy, not oily, filling that holds together well.
Powdered sugar: Also called icing sugar, it sweetens and thickens the peanut butter layer for that perfect stuffing consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the peanut butter filling and the brownie batter.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure so the brownies are chewy without being cakey.
Cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their rich, chocolaty flavor and dark color.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors wonderfully.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Either chips or chopped bar with 50-60% cocoa ensures a deep chocolate flavor and smooth melting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie batter and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Two whole eggs and one extra yolk bind everything together and lend a luscious softness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly greasing the pan first will help the parchment stick and makes lifting the brownies out later a breeze. Setting up your workspace this way saves time and effort during baking and slicing.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is silky and well combined. Make sure to sift the powdered sugar if it’s lumpy to achieve a smooth consistency. Once ready, pop the filling into the fridge to chill while you move on to preparing the brownie batter. This step will help the peanut butter firm up nicely to stay in place during baking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk them together to eliminate lumps and ensure an even distribution of cocoa throughout the batter. This is key for that deep chocolate taste in every bite.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Gently melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together in a heat-safe bowl. If using chocolate bars, chop them finely first for quick, even melting. Microwave on medium power in 45-second bursts, stirring between each, or melt over simmering water using a double boiler. Allow the mixture to cool slightly; you want it warm but not hot for the next step.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk the sugar into the chocolate-butter mixture until smooth. Then add in the two whole eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat everything until the batter is glossy and smooth with no visible clumps of egg. This emulsification creates the wonderfully fudgy texture you are after.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift the dry flour, cocoa, and salt mixture into the wet ingredients gradually. Using a whisk, gently fold until fully combined and smooth, without overmixing. Your brownie batter is now ready for assembly, boasting a rich chocolate base that will perfectly envelop the peanut butter layer.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake the Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies

Pour and smooth half the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Retrieve the chilled peanut butter filling and scoop tablespoons onto the brownie layer, pressing each dollop down slightly to spread just enough to cover most of the bottom layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even — rustic is good! Carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter, avoiding disturbing the filling layer. Smooth it out gently. Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 37 minutes until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow your Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies to cool completely in the pan. This can take a few hours, but the wait is worth it. To speed things up, place the pan on a wire rack in the fridge. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to carefully lift the entire block out and place it on a cutting board. Slice with a sharp knife to reveal the luscious peanut butter secret hidden inside.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies

Garnishes

Add a personal touch by dusting the brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder. For a more decadent presentation, drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter on top or sprinkle chopped peanuts for extra crunch and salty contrast.

Side Dishes

These brownies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a lovely balance to the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking several squares into a mini brownie tower for a fun party platter, or cut the baked brownies into bite-sized bars for sharing. Wrapping individual brownies in parchment or colorful cellophane can make thoughtful homemade gifts that express just how much you care.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, preserving their fudgy texture. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated for up to a week; just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and softness.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies to savor later! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature, or warm gently before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your brownies slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive that gooey texture and intensify the chocolate aroma. Be careful not to overheat, so the peanut butter layer remains perfectly molten and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling?

Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less stable, making the filling runny and less firm. For the best texture and ease of handling, smooth regular peanut butter is recommended.

What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate? Can I use dark chocolate?

Yes! Using dark chocolate with 50-60% cocoa works beautifully and adds a richer, more intense flavor. Just be aware that very dark chocolate might make the brownies slightly less sweet, so adjust sugar levels if desired.

Can I make the peanut butter filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling can be prepared a day or two in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. This actually helps the filling set nicely and makes assembly easier.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for a set top that no longer jiggles and use a toothpick inserted near the center that comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures your brownies are fudgy and moist, not undercooked or dry.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Keep an eye on baking times, as bigger pans might require a bit more time in the oven. Use the same toothpick test to check doneness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies enough for anyone craving a dessert that combines the best of two beloved flavors into one unforgettable treat. They are rich, fudgy, and buttery with a surprise peanut butter center that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite to share with friends and family — just be ready for the compliments to roll in!

Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 2 hours 0 minutes (including cooling time)
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies are a decadent treat featuring a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie base with a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling. Perfectly moist and indulgent, these brownies combine the best of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges to easily lift the brownies later. Lightly grease the pan first so the parchment sticks better.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, and salt until fully combined and smooth. Sift the powdered sugar first if it’s lumpy. Place this mixture in the fridge while preparing the brownie batter to firm up.
Combine Dry Ingredients for Brownie: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together. Chop the chocolate finely for even melting. Use a microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each, or melt over a double boiler with gently simmering water.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Let the melted chocolate and butter mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then whisk in the granulated sugar, 2 whole eggs, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy, ensuring no egg clumps remain.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted or whisked dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture. Whisk until the batter is smooth and no streaks remain.
Assemble Brownies: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
Add Peanut Butter Layer: Remove the peanut butter filling from the fridge. Scoop tablespoons of the filling and flatten them slightly. Arrange these evenly over the brownie batter layer; it’s okay if they don’t cover the entire surface.
Top with Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer. Avoid pouring directly to prevent disturbing the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, fully covering the peanut butter.
Bake the Brownies: Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 32-37 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan until it’s no longer warm, which can take a few hours. To speed this up, place the pan in the fridge on a wire rack. When cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice with a sharp knife to serve.

Notes

For best results, use smooth peanut butter that is not natural to ensure creamy texture in filling.
Ensure the chocolate and butter mixture cools slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
If powdered sugar is lumpy, sift it before mixing for a smoother peanut butter filling.
Do not pour the top brownie layer over the peanut butter; spoon gently to keep layers distinct.
Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts and set texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American