Description
These fudgy peanut butter swirl brownies are an easy, pantry-staple dessert that combines rich chocolate with salty-sweet peanut butter and a finish of flaky sea salt. Ready in about 35 minutes, they offer a dense, moist texture that is superior to bakery brownies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine table salt or kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons extra creamy peanut butter (for swirling)
- Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (implied in wet ingredients step)
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or in a small saucepan over low heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk the melted butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until glossy. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the surface.
- Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter in Z-shaped motions. Avoid over-swirling to maintain visible streaks.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set and pulling away from the pan, but the center should still look soft and jiggly.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top while warm.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares to ensure clean cuts and proper setting.
Notes
Do not overbake; brownies continue to cook on the hot pan after removal. Use creamy peanut butter for best swirling results. Cool completely before cutting to prevent mushiness. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: brownies, peanut butter brownies, fudgy brownies, easy dessert, flaky salt, chocolate dessert, quick baking, pantry staples