Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe

Rich Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Chocolate and peanut butter make magic happen in these decadent stuffed brownies that promise pure indulgence.

Rich cocoa meets creamy peanut butter for an unexpected twist on classic desserts.

Swirls of nutty spread create stunning visual and flavor patterns inside each fudgy square.

Dense brownie layers conceal a luscious peanut butter center that melts perfectly with every bite.

Sweet and salty notes dance together, creating a sophisticated treat beyond simple dessert expectations.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can craft these irresistible brownies without professional baking skills.

One taste will convince you these are the most memorable brownies you’ve ever experienced.

Why Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Are Irresistible

  • Dive into Decadence: Experience an irresistible dessert that combines rich chocolate brownies with a creamy peanut butter center, creating a mouthwatering treat that will make taste buds dance.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights, these brownies guarantee smiles and second helpings with their indulgent layers of chocolate and peanut butter goodness.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Conveniently prepare in advance and store at room temperature or refrigerate, ensuring you can satisfy sweet cravings quickly without compromising on incredible flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies

Chocolate Base:
  • Butter: Creamy and rich dairy product.
  • Chocolate: Dark and decadent baking chocolate.
  • Sugar: Sweet granulated white sugar.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Large fresh eggs.
  • Egg Yolk: Extra rich egg center.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure flavor enhancer.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Standard white baking flour.
  • Cocoa Powder: Rich dark chocolate powder.
  • Salt: Tiny flavor booster.
Peanut Butter Layer:
  • Peanut Butter: Smooth and creamy classic spread.

How to Make Stuffed Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Peanut Butter Filling

Grab your peanut butter and warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until it becomes liquid-like but not scorching hot.

Take a metal 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang.

Spread the peanut butter evenly across the pan.

Pop it in the freezer for 1 hour until completely solid.

Once frozen, lift out the peanut butter sheet using the parchment and return it to the freezer while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Brownie Base

Heat your oven to 350°F.

Grab a large microwave-safe bowl and combine:
  • Butter
  • Chocolate

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

Add sugar to the warm mixture and whisk energetically until well combined.

Let it cool down until just barely warm to the touch.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk in:
  • Eggs
  • Egg yolk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend for about 1 minute until everything is thoroughly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.

Carefully place the frozen peanut butter sheet on top.

Cover completely with remaining brownie batter.

Bake for approximately 30 minutes, aiming for a slightly gooey center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 30 minutes.

Remove and allow to cool for another 30 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for Stuffed Brownies

  • Create a solid peanut butter sheet by freezing it for an hour before adding to brownie batter, ensuring clean layering and easy placement.
  • Use short microwave bursts while stirring between each interval to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture.
  • Look for slightly gooey center when baking, which indicates perfectly moist brownies that won't become dry or overcooked.
  • Refrigerate brownies to enhance their dense, rich texture and make cutting into clean squares easier.
  • Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days to maintain optimal freshness and taste.

Store and Reheat Brownies with Ease

  • Store brownies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Warm brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey, just-baked feel. Alternatively, use a toaster oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp edges and soft center.
  • Let refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance their rich, fudgy texture.

What Pairs with Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Savor Complementary Flavor Companions
  • Elevate Sweet Milk Pairing: Rich whole milk or creamy chocolate milk beautifully balances the dense, rich brownie texture while cutting through the intense peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
  • Match Bold Coffee Experience: Robust espresso or dark roast coffee provides a perfect bitter contrast, enhancing the sweet brownie's complexity and highlighting the nutty peanut butter undertones.
  • Explore Wine Indulgence: Select a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato, which complements the brownie's decadent profile and offers a luxurious adult twist to this classic treat.
  • Boost Ice Cream Combination: Vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream creates a temperature and texture contrast, adding creamy coolness that melts wonderfully against the warm, fudgy brownie.

Brownie Flavor Ideas and Twists

  • Gluten-Free Haven: Replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, chocolatey texture.
  • Vegan Chocolate Dream: Swap butter and eggs with coconut oil, mashed banana, and flax eggs to craft a plant-based brownie that's equally decadent and creamy.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar, and opt for sugar-free dark chocolate to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the intense chocolate flavor.
  • Nutty Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for those with peanut allergies or seeking a different nutty profile in the stuffed brownie.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy filling effect.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a slightly crackly top and edges that pull away from the pan. The center should still be slightly gooey when you insert a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

  • What's the purpose of freezing the peanut butter layer?

Freezing helps create a distinct peanut butter layer that stays separate from the brownie batter, making it easier to handle and ensuring a clean, defined filling when you slice the brownies.

  • Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make these brownies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe

Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent peanut butter stuffed brownies promise a delightful dance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Chocolate lovers will savor each fudgy, irresistible bite of this ultimate dessert that blends sweet and nutty flavors into pure bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Chocolate and Peanut Butter):

  • 1 1/4 cups (336 grams) creamy conventional peanut butter
  • 1 box brownie mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a smooth, pourable peanut butter layer by warming it in the microwave for a brief 20-30 seconds.
  2. Create a rectangular peanut butter sheet by spreading the warmed mixture evenly in a parchment-lined metal pan, then freeze for an hour until completely solidified.
  3. Remove the frozen peanut butter sheet using the parchment paper and return to the freezer while preparing the brownie batter.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F and re-line the same pan with fresh parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
  5. Melt chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, using 30-second intervals and stirring between each burst until smooth and fully combined.
  6. Whisk sugar into the warm chocolate mixture vigorously, then allow to cool slightly.
  7. Incorporate eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the chocolate mixture, whisking for approximately one minute until thoroughly blended.
  8. Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt using a rubber spatula, mixing just until ingredients are combined.
  9. Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
  10. Carefully position the frozen peanut butter sheet on top of the initial batter layer.
  11. Cover the peanut butter sheet completely with the remaining brownie batter, ensuring full coverage.
  12. Bake for around 30 minutes, aiming for a slightly gooey center while ensuring overall doneness.
  13. Allow brownies to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then remove and let sit for an additional 30 minutes before slicing.
  14. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days, noting that chilled brownies offer an extra fudgy texture.

Notes

  • Freeze the peanut butter sheet completely to ensure clean layering and prevent mixing with the brownie batter during assembly.
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and more consistent brownie texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the brownie batter to prevent tough, dense brownies; stop stirring once ingredients are just combined.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurement.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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