Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Rich and Indulgent Chocolate Delight
Rich, gooey, and indulgently chocolatey, these peanut butter chocolate fudge brownies are my go-to when I crave something comforting and decadent. They strike the perfect balance between deep cocoa flavor and creamy peanut butter, giving me that fudgy texture I can’t resist. Whether I’m baking them for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, they never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies come together with just a few pantry staples and minimal effort. The peanut butter adds a nutty depth that complements the cocoa perfectly, and you can customize them with different flours or sweeteners to suit your needs. The fact that you can choose between fudgy or slightly cakey just by adjusting the bake time makes this recipe incredibly flexible. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free if you use almond or oat flour—bonus!
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy): Adds nutty richness.
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter: Provides moisture and richness.
- ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey: Sweetens naturally.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor.
- ¼ tsp baking soda: Helps the brownies rise slightly.
- ¼ cup flour (oat, white, spelt, or almond for gluten-free): Provides structure.
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips (optional but delicious): Adds extra chocolatey goodness.
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, melted coconut oil or butter, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Gently fold in the flour until the batter is thick and smooth, and stir in the chocolate chips if you’re using them.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and, if you’re feeling fancy, swirl a tablespoon of peanut butter on top for a marbled look.
- Bake: For super fudgy brownies, bake for 20 minutes. If you want them a bit firmer, leave them in for 25 minutes.
- Cool and Slice: Once out of the oven, let them cool completely before slicing—they get even fudgier as they sit.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 9 squares
- Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Variations
- Flour Options: Use almond flour for a grain-free version.
- Sweetener Swap: Swap the maple syrup with honey for a richer sweetness.
- Extra Indulgence: Add a handful of chopped nuts or swirl in some chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Salty-Sweet Twist: A sprinkle of sea salt on top works wonders.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, just pop a piece in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds—it brings back that just-baked gooeyness.
FAQs
- What kind of peanut butter works best?
- I usually go for a natural, unsweetened peanut butter, but smooth or crunchy both work. It’s really up to what texture you prefer.
- Can I make these brownies vegan?
- Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey and make sure the chocolate chips are dairy-free, they’re completely vegan.
- Can I freeze the brownies?
- Absolutely. Let them cool completely, slice them, and then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- What’s the best way to get clean slices?
- Wait until the brownies are fully cool, even chilled, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. That way, the slices come out neat and smooth.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Definitely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly—usually adding about 5–10 more minutes.
Conclusion
These peanut butter chocolate fudge brownies are everything you want in a homemade dessert: rich, simple, and deeply satisfying. Whether you keep them classic or try a new variation, they always come out perfectly fudgy and flavorful. You’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.
