Easy Peanut Butter Brownies
Easy Peanut Butter Brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These deep, rich brownies satisfy every chocolate craving. After making this many times, I know the secret to fudgy perfection. The melty peanut butter and chocolate combine for a cozy treat. Try my Lemon Ricotta Pasta for a contrast of flavors. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Lemon Ricotta Pasta and Creamy Beef Pasta.
Why This Easy Peanut Butter Brownies Is Pure Comfort
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Easy to make
- Best homemade brownies
- Family favorite
What You'll Need for Easy Peanut Butter Brownies
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp milk
- Optional: Crushed peanuts
- Optional: Sea salt
- Optional: Chocolate drizzle
📝 Ingredient Notes
- peanut butter: Use smooth for even texture.
- butter: Melt it first for best mixing.
- eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Bench scraper — Easily divide and shape brownie batter → See on Amazon
- Candy thermometer — Check butter temperature for perfect mixing → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Brownies
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let cool completely. Cut into squares and top with optional toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Peanut Butter Brownies
- Texture: Use room temperature butter for a smoother mix.
- Common mistake and fix: Overbaking makes brownies dry. Check at 25 minutes.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Flavor: Add a splash of milk for a richer taste.
Storing & Reheating Easy Peanut Butter Brownies
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Make 1–2 days ahead and store properly.
Freezing Easy Peanut Butter Brownies
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Microwave: Microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Let the batter rest 10 minutes before baking for better texture.
- Best substitution: Use almond butter for a nut-free version.
- Make-ahead: Brownies can be baked ahead and stored at room temperature.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger batch.
- Troubleshooting: Soft brownies may need 5 more minutes in the oven.
Want to level up this recipe?
Mixing bowl — Sturdy bowl for mixing large batches → Check price on Amazon
Easy Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Seasonings
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp milk
Optional Toppings
- Crushed peanuts
- Sea salt
- Chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let cool completely. Cut into squares and top with optional toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: Let the batter rest 10 minutes before baking for better texture.
- Best substitution: Use almond butter for a nut-free version.
- Make-ahead: Brownies can be baked ahead and stored at room temperature.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger batch.
- Troubleshooting: Soft brownies may need 5 more minutes in the oven.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Make ahead: Make 1–2 days ahead and store properly.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Peanut Butter Brownies FAQs
Yes, they can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.
Overbaking or not using room temperature ingredients can lead to dry or dense brownies. Check the pan size and baking time carefully.
Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Almond butter or cashew butter can be used. They will change the flavor slightly but work well.
Yes, the recipe is designed for oven baking. Preheat to 350°F and bake for 25–30 minutes.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Peanut Butter Brownies and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
