Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies Recipe

 

If you have a weakness for rich, fudgy treats with a surprise center that elevates every bite, then you absolutely must try these Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies. They strike the perfect balance between decadent chocolate and creamy, sweet peanut butter filling, promising a mouthwatering experience that feels both indulgent and wonderfully comforting. With each bite, you’ll discover the irresistible softness of the brownie contrasted by a luscious peanut butter heart that melts and mingles beautifully on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for yourself or impressing friends, these Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies will quickly become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for these Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor harmony. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the creamy peanut butter creating the irresistible center, the rich cocoa lending depth to the chocolate, or the eggs contributing tenderness and structure.

• Smooth peanut butter: Use non-natural peanut butter for creaminess and a sweeter flavor in the filling.
• Powdered sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to the peanut butter layer without graininess.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth both in the peanut butter filling and brownie batter.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the brownies, keeping them soft but sturdy.
• Cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor and beautiful color to the brownies.
• Salt: A pinch to balance sugar, boosting all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Melts smoothly with chocolate to create a luxuriously fudgy brownie texture.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Melted with butter for intense, velvety chocolate richness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy brownie crust.
• Large eggs and egg yolk: Essential for giving brownies their tender crumb and richness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the edges for easy removal later. Lightly greasing the pan before adding the parchment helps it stick and keeps the brownies from sticking.

Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and salt together until smooth and well combined. If your powdered sugar lumps, sift it for the smoothest filling texture. Pop this filling into the fridge to chill while you prepare the brownie batter—this helps it firm up nicely so it holds shape later.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a small bowl. Setting these aside allows you to incorporate them smoothly later into the wet ingredients without clumps.

Step 4: Melt Butter and Chocolate

Chop the semi-sweet chocolate finely and melt it together with the butter in either a microwave (in gentle increments) or a double boiler. Stir frequently for an even, glossy chocolate mixture. Let it cool for about five minutes to avoid cooking your eggs when added.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk the sugar into the chocolate mixture, then add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the batter is smooth, shiny, and well combined with no egg clumps visible.

Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, cocoa, and salt blend into the wet chocolate mixture to prevent lumps and whisk gently until you have a smooth, velvety brownie batter.

Step 7: Layer the Brownies and Peanut Butter Filling

Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Retrieve the peanut butter filling from the fridge, scoop spoonfuls, and gently flatten them to cover most of the first layer. Then carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer—take care not to disturb it—and spread evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the center of the oven for 32 to 37 minutes. The top should look set, and a toothpick inserted will come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid underbaking as you want a fudgy, not gooey, brownie.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan until it feels no longer warm, which could take a couple of hours. For faster cooling, place the pan on a wire rack in the fridge. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan and slice neatly with a sharp knife.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top for a simple, elegant touch. For extra flair, drizzle melted chocolate or a swirl of peanut butter over each brownie. Chopped peanuts add a crunchy contrast that complements the smooth filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness with a cool, creamy contrast. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, add vibrant color and a refreshing tartness that cuts through the chocolatey sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and stack them in a pretty jar or on a tiered dessert tray. You can even layer them in clear glasses with alternating whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an impressive dessert parfait that highlights the peanut butter-stuffed wonder inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keeping them in the fridge will preserve their freshness for about a week and maintain the integrity of the peanut butter filling.

Freezing

These brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Frozen brownies are best enjoyed within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

To enjoy warm brownies after storing or freezing, briefly microwave individual portions for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at a low temperature. This helps revive the gooey peanut butter center and rich chocolate, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling?

Natural peanut butter tends to be less sweet and oilier, which can affect the consistency and sweetness of your filling. For these Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies, smooth, non-natural peanut butter works best to achieve that creamy and slightly sweet center that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.

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

You can use dark chocolate with 50-60% cocoa content as an alternative. It will give your brownies a deeper, slightly less sweet chocolate flavor but still result in a rich and fudgy texture. Avoid milk chocolate, as it can make the brownies too soft and overly sweet.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure the cocoa powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!

How do I prevent the peanut butter layer from mixing into the brownie batter?

Chilling the peanut butter filling before assembling helps it hold its shape when you layer the batter on top. When adding the second layer, spoon the batter carefully and spread gently to minimize disturbing the peanut butter pockets.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just double each ingredient and use a larger pan—like 9×13 inches—to accommodate the increased volume. Keep an eye on the baking time as it may need to be extended by several minutes; test with a toothpick accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies that makes them impossible to resist. With their fudgy texture and creamy heart, this recipe offers a wonderful twist on a classic favorite. I encourage you to give them a try—they are guaranteed to be a showstopper at any gathering or a delicious treat to brighten your day. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

 

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