Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Name: Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup peanut butter; 0.33333334326744 cup margarine, softened; 0.66666668653488 cup white sugar; 0.5 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large egg; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Peanut Butter Squares

These peanut butter squares are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With a soft, chewy texture and a rich peanut butter flavor, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow the steps below to prepare these yummy squares!

Ingredients

cup peanut butter
cup margarine, softened
cup white sugar
cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients on the countertop to ensure you have everything you need before you start.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, cream together the peanut butter and margarine until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Gradually add in the white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well-combined and the mixture is fluffy.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the peanut butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top of the squares springs back when lightly touched.
Step 8: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting it into 16 squares.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 square)

Calories: 177
Total Fat: 9g (11% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 2g (9% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 23mg (8% Daily Value)
Sodium: 159mg (7% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 23g (8% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 16g
Protein: 4g (7% Daily Value)
Calcium: 32mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
Potassium: 81mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Peanut butter brownies are a delightful fusion of two classic dessertspeanut butter and brownies. The origins of this delicious treat are tied to American cuisine, where peanut butter has long been a beloved ingredient. The combination of the nutty, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the fudgy, rich texture of brownies has made it a favorite for dessert lovers across the globe. However, the exact origin of the chewy peanut butter brownie remains unclear. The American culinary tradition, with its tendency to blend simple ingredients, most likely gave birth to this concoction in the mid-20th century, when peanut butter began to take a central role in many household recipes.

Regional Variations

While peanut butter is popular across the United States, regional variations of peanut butter brownies can be found. In the Southern U.S., where peanut butter is a staple in many desserts, variations might include the addition of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate to enhance the flavor. The West Coast, with its penchant for health-conscious ingredients, may feature versions using natural peanut butter or other alternative sweeteners. Additionally, some regions prefer a denser, more cake-like texture, while others opt for a fudgy, chewy consistency, which is the hallmark of this recipe.

Distinct Features

Chewy peanut butter brownies stand out from traditional brownies due to the inclusion of peanut butter in the batter. This gives them a unique, rich flavor that differentiates them from the more classic chocolate brownies. Unlike other peanut butter desserts like peanut butter cookies or bars, which often use peanut butter as a topping or mix-in, these brownies incorporate the nutty spread directly into the batter, infusing every bite with its creamy, salty goodness. The result is a moist and chewy texture that is far more decadent than a standard brownie.

Where Are They Typically Served?

Chewy peanut butter brownies are a popular choice for casual gatherings and family get-togethers. Theyre often served at bake sales, potlucks, or as an after-school snack for kids. The appeal of these brownies extends beyond just their flavor; their ease of preparation makes them an ideal dessert for last-minute events. They are also commonly found at coffee shops and bakeries that specialize in indulgent, homemade-style treats. Pairing these brownies with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk is a classic way to enjoy them.

Fun Facts About Peanut Butter Brownies

Peanut butter was originally popularized in the U.S. as a health food in the early 1900s before it became a beloved snack ingredient.
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic in American dessert-making, often referred to as a "perfect pairing" by many dessert enthusiasts.
Despite its popularity, peanut butter was not always a household staple; it became more widespread after World War II, when it was marketed as a low-cost source of protein.
Some variations of peanut butter brownies include the addition of chocolate chips, marshmallows, or even a peanut butter glaze on top.
Peanut butter, rich in healthy fats and proteins, provides a unique texture and flavor, setting these brownies apart from other desserts.

FAQ about Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

These peanut butter brownies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing them in the freezer.

Yes, you can use any type of peanut butter you prefer. Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture, but if you prefer crunchy peanut butter, you can use that too. Just note that crunchy peanut butter will add more texture to the brownies.

If your brownies turn out more cake-like, you can try reducing the mixing time or shortening the baking time by a few minutes. Overmixing the batter can make them fluffier, so it's best to gently fold in the ingredients to keep them dense and chewy. If necessary, you can reduce the flour slightly or add a bit more peanut butter for extra moisture.

Yes, you can substitute margarine with an equal amount of butter. This will add a richer flavor to the brownies. If you're looking for a non-dairy option, you can try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. If you double the ingredients, bake the brownies in a 9x13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them. The brownies are done when the top springs back when lightly touched.

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even peanut butter chips to the batter. If you're adding chocolate chips, about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup should work well. Just fold them in gently before baking.

The brownies are done when the top is golden and springs back lightly when touched. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they're ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make them dry.

If the brownies are underdone in the middle, you can return them to the oven for a few more minutes, but keep checking every 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for a bit longer to avoid burning the edges.

Yes, these brownies freeze very well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or heat them briefly in the microwave.

If you don't have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of almond extract for a different flavor profile, or you can simply omit it. The brownies will still taste delicious without it.

Comments

tmiller676

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Great recipe! I made a couple of changes, though, to make it less cake-like and more brownie-like: I doubled the recipe and added one less egg and 1/3 cup less flour. I also added an extra 1/3 cup of peanut butter (and a few less tablespoons butter) and spread a thin layer of a chocolate glaze on top when it came out of the oven. It was a huge hit! I'll definitely be making it again.

naples34102

03/03/2008 05:09:01 PM

I should have trusted my instincts on these and used my own judgment rather than paying such close attention to all the reviewers who recommended a longer baking time. Do not overbake, or you'll end up with one, dry peanut butter brownie. Mine would have been perfect at 25 minutes, but I let it go another five. Having said that, they're good, with a nice peanut butter flavor--but with so many other recipes out there, I wouldn't call this a "must make again, to die for recipe." I frosted them with Chocolate Frosting I, which made them twice as good as they would have been otherwise.

KC03

11/12/2004 02:25:40 PM

Tastes like a peanut butter cake, moist and yummy! I added about 2/3 cup of chocolate chips and baked it in a 8x8 baking pan instead of 9x9. Very quick and easy to make.

ELIZZYC

12/13/2002 03:35:03 PM

These are really yummy, especially with chocolate frosting. To double the recipe, I baked them in a 9x13 pan and lowered the temp to 325 (as was suggested by another reviewer) - they were more than ready in 35 minutes.

Chef Joy

05/18/2010 11:37:56 AM

HELPFUL TIPS WHEN BAKING TO PREVENT HARD EDGES: I cover the pan with foil and with a knife... I cut out a big square in the middle so just 2" all around the edges is covered w/foil, so the edges are AS chewy as the middle. I double this recipe and it takes about 35-45 min to bake. I just wait for it to spring back as indicated and be a nice golden color (check the very center b/c that's where it will be gooey if not done). I add eyeball amount of chocolate chips on top before baking which I think is goodness. Or you can melt a chocolate glaze/frosting on top after it's done which also tastes delicious. I freeze the leftovers but definitely make double the amount using the suggestion of doubling all ingred. but adding 1/3C MORE pb, 2T LESS butter, and 1/3C LESS flour (so 1C + 2/3C). Excellent each time!

Allrecipes Member

07/17/2002 06:29:03 PM

LOVED THIS!!!!! Delicious is too small a word for it. I put peanut butter and milk chocolate chips all over the top and let them bake in. Thanks

Allrecipes Member

01/12/2008 06:39:21 AM

These brownies were amazing! My boyfriend hates chocolate, so I'm always trying to find desserts that don't have any in them. I made the recipe as is, but made a peanut butter icing in order to make it extra special! I used 2 cups of confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, 2 teaspoons of corn syrup and 2 full tablespoons of peanut butter. It made the brownies sweeter (the way I like them) and added even more peanut butter flavor! I'll definitely be making these again soon!!!

JulieBlair1979

09/24/2002 04:32:40 PM

These are awesome. I make them over and over and my room mates always ask for more. Even better than semi-sweet chocolate chips is just 2 Hershey bars broken up and placed on right after they come out of the oven. Then smear the chocolate all over when it melts. These are amazing and fast.

Ponytail Goddess

04/04/2012 09:03:47 PM

So sinful and good! There is no need to change any of the ingredient amounts to make these more brownie-like, rather than cake-like. All I did was barely mix the ingredients together and then put them in for only 25 minutes instead of 30. They were still slightly underdone in the middle, which is how I love them. I tossed in 2/3 cup of white chocolate chips because my boyfriend loves them! They were a big hit and I plan to make them again very soon! Note: Double the peanut butter--they're even better this way! You can also replace the butter with applesauce without any noticeable difference.

cherylfromky

02/11/2012 03:25:15 PM

Everyone loves these brownies! I did make a few changes. First of all I doubled the recipe. I only use 3 eggs instead of 4 and 2 cups peanut butter. I also decreased the white sugar by 1/2 c and increased the brown sugar by 1/2 c. Lastly, I add 1/2 bag of Reeces peanut butter chips!

tarkishat

05/18/2014 08:54:10 PM

This is a quick and easy dessert. I just fixed one today it was great! I've made these PB brownies about three times before and I am not a peanut butter fan at all these brownies changed that for me and now I keep a jar of peanut butter in my pantry just so I can make these. I would also like to add that you can omit the salt because the butter and the peanut butter has plenty of salt already in them. DO NOT beat until fluffy! You will have a cake like brownie. One person suggested using a fork to blend the butter and peanut butter, then use a spoon to mix in the rest of the ingredients. This will keep you from over mixing. I followed her suggestions and they turned out better than the previous ones. Thanks for this great recipe.

Raven

08/27/2025 09:27:24 PM

Followed recipe and topped with some chocolate chips (because that’s what my partner would prefer) and he cannot stop eating them!!

MJ

08/02/2025 11:40:49 PM

Wonderful recipes

Christine Thomas

03/15/2025 11:36:51 PM

Honestly, my new favorite recipe.

Benjamin Smith

02/09/2025 02:48:26 AM

Made it for lunch — zero leftovers.

Caye Alexander

12/31/2024 10:16:34 PM

I made just the plain basic peanut butter brownie and it was fantastic without any extras

RowdyVeal1323

12/15/2024 10:56:59 PM

Followed the recipe as is, including using a 9x9 pan. Will be making these again the next get together!

FredLP

12/14/2024 04:20:46 AM

The picture shows peanuts atop the finished brownie yet no mention of peanuts is made in the recipe. Do you add the topping before baking or are they mixed into the batter?

cjryder

11/10/2024 05:48:01 PM

Comes together in a flash. Hubby loved the peanut butter flavor. Definitely a keeper!

SilverStew9914

10/19/2024 12:02:57 AM

Wow. These are life changing. Have you ever tasted a food that not only reminds you of democracy, but also reminds you of the fact that Palestine might be free? Well look no further! This is a Guyanese delight that we think you will enjoy. This reminds me of the hope that I have for Momala and And coach walz to lead a successful presidency. we was bouta square up when they asked if we went to Stanford. Cheerio!

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