Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe with Fudgy Swirl

Layers of rich chocolate surround a smooth peanut butter filling in these chocolate peanut butter brownies — a truly show-stopping dessert.

Fudgy peanut butter brownies

Looking for an easy chocolate dessert that will please a crowd? These triple-layer peanut butter brownies deliver. Each bite tastes like a homemade Reese’s peanut butter cup tucked into a gooey, fudgy brownie crust — perfect for kids and adults alike.

Peanut butter brownie recipe video (step by step)

Easy peanut butter brownies

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Use any brownie recipe you like for the base, as long as it fits an 8-inch baking pan. I made the brownies from scratch for the photos, but a box mix works just as well when you need a quick, impressive dessert.

Ingredients

For these brownies you’ll need: a brownie base that fits an 8-inch pan, peanut butter (or a nut-free or alternative nut butter), butter (or plant-based butter), powdered sugar or powdered sweetener, and optional chocolate chips and oil for the coating.

Natural peanut butter or standard brands both work. You can also swap in almond butter, cashew butter, or coconut butter to change the flavor. The chocolate ganache is optional — omit it or make it without oil for an oil-free version; it will be slightly less smooth but still delicious.

Peanut butter filling

To make the simple three-ingredient peanut butter filling: cream together 6 tablespoons peanut butter and 6 tablespoons butter with 1½ cups powdered sugar (or powdered erythritol for a sugar-free option). If the filling is too thick, add ½ tablespoon milk of your choice. This amount covers one batch of brownies; store any extra in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For a vegan version, use a vegan butter spread and pair this filling with a vegan brownie base.

Cream cheese peanut butter frosting (optional)

If you prefer a cream cheese topping, whip 8 ounces softened cream cheese with ½ cup peanut butter, a pinch of salt, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Use this in place of the buttercream filling for a tangier finish.

How to make the brownies

1. Prepare and bake your chosen brownie base according to its directions. You can bake the brownies a day ahead to save time.

2. While the brownies cool, blend the peanut butter filling ingredients until smooth using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or vigorous stirring by hand. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled brownies.

3. If using a chocolate coating, gently melt about 3 ounces of chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) with ½ teaspoon oil, stir until smooth, and spread or swirl over the peanut butter layer. Chill briefly in the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate sets.

The finished brownies are chewy, dense, and packed with chocolate and peanut butter flavor.

Easy peanut butter desserts

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut Butter Dip

Protein Cookies

Banana Ice Cream

Peanut Butter Mousse

Chocolate Hummus

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Bars