Description
These Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies are fudgy, deeply chocolatey brownies with a thick, creamy peanut butter center. Featuring a gooey middle and crackly top, this indulgent treat is rich, bakery-worthy, and perfect for those craving a dramatic layered dessert with luscious textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, then stir in the chocolate chips if using.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth, thick, and well combined.
- Assemble: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Carefully spread the peanut butter mixture over this brownie layer, making sure it is level. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer and gently spread it out to cover the filling completely, creating a layered effect.
- Bake to Fudgy Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick near the edge; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for clean slicing and sharp layers.
Notes
- Slightly underbaking the brownies results in a fudgier texture.
- Chill the brownies for at least 1 hour before cutting to get sharp, clean slices.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for enhanced flavor contrast.
- For an extra rich peanut butter flavor, swirl a few tablespoons into the top brownie layer instead of fully covering the peanut butter filling layer.
- Variations include adding chopped Reese’s cups for more peanut butter and chocolate, using dark cocoa powder for deeper chocolate intensity, or substituting peanut butter with cookie butter or Nutella for a different twist.
