Fudgy, rich, and laced with ribbons of creamy peanut butter, these Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are an irresistible treat for dessert lovers. The deep chocolate base melts in your mouth, while the peanut butter swirl adds a salty-sweet contrast that makes each bite pure indulgence.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying a craving, these brownies strike the perfect balance between gooey and chewy. And with that stunning marbled top, they look just as amazing as they taste.
What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?
For this recipe, creamy peanut butter is your best friend. It swirls beautifully into the brownie batter and delivers a luscious texture without overpowering the chocolate. Avoid natural peanut butter (the kind with oil separation), as it can affect consistency. If you’re a chunky peanut butter fan, go ahead and try it for extra crunch!
Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and gives structure to the brownie base.
- Brown Sugar: Contributes to chewiness and depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the brownies’ structure.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Creates that intense, deep chocolate flavor.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
- Baking Powder: Just a touch helps lift the texture slightly.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the swirl! Adds creaminess and nutty richness.
How To Make the Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, melt butter and whisk in both sugars until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until no streaks remain.
Step 3: Create the Swirl
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Warm the peanut butter slightly (10-15 seconds in the microwave), then dollop spoonfuls on top of the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating beautiful patterns.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake – fudgy is the goal!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once set, lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares.

Storing and Serving Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
These brownies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped squares for up to 2 months.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy straight from the fridge for a dense, fudgy bite.
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies?
A Scoop of Ice Cream
Vanilla, coffee, or salted caramel all pair beautifully.
Hot Coffee or Espresso
Balances the richness of the brownie with a bold, bitter contrast.
Cold Milk
The classic duo that never fails.
Fresh Berries
Adds a pop of brightness and freshness.
Whipped Cream
Soft and light, a great topping option.
Salted Nuts
Enhances the nutty flavor and adds crunch.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle
More chocolate? Yes please.
Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?
If you’re loving these peanut butter swirl brownies, you’ll want to check out these other decadent creations:
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a gooey center and golden edges.
- No-Bake Twinkie Pudding Cake for a nostalgic twist.
- Twix Cookie Cups that combine shortbread, caramel, and chocolate.
- The Irresistible Charm of Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies for more peanut butter joy.
- Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake if you’re craving something fruity and indulgent.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a caramel swirl too? Try them with white chocolate chips?
I love seeing your brownie twists! Questions are welcome too—let’s swap baking secrets.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more dessert ideas on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes Pinterest
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sink your teeth into rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with luscious ribbons of creamy peanut butter swirled on top. These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are the perfect blend of indulgence and nostalgia, making them one of the ultimate easy dessert ideas. Whether you’re hunting for a quick snack, a crowd-pleasing treat, or a decadent twist on classic brownies, this easy recipe is your go-to. Soft in the center with chewy edges and a stunning marbled finish, these bars will earn a spot in your favorite list of food ideas for any occasion.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, melt butter and whisk in both sugars until combined.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Warm peanut butter slightly, then dollop on top of the batter.
7. Swirl gently with a knife or skewer for a marbled effect.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing.
Notes
Let the brownies cool fully before slicing for cleaner edges.
Use creamy peanut butter, not natural, for the smoothest swirl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: peanut butter brownies, chocolate dessert, fudgy brownies, quick snack, easy recipe
