Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies are a pure comfort treat, blending rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter and the perfect crunch of peanuts.
Semi-sweet chocolate, peanut butter chips, and salted peanuts combine to create an indulgent dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
With a moist, fudgy center and a hint of coffee to boost the chocolate flavor, these brownies hit that sweet spot of simplicity and decadence.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe Highlights
- Simple to make with a mix of pantry staples and rich flavors
- Satisfies cravings for both chocolate and peanut butter
- Perfectly balanced textures: fudgy center and slightly crunchy top
- Great make-ahead dessert that keeps well
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at gatherings
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
BUTTER – Salted butter brings out a subtle depth in these brownies. By melting it with the chocolate, we get a smooth blend, adding that signature rich texture. If you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the mixture for a similar effect.
CHOCOLATE – We’re using both semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate to layer the chocolate flavor. The semi-sweet chips add just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering, while the unsweetened chocolate adds a deep, almost bold chocolate base. This combination helps create the perfect balance of sweet and intense chocolate taste in each bite.
SUGAR – Regular granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and contributes to that chewy, fudgy texture we all love. Using granulated sugar here keeps the brownies tender and just sweet enough.
COFFEE – Instant coffee granules are a secret weapon to deepen the chocolate flavor. You won’t taste the coffee itself; instead, it enhances the chocolate, making each bite feel a little richer. If you’re out of instant coffee, espresso powder works well too, though you’ll only need about half as much.
PEANUTS – We’re going with both peanut butter chips and salted peanuts to maximize the peanut flavor and texture. The peanut butter chips melt right into the brownies, adding creamy peanut butter flavor throughout. Chopped salted peanuts add a slight crunch and a hint of salt, giving the perfect contrast to the smooth chocolate.
How To Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Melt butter with chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Whisk sugar, eggs, coffee, and vanilla in a bowl, then let cool to room temperature.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix into the chocolate. Stir in peanut butter chips and peanuts.
- Pour batter into the pan, bake at 350º Fahrenheit for 35 minutes, and cool before slicing.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps retain their moisture and rich flavor. For best results, separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
FREEZE – Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
REHEAT – For that warm, just-baked taste, microwave each brownie for 10-15 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel while microwaving to keep the brownie soft and gooey.
MAKE AHEAD – Make the batter the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld, and you can bake them fresh the next day for an extra gooey, indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
ICE CREAM – Pair each warm Chocolate Peanut Butter with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or even peanut butter ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. The cool creaminess complements the rich, fudgy texture, and you can sprinkle a few extra peanuts or chocolate chips on top for added crunch.
WHIPPED CREAM – A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to these dense brownies. You can sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon over the whipped cream for a hint of spice.
FRESH BERRIES – Serve with raspberries, strawberries, or sliced bananas for a refreshing tart contrast to the chocolate and peanut butter. Fresh fruit lightens up the dish and adds a burst of natural sweetness.
CARAMEL DRIZZLE – For a hint of extra sweetness, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the brownie. This adds a buttery, salty-sweet layer that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
PEANUT BUTTER SAUCE – Warm up some peanut butter and drizzle it over the brownie. It enhances the peanut flavor and gives a rich, creamy texture that ties all the flavors together.
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Recipe Success Tips
MELTING – Melt the chocolate slowly over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture. If it starts to look grainy, remove it from the heat briefly and keep stirring until it’s silky.
COOLING – Allow the Chocolate Peanut Butter to cool completely before slicing. Cutting while warm may cause them to fall apart, so this extra time helps each square hold its shape perfectly.
CUTTING TIP – For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife warmed in hot water. Wipe the knife between cuts to prevent crumbs from sticking and keep each square looking neat.
PREP PAN – Grease and flour the baking pan before pouring in the batter. This simple step keeps brownies from sticking, making it easier to remove clean squares.
DONENESS TEST – Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes with a cake tester. Look for moist crumbs clinging to the tester; if it comes out dry, they may be over-baked.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter salted
- 1 ¼ cups semi sweet chocolate chips
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped
- 1 ⅛ cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 1 tablespoons vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 10-ounce bag peanut butter chips
- ½ cup salted peanuts chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9-inch square metal baking pan.
- Combine butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate in a heavy medium saucepan.
- Stir over low heat until chocolate and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Whisk sugar, eggs, instant coffee, and vanilla inn a large bowl until just combined. Cool to room temperature.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and add to the chocolate mixture and stir until well combined. Add peanut butter chips and peanuts.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 35 minutes. Use a cake tester. The tester should come out with moist crumbs still attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies.
- Cool completely and slice into 9 squares.
Equipment
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
I’ve made these twice now and they are delicious!