Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Recipe

This peanut butter brownie recipe comes from my appreciation of the boxed brownie mixes and peanut butter. The swirled peanut butter brownies are easy to make with just a quick adaptation to the boxed brownie mix. If you have a favorite brownie recipe from scratch, use that instead of the boxed brownie mix.

Prepare yourself for a rich and delicious peanut butter and chocolate dessert. My six-year-old son recently requested brownies so we made these together. He was very proud of his efforts. He was in charge, and I was the assistant.

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

1 batch prepared brownie batter (from a box or from scratch)

1 cup chocolate chips

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/8 teaspoon salt

Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the prepared brownie batter. Set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together butter, peanut butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Pour most (about 3/4) of brownie batter in a greased brownie pan. Spread evenly. Place spoonfuls of peanut butter filling on top of the brownie batter.
Spread the peanut butter filling on top of the brownie batter.
Drizzle the remaining brownie batter on top of the peanut butter filling.
Use a knife to swirl the peanut butter filling somewhat through the brownie batter. To do so quickly drag the knife back and forth in the batter. Do not over swirl.
Bake at 325° for 10+ minutes more than the brownie recipe calls for. An 8x8 pan took 45 minutes in my oven to bake. (A 9x13 pan may take about an extra 10 minutes, but an 8x8 pan will take longer. If the brownie mix is "family-size" it may take even longer.

Note:

Pan size will make a big difference for the baking time. The brownies should be baked when the edges begin to pull away from the pan or when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

I've been doctoring brownie mixes since I was a teenager. Typically I just add chocolate or peanut butter chips to improve the standard mix. When I want a special brownie, I make double-decker brownies from scratch. since they are frosted, they're especially a big hit for potluck gatherings.

I think these peanut butter swirled brownies will be my new go-to for quick and easy. Remember, they're easy enough for my son to make with a little assistance.

Be sure to check out all of our family-friendly recipes! If you haven't liked us on Facebook yet, be sure to do so.

~ Annette
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5 comments

TiciaSeptember 8, 2015 at 8:57 AM
Yummy!
Valerie EarnestSeptember 8, 2015 at 8:55 PM
Peanut butter and brownies are the best combination! Pinned to try soon!
CarrieSeptember 14, 2015 at 1:15 AM
I don't think you can go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter. :)
UnknownOctober 19, 2015 at 8:53 AM
Yum! That really looks delicious, peanut butter and chocolate, 2 of my favorite, the perfect combo. :-)
Mary Potts in PA.February 7, 2018 at 5:54 PM
I used to make something similar when the kids were young. The difference is that I made the brownie mix as called for. Then I softened the peanut butter to room temperature and just dropped spoonfuls of the p.b. in clumps all over the top of the brownie batter and then used the knife to swirl it through. We didn't think it needed the extra sugar or butter, etc. Everyone liked them. But I never thought of putting in more choc. chips. Yum.......... In the 80s Moms started changing recipes to get rid of some sugar and fat. Nowadays, if I am going to eat it, I will make it using the real stuff. :)