Name: Peanut Butter Brownies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1⅓ cups white granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour

This recipe for Peanut Butter Brownies is everything I want in a dessert: rich, peanut‑buttery, and irresistibly easy. Made with pantry‑staple ingredients, these bars come together in under an hour and are always the first to disappear.

Peanut Butter Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and comforting these brownies are—they use familiar ingredients, come together fast, and deliver that sweet‑salty peanut butter punch that never disappoints. I often serve them warm with ice cream, and they’re the perfect pick‑me‑up or after‑school treat.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup creamy peanut butter
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1⅓ cups granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups all‑purpose flour

directions

I preheat my oven to 325 °F and grease a 9×13‑inch baking pan. In a large bowl—or using my stand mixer—I cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Then I beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.

Next, I add in the baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing just until the batter becomes smooth. I pour the batter into the greased pan and slide it into the oven. I bake for about 40–45 minutes, checking for doneness by gently pressing the top—if it springs back, the brownies are ready.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16
Prep Time: about 5 minutes
Cook Time: about 40 minutes
Total Time: about 45 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture—just a note that natural peanut butter doesn’t work as well
If I’m craving thicker brownies, I go with an 8×8‑inch pan instead of the 9×13
I occasionally underbake slightly for a gooier, more fudgy brownie center

storage/reheating

I let the brownies cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay fresh for up to a week. If I want to freeze them, I leave the brownies whole, wrap the pan in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. I defrost them at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes—I actually like the added texture from crunchy peanut butter. Just avoid natural peanut butter, as it doesn’t work as well with this recipe

What if I only have salted butter?

That works fine—I skip the added salt if I’m using salted butter.

Why did the edges brown too quickly for me?

I sometimes cover the edges of the pan with foil during baking to prevent excessive browning

How do I get thicker brownies?

Using an 8×8‑inch pan instead of 9×13 makes them noticeably thicker

Can I underbake for gooey brownies?

Absolutely—I intentionally underbake these just slightly to get that fudgy, gooey texture in the center

Are these brownies gluten-free?

Not as written, since they use all‑purpose flour. I haven’t tested a gluten‑free flour substitute yet.

Can I reduce the sugar?

I haven’t tried reducing the sugars. Someone asked online and Julie mentioned it would affect volume, texture, and flavor

How do I check if they’re done baking?

I press the top gently—if it springs back, it’s done.

Can these brownies be frozen?

Yes—wrap the whole pan tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating

What’s the best way to serve them?

I love serving them warm with vanilla ice cream—it’s my go‑to dessert pairing

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Brownies are a go‑to for their simplicity and crowd‑pleasing flavor. Whether I need a quick treat or a dessert that’ll vanish at a gathering, they always deliver. Let me know if you’d like ideas for topping variants or pairing suggestions next time!