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Have you ever pulled a pan of brownies out of the oven, only to be greeted by a sad, sunken center? It’s a baker’s nightmare! But fear not, fellow dessert enthusiasts, because I’ve cracked the code. These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are not only incredibly delicious but also bake perfectly evenly, every single time. Get ready for a game-changer in your brownie baking adventures!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

These brownies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a guaranteed success! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

  • No More Sunken Centers: The secret ingredient and technique ensures a perfectly even bake.
  • Rich and Fudgy: The brownie base is intensely chocolatey and satisfyingly fudgy.
  • Peanut Butter Perfection: The creamy peanut butter swirl adds a delightful nutty flavor and beautiful visual appeal.
  • Cream Cheese Tang: The cream cheese layer provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Loaded with Goodies: Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups add bursts of flavor and texture.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s talk ingredients. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and cream cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. For these peanut butter swirl brownies, we are relying on common baking staples and some additions of peanut butter, cream cheese, and peanut butter candies. Below are the list of items required.

  • Brownie Mix: We’re starting with a boxed brownie mix for convenience, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe if you prefer. Just make sure it’s enough to fill a 9×13 inch pan. You’ll also need the ingredients called for on the box, which typically includes oil, eggs, and water.
  • Cream Cheese: This is the secret weapon! Softened cream cheese is essential for creating the tangy and creamy swirl. Make sure it’s completely softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. We’ll use 8 ounces.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sugar sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture. Half a cup is all you need.
  • Egg: One large egg binds the cream cheese mixture together.
  • Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the cream cheese layer. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is the star of the swirl! Choose your favorite brand. You’ll need half a cup.
  • Reese’s Pieces Candies: These add a delightful crunch and extra peanut butter flavor. A quarter cup is perfect.
  • Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped mini peanut butter cups provide a richer, more intense peanut butter flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Again, a quarter cup is all you need.

Crafting Your Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part: baking! Follow these simple steps to create perfect peanut butter swirl brownies that will impress your friends and family. This recipe has some simple steps that will lead to the perfect batch.

  1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures that the brownies don’t stick to the pan and are easy to remove once cooled. A light coating of flour after greasing helps even more!
  2. Make the Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Once it’s mixed, pour it into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. This is the base for our delicious creation.
  3. Create the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a swirl-able texture. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture adds a tangy sweetness to the brownies.
  4. Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t over-mix, as you want to keep distinct swirls of peanut butter.
  5. Cream Cheese Layer: Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the peanut butter swirled brownie batter, spreading it evenly. This layer will bake into a soft, tangy topping.
  6. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle Reese’s Pieces and chopped mini peanut butter cups over the cream cheese layer. These add bursts of flavor and texture to every bite. Feel free to press them lightly into the cream cheese for better adhesion.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. The cream cheese layer should be set, but still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking! The goal is moist crumbs, not a clean toothpick.
  8. Cool Completely: This is the hardest part! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling. Patience is key!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Every Time

Want to guarantee brownie perfection? Here are a few extra tips to ensure your success:

  • Don’t Overbake: Overbaked brownies are dry and crumbly. Bake just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  • Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer. Room temperature is your friend!
  • Use a Light-Colored Pan: Dark pans can cause the edges of the brownies to bake faster than the center. A light-colored pan helps to ensure even baking.
  • Let Them Cool Completely: This is crucial for clean cuts and preventing the brownies from crumbling. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

These brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few complementary additions! For instance, consider serving these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess is a perfect foil for the rich brownie. Alternatively, serve it with a cup of hot coffee. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the brownie.

Your Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Questions Answered (FAQ)

Still have questions about making these decadent brownies? Here are some common queries and their answers:

Can I use a different kind of nut butter?

Absolutely! While peanut butter is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free brownie mix or adapt your favorite homemade gluten-free brownie recipe. Also, be sure to check that your Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups are gluten-free.

How do I store these brownies?

Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. For optimal freezing, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. If you love storing baking goods, perhaps our recipe on the best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies can offer some inspiration.

Can I add other toppings?

Of course! Get creative and add your favorite toppings, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, pretzels, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The possibilities are endless! Consider the options on the Walnut Fudge recipe for extra inspiration.

Enjoy Your Homemade Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies!

There you have it: a foolproof recipe for peanut butter swirl brownies that are guaranteed to be a hit! With their fudgy texture, peanut butter swirl, and tangy cream cheese layer, these brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion. So go ahead, bake a batch and share the love (or keep them all to yourself – we won’t judge!). Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends on social media.

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies (Stops Cakes Sinking!)

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies (Stops Cakes Sinking!) Save For Later!

Ingredients

  • 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on box: typically oil, eggs, water)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy
  • 1/4 cup Reese’s Pieces candies
  • 1/4 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Pour into the prepared pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter.
  5. Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the peanut butter swirled brownie batter, spreading evenly.
  6. Sprinkle Reese’s Pieces and chopped mini peanut butter cups over the cream cheese layer.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. (The cream cheese layer should be set, but still slightly soft).
  8. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

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