There’s something irresistible about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, especially when it comes together in the form of rich, gooey Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies.
These brownies are the perfect mix of fudgy chocolate layers and creamy peanut butter filling a dessert that satisfies every sweet craving.
Today, I’ll share my step-by-step method for making Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies from scratch, along with a few personal baking tips that guarantee a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate dessert, these brownies are about to become your new favorite indulgence.
Table of Contents
The Story & Inspiration Behind These Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies
When I think back to my earliest baking memories, brownies always take center stage. Growing up, I loved the smell of chocolate wafting through the kitchen as my mom pulled a warm pan of brownies from the oven.
But as I began experimenting on my own, I discovered that adding a peanut butter fudge layer took this classic dessert to an entirely new level.
These Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies are inspired by that nostalgic comfort but elevated with a rich and creamy middle layer that sets them apart. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering the entire tray disappeared within minutes!
The soft, fudgy texture of the brownie contrasts perfectly with the smooth peanut butter fudge, creating a dessert that feels both decadent and balanced.
The beauty of Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients just a love for baking and the willingness to get a little messy in the kitchen.
If you enjoy recipes like my Savory Herb and Cheese Scones or Vegan Scones from recipescommuniry.com, you’ll absolutely adore this one too.
As always, I believe that cooking is about creating connections with flavors, memories, and the people you share your food with.
That’s what this dessert represents for me: love baked into every bite, with the perfect blend of chocolate indulgence and peanut butter comfort.
Creating the Perfect Fudgy Brownie Base
The foundation of every great Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies lies in its brownie base dense, rich, and chocolatey without being overly sweet. The secret? A blend of melted butter, cocoa, and real chocolate.
Start by lining an 8×8” or 9×9” baking pan with parchment paper. This small step makes removing your brownies effortless later on.
Next, melt ¾ cup of unsalted butter with ¾ cup of chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave. Stir every 15 seconds to avoid burning the chocolate.
Once smooth, whisk in both ¾ cup brown sugar and ½ cup white sugar until glossy.
The eggs are the next critical element. Use three large eggs at room temperature, adding one at a time. This method ensures your batter stays thick but silky. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that deep, bakery-style aroma.
When adding dry ingredients, sift 1¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to avoid lumps. Gently fold everything together until smooth and shiny the hallmark of a perfect brownie batter.
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it evenly to form the base. You’ll reserve the other half for the top layer. This creates the chocolate “sandwich” around the peanut butter fudge filling, making each bite layered and indulgent.
For a twist, check out my Mango brioche donuts post on recipescommuniry.com the same mixing technique applies beautifully there too.
PrintPeanut Butter Fudge Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy peanut butter fudge, the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1¼ cup flour
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups white chocolate
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and chocolate together until smooth.
- Whisk in both sugars, then add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in vanilla, flour, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the pan.
- In another bowl, melt white chocolate, peanut butter, and condensed milk until smooth.
- Spread fudge over brownie layer.
- Top with remaining batter and smooth evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing and serve with sea salt.
Notes
Store in refrigerator up to 5 days.
Let come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Making the Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Layer
Now for the star of this recipe the luscious peanut butter fudge that turns ordinary brownies into something extraordinary. This layer is rich, smooth, and incredibly simple to make.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Microwave this mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring between each until it melts into a thick, glossy fudge. You can also melt it gently over a double boiler if you prefer. The key here is patience rushing can cause the chocolate to seize.
Once smooth, pour this peanut butter fudge over the first layer of brownie batter. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches every corner of the pan.
The fudge will be thick, almost like a soft dough, and that’s exactly what you want. It will firm up beautifully as it bakes, creating a velvety middle that contrasts perfectly with the chewy brownie layers.
After spreading the fudge, pour the remaining brownie batter on top. Smooth it out gently so the surface is even. The result will be a three-layer masterpiece ready for baking.
If you love peanut butter desserts as much as I do, try my Samoa Cheesecake or Blueberry Mousse Cake for another easy treat that captures the same creamy flavor combination.
Baking, Cooling, and Serving Tips: Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the brownies for about 40 minutes. The exact time can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Around the 35-minute mark, insert a toothpick in the center if it comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay), your brownies are done.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step is essential because the peanut butter fudge layer needs time to firm up. Once cooled, lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper, then cut them into 12 even squares.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top. The contrast between sweet and salty elevates the flavor and adds a gourmet touch.
To store, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the texture again. They also freeze beautifully for up to two months just wrap each piece individually and thaw before enjoying.
Serve these Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a dessert that truly feels like a bakery treat.
If you enjoy layered desserts, you might also love my Scotcheroos on recipescommuniry.com another show-stopping dessert that’s simple yet elegant. this
FAQs About Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies
1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, but make sure it’s well stirred. Natural peanut butter can separate and may affect the texture, so if using, reduce any added oil slightly.
2. What can I use instead of white chocolate for the fudge?
You can substitute milk or dark chocolate, though it will change the color and sweetness. White chocolate provides the creamiest texture for this fudge layer.
3. How do I keep my brownies from becoming cakey?
Avoid overmixing once you add the flour, and don’t overbake. Slightly underbaking gives that perfect fudgy center.
4. Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture remains rich and indulgent.
Conclusion: Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies combine everything a dessert lover dreams of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a dense, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
Whether you bake them for a family treat, a potluck, or just to satisfy a late-night craving, these brownies always steal the show.
From the nostalgic smell of melted butter and chocolate to the final sprinkle of sea salt, every step of this recipe delivers comfort and joy. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to create them just a spoon, a bowl, and a little love.
If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more comforting desserts like Lemon Zucchini Cake or Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies.