Prepare to be amazed by the BEST Peanut Butter Brownies EVER. This incredibly easy, flourless brownie recipe delivers the most decadent, fudgy, rich, and intensely chewy brownies imaginable. Crowned with a luscious layer of chocolate ganache, these brownies are a guaranteed triumph over even your most intense chocolate cravings. Crafted from scratch with simple, high-quality ingredients, they are naturally gluten-free and don’t even require a stand mixer. Get ready for your new favorite dessert that will impress everyone!

This recipe is proudly sponsored by Safeway.

Indulge in the Ultimate Peanut Butter Brownies: A Flourless Masterpiece

There’s a universally acknowledged truth among dessert lovers: when a chocolate craving strikes with full force, nothing satisfies quite like a perfectly rich, chewy, and utterly fudgy brownie. It’s an undeniable truth, a culinary beacon in times of sweet yearning that few can resist. Recently, my own family was hit by a serious chocolate craving, and as children of a food blogger, my boys knew exactly what to request: brownies! My first instinct was to whip up an old favorite, my tried-and-true Fudgy Toffee Flourless Brownies – a recipe known for its incredible simplicity and truly delightful results that always disappear fast.

However, as a dedicated food blogger, the opportunity to innovate and surprise always beckons. This seemed like the perfect moment to elevate a classic and introduce something truly extraordinary. And what pairing is more iconic, more deeply satisfying, and more universally loved with chocolate, than peanut butter? It’s a match made in culinary heaven, a sentiment deeply understood by my son, whose name, Reece, almost perfectly encapsulates this delicious duo. I was determined to create a peanut butter brownie that went beyond expectation, delivering a flavor and texture experience that would be truly unforgettable.

Why These Flourless Peanut Butter Brownies Reign Supreme

My journey to creating these “Best Ever” Peanut Butter Brownies began with a quest for a truly impactful chocolate and peanut butter experience. While I’ve certainly enjoyed many peanut butter-swirled brownies in the past, I often found they didn’t quite deliver the bold, unadulterated “peanut butter + chocolate punch” I craved. Traditional swirling sometimes dilutes the intensity, leaving you wanting more of that distinct nutty flavor. I wanted something more, a deeper, richer integration of that peanut butter goodness right into the heart of the brownie itself.

So, I decided to dive deeper into the brownie, embedding generous, creamy chunks of peanut butter richness directly within the ultra-fudgy chocolate base. And honestly? The result is pure goodness, a revelation that even surprised me! This isn’t just a good fudgy brownie; it’s an experience that transcends the ordinary. This recipe excels on every front: unparalleled decadence, a luxurious richness that coats your palate, an irresistible chewiness that begs for another bite, and of course, that signature melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture that defines a perfect brownie. But why stop there when perfection is within reach? To truly elevate this masterpiece and satisfy every possible chocolate craving, I crowned the entire creation with a silky smooth, intensely chocolatey ganache. Because, when you’re aiming for the absolute best, why hold back?

Mastering the Art of Peanut Butter Brownies: Essential Baking Tips for Perfection

Crafting the perfect batch of fudgy peanut butter brownies involves a few key techniques and careful attention to detail. These tips will help you achieve that coveted rich, chewy, and supremely decadent texture every time, ensuring your brownies are nothing short of spectacular and consistently deliver on their promise of pure indulgence.

Do NOT Overbake: The Golden Rule of Fudgy Brownies. This is perhaps the single most crucial tip for achieving ultra-fudgy brownies. Unlike cakes, where a clean toothpick signals readiness, for brownies, you are looking for moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick when inserted into the center. A clean toothpick means dry, cakey brownies – a disappointment we absolutely want to avoid! I typically check near the side of the pan first, as the edges tend to cook faster. If the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey with moist crumbs, it’s time to pull them out. An estimated baking time is just a guideline; your oven’s nuances require you to be vigilant and trust the toothpick test.
The Flourless Secret: Cornstarch for Unrivaled Fudginess. You’ll notice this recipe contains no traditional wheat flour, and surprisingly, not even a gluten-free flour blend. Instead, we use cornstarch, and it’s a game-changer! This ingenious substitution plays a vital role in creating that incredible chewy texture and structural integrity, mimicking the role of gluten without actually containing any. More importantly, by removing flour, we allow the pure, intense chocolate flavor to truly shine through, unhindered by other starches. The result is a more profound, concentrated chocolate experience that is truly remarkable, making these brownies naturally gluten-free and suitable for many dietary preferences.
Choosing and Preparing Your Peanut Butter for Optimal Flavor. Peanut butter isn’t just a flavor enhancer here; it’s a critical component in balancing the entire dessert. Its distinctive salty notes beautifully cut through the richness and sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly harmonious flavor profile that prevents the brownies from being overly cloying. For this recipe, I highly recommend using a natural peanut butter, like Open Nature Old Fashioned Creamy Peanut Butter. Natural peanut butters often separate, so remember to give it a very good stir before incorporating it into the filling, ensuring all the natural oils are fully emulsified. This step is key for a smooth filling. And trust me, it’s hard to resist a spoonful straight from the jar while you’re at it!
Selecting the Right Baking Pan for Perfect Thickness. For these thick, luxurious fudgy brownies, I prefer a 9-inch square baking pan. This size yields brownies that are substantial and satisfying without being excessively thick or thin. If you’re in the market for a new pan, look for one with straight sides to ensure even baking and professional-looking, clean slices. You can certainly use an 8-inch pan for even thicker brownies (just add a few minutes to the bake time) or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner, more delicate ones (reducing bake time significantly). Always adjust your baking time and toothpick test accordingly when altering pan sizes. Lining the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, is also crucial for effortless removal.
Serving Suggestions & Smart Storage for Lasting Enjoyment. These decadent brownies are best enjoyed with a tall glass of cold milk, a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, or alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. The contrasts in temperature and flavor truly enhance the experience. For optimal freshness, store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage; simply wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Premium Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor and Quality

The foundation of any exceptional recipe lies in the quality of its ingredients. When I set out to create these incredible peanut butter brownies, I knew exactly where to find the best components to ensure both delicious flavor and a clean profile: my local Safeway. Having recently attended one of Safeway’s fantastic blogger events, I was particularly eager to feature their impressive line of Open Nature products, known for their unwavering commitment to quality, natural goodness, and transparent sourcing. This brand aligns perfectly with my philosophy of cooking with wholesome ingredients.

I’ve previously highlighted Open Nature products in my Zucchini Quiche with Bacon and Hash Brown Crust recipe, and I can confidently say, I’m completely hooked! The consistent quality, exceptional value, and the clean ingredient lists across their entire range are truly outstanding. For these brownies, two Open Nature stars truly shine and make a significant difference in the final product:

Open Nature Old Fashioned Creamy Peanut Butter: This peanut butter is more than just an ingredient; it’s a revelation. Its rich, natural flavor without unnecessary additives is absolutely essential to the distinctive taste and texture of both the peanut butter filling and the overall brownie. We’ve been enjoying it straight from the jar lately, and it’s fantastic on an English muffin, but its true moment to shine is undeniably in these brownies.
Open Nature Cage Free Eggs: Only the best for my family deserves to go into my recipes! We go through a significant amount of eggs in our household, and these cage-free eggs consistently deliver on quality and vibrant flavor. They are delicious, reliably consistent, and represent excellent value, which, as you know, is something I always appreciate in my grocery shopping.

What I particularly love and trust about the Open Nature brand is its deep alignment with my family’s values. These products are clean, high-quality, minimally processed, and completely free from artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. With an impressive selection of over 400 products, Open Nature empowers me to make better, healthier choices about what I feed my loved ones, even when it’s a delightful and indulgent treat like these peanut butter brownies. You can find Open Nature products exclusively at Safeway and all Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, and Carrs/Safeway. Visit Safeway.com to locate a store near you and explore more meal prep tips and enticing recipe ideas that champion quality ingredients.

Explore More Irresistible Peanut Butter & Chocolate Indulgences

If you’re a true devotee of the divine chocolate and peanut butter combination, then you’re absolutely in for a treat! Beyond these spectacular brownies, I have a cherished collection of other beloved recipes that brilliantly showcase this dynamic duo. Prepare to satisfy your cravings and discover new favorites with these irresistible peanut butter and chocolate creations:

Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles
Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter Fluff
Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats Pinwheels
Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Fudge
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

How To Make The Best Peanut Butter Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Average Rating: 5 stars from 12 votes

Peanut Butter Brownies

Get ready to delight your senses with the BEST Peanut Butter Brownies! This easy, flourless recipe creates the most decadent, fudgy, rich, and chewy brownies you’ve ever tasted. Topped with an irresistible chocolate ganache, they are perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. Naturally gluten-free and simple to make, even without a mixer, these brownies are truly a showstopper.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brownies, peanut butter brownies, flourless brownies, gluten-free dessert, chocolate ganache

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 36

Author: Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Filling

3/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg (room temperature)

Brownies

12 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs (room temperature)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Ganache

10 oz bittersweet chocolate (chopped)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal later. This overhang acts as “handles” for lifting the brownies. Set the prepared pan aside.

For the Peanut Butter Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and the room temperature egg. Stir all the ingredients together vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and form a smooth, uniform mixture. Ensure there are no streaks of unmixed sugar or egg. Set this bowl aside for later use.

For the Fudgy Brownies

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the cubed unsalted butter. Melt these ingredients in your microwave in 30-second intervals on high heat, making sure to stir well after each interval. Continue until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
Once the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth, stir in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated into the chocolate mixture. The sugar should dissolve as much as possible.
Add the eggs one a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until just combined. It’s important to mix well after each egg, but avoid overmixing the overall batter at this stage, as incorporating too much air can lead to a more cake-like, rather than fudgy, texture.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents lumps when added to the wet mixture.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet chocolate mixture. Stir vigorously using a spatula or wooden spoon for about one to two minutes, until the batter is smooth, glossy, and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. This vigorous mixing at this specific stage helps to develop the brownie’s characteristic fudgy and chewy texture.
Finally, gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the rich brownie batter. Be careful not to crush the chips.
Pour approximately two-thirds of the brownie batter into your prepared 9-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to gently smooth out the top into an even layer, ensuring the base is consistent.
Take small spoonfuls of the prepared peanut butter mixture and drop them evenly over the top of the brownie batter layer in the pan. Distribute them randomly across the surface. Don’t worry about perfect placement, as it will be largely covered.
Carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter drops, spreading it gently to cover them. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula. It doesn’t need to be perfectly neat, as the ganache will create a beautiful finish later.
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 33-37 minutes. Crucially, start checking them closely around the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; you are looking for it to come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not completely clean like a cake. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly brownies.
Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack. This step is important for setting the fudgy texture. For faster cooling and a firmer texture that’s easier to cut, you can transfer them to the refrigerator once they’ve cooled to room temperature.

For the Decadent Ganache Topping

Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate into a heat-proof bowl. Ensure the chocolate is finely chopped for quicker and more even melting.
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until it is scalding hot, just before it begins to boil. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan.
Pour the hot whipping cream directly over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This allows the residual heat from the cream to melt the chocolate evenly without scorching.
After 5 minutes, gently stir the chocolate and cream mixture from the center outwards until it becomes completely smooth and glossy, forming a luxurious ganache. If any small chocolate pieces remain unmelted, you can microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is perfectly smooth.
Pour the prepared ganache evenly over the top of the completely cooled brownies. Use an offset spatula to spread it smoothly from edge to edge, creating an even and appealing finish.
Refrigerate the brownies until the ganache has completely set, which typically takes a few hours. This step is essential for clean cuts and a beautiful, firm topping.
Once the ganache is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into your desired bar or square sizes using a sharp, warm knife for the cleanest cuts.
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for maximum freshness and to maintain their fudgy texture.

Video Tutorial

For a visual guide on how to prepare these incredible Peanut Butter Brownies, watch the step-by-step video:

Watch the Peanut Butter Brownies Video Guide Here

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

(Based on 36 servings)

Calories: 189 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 28mg
Sodium: 77mg
Potassium: 150mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 13g
Vitamin A: 135IU
Vitamin C: 0.1mg
Calcium: 41mg
Iron: 0.8mg

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Enjoy Your Baking Adventure and Happy Indulging!

Disclosure: This recipe is proudly sponsored by Safeway. Your continued support of the brands that make Mom On Timeout possible is greatly appreciated and allows me to continue sharing delicious recipes with you!