Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies Recipe
If you’ve been on the hunt for a dessert that’s irresistibly rich, sinfully fudgy, and packed with the warm, nutty flavor of peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies Recipe will be your new best friend. These brownies strike the perfect balance between decadence and wholesome ingredients, bringing together simple pantry staples to create a treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, this recipe promises to hit all the right notes with its luscious texture and that unmistakable peanut butter punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each one plays an important role in crafting the perfect Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies Recipe. From the creamy peanut butter that lends richness to the cocoa powder that brings deep chocolatey flavor, every item contributes to the taste, texture, and even the look of these brownies.
- Peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star of the show, providing creamy richness and that classic nutty flavor that defines these brownies.
- Pure maple syrup or honey (1/4 cup): Natural sweeteners that add a touch of gentle sweetness while keeping the brownies moist.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup): A clever, healthy substitute for oil or butter that keeps the brownies tender and moist.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances all the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with its warm aroma.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): For that rich, dark chocolate essence that makes these brownies so irresistibly fudge-like.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch to balance and brighten the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Helps the brownies rise gently and maintain a lovely soft texture.
- Oat flour or almond flour (1/3 cup): Provides structure without weighing down the brownies, plus a subtle nutty undertone if you choose almond flour.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/4 cup, optional): Little bursts of melted chocolate that elevate every bite to pure bliss.
How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brownies bake evenly and develop that perfect, slightly crisp top while remaining fudgy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and silky, giving you the rich peanutty base for the brownies.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, sift in the cocoa powder to avoid any lumps, then add the salt, baking soda, and oat or almond flour. Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a uniform batter that’s thick yet easy to spread.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
If you’re using mini chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now. They melt into the brownies during baking, creating little pockets of gooey chocolate heaven.
Step 5: Prepare Your Pan and Spread Batter
Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Spread the batter evenly in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to get an even bake and consistent texture throughout.
Step 6: Bake Until Set
Bake the brownies for 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it — that’s the fudge factor!
Step 7: Cool Before Cutting
Let the brownies cool for at least 10 minutes once out of the oven. This rest time allows them to firm up just enough to slice cleanly while still being wonderfully soft inside.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Heighten the indulgence by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate on top before serving. Toasted chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can bring added texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic brownie-and-ice-cream combo. Fresh berries also offer a bright, juicy counterpoint to the rich fudge and peanut butter flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these brownies into bite-sized squares and skewer them with strawberries or marshmallows for fun dessert kabobs. You can also sandwich a layer of peanut buttercream or chocolate ganache between two brownie halves for an extra special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and fudgy for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for enjoying a little peanut butter bliss throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies to extend their shelf life. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing their signature fudgy texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready for a warm treat, thaw the brownies at room temperature and then microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. This quick heat brings back that melty, gooey quality that makes the Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter makes a fantastic substitute that will give the brownies a slightly different but equally delicious nutty flavor. Just use the same amount as peanut butter for consistent results.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
They can be, depending on the flour you choose. Using oat flour labeled gluten-free or almond flour keeps the recipe gluten-free. Just double-check your other ingredients, like baking soda, to ensure they meet your needs.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you opt for pure maple syrup instead of honey. Every ingredient is plant-based, so it’s perfect for vegan dessert lovers.
What if I don’t have oat flour or almond flour?
You can make your own oat flour by grinding rolled oats in a blender or food processor until fine. Alternatively, any finely ground nut flour or even whole wheat pastry flour can work, but it might change the texture slightly.
How fudgy will these brownies be?
These brownies have a dense, fudge-like texture with a tender crumb, thanks to the combination of peanut butter and applesauce. They’re not cakey but thick and moist, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and peanut butter experience.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies Recipe, I promise it will become a staple in your dessert rotation. It’s simple to make, uses wholesome ingredients, and delivers a flavor combo that feels like a warm hug. So grab your mixing bowl and give these brownies a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies offer a delightful combination of rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and applesauce for a healthier twist. Perfectly fudgy, these brownies are easy to make and ideal for satisfying your chocolate cravings with a gluten-free, lower-sugar alternative.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 cup oat flour (or almond flour)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, pure maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
- Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and oat flour. Mix carefully until the batter is fully combined and smooth without lumps.
- Incorporate chocolate chips: If you choose to use them, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Spread the brownie batter evenly across the pan for uniform baking.
- Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean, indicating fudgy brownies.
- Cool before slicing: Remove the pan and allow the brownies to cool for at least 10 minutes to set properly before slicing into servings.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Using almond flour instead of oat flour will make the brownies slightly denser and add a nuttier flavor.
- The mini chocolate chips are optional but add an extra chocolate boost and texture contrast.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These brownies are naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oat flour.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
