Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe
Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies are the ultimate mash-up of classic flavors in one irresistibly chewy, gooey dessert bar. Imagine the warm, nutty richness of peanut butter meeting ribbons of decadent melted chocolate, all nestled in a buttery blondie base that’s just the right balance of fudgy and soft. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping a lunchbox treat, or simply indulging in a little self-care, these bars will quickly become your new go-to sweet fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, relying on pantry staples to deliver a big payoff in flavor and texture. Every ingredient plays its part in creating those addictive Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies—so don’t skip or swap unless you absolutely have to! Here’s why each one matters:
- Unsalted butter, melted: Delivers that rich, moist crumb and lets you control the saltiness.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and extra chewiness to your blondies.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, providing structure and moisture, so each slice holds together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds that irresistible homemade aroma.
- Creamy peanut butter: Creates a luscious, nutty backbone for the bars—use your favorite brand for best results.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bars body without weighing them down, keeping the texture soft.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other tastes and balances the sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melting these for dramatic swirls gives pockets of chocolate in every bite—dark chocolate is a great alternative for extra intensity!
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also lets you lift out the blondies for flawless slicing. While the oven’s heating, measure out each ingredient so you’re ready to go once you start mixing.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until you’ve got a smooth, glossy mixture. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture! Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well blended and the batter looks creamy.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter
Now for the star of the show—peanut butter! Mix it into your wet ingredients until it’s completely incorporated. You want a homogenous, silky batter so that every bite of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies is equally rich and nutty.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients Gently
Add the flour and salt to the bowl, and gently fold them in just until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; this ensures your blondies come out tender and never tough. The batter will be thick, and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5: Create the Swirl
Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in short, 20-second bursts, stirring between each until perfectly smooth. Drop spoonfuls of melted chocolate over your batter, then use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to create beautiful swirls on the surface. This is where the Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies really earn their name!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden and the center is just set—don’t overbake, as you want them soft and fudgy inside. Let the pan cool completely before lifting out and slicing into squares. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies
Garnishes
Bring these beauties over the top with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a few extra chocolate chips scattered on top. Garnishes add visual flair and can tailor each square to your mood or the occasion.
Side Dishes
You can never go wrong with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee alongside your Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies. For a party platter, offer them with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack blondie squares into a rustic tower for a fun dessert centerpiece, or cut them into elegant triangles and arrange them on a serving board. For a playful twist, use cookie cutters to make hearts or stars—perfect for birthdays or special treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They stay moist and delicious, making them a wonderful make-ahead treat or lunchbox surprise.
Freezing
To stash some away for future cravings, wrap cooled blondies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave whenever you need a homemade pick-me-up.
Reheating
For that “freshly-baked” feel, pop a blondie square in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Warm blondies become even more gooey and the swirled chocolate melts enticingly—it’s the next best thing to eating them straight from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Natural peanut butter works, but it can result in a slightly different texture since it’s more oily or sometimes drier than classic creamy peanut butter. Stir it well and be aware your blondies may be a touch denser or more crumbly.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped roasted peanuts, pecans, or even a handful of dried fruit add texture and a pop of extra flavor. Fold them in gently just before pouring the batter into your pan.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate chips for swirling?
Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between each round. This prevents scorching and makes it easy to achieve a silky smooth consistency, perfect for those signature Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies swirls.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden brown and just pulling away from the pan. The center should look set but still soft to the touch. Overbaking leads to dry blondies, so start checking around 22 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and keep an eye on the baking time; they may need a few extra minutes. Doubling is perfect for bake sales or when you know a single batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies won’t be enough.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a genuinely crowd-pleasing treat that hits all the sweet spots, give these Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies a try. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again—and share with everyone you love. Happy baking!
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of rich peanut butter and decadent chocolate with these Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies. These fudgy blondies are easy to make and will satisfy any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Blondies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Swirl:
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peanut butter, stirring until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare Chocolate Swirl: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and swirl over the blondie batter.
- Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes until set. Cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
