These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are thick, fudgy, and filled with a creamy peanut butter swirl and topped with peanut butter cups. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, this simple dessert will satisfy your brownie cravings and have you coming back for more!
Have I ever mentioned that I used to never be a big fan of brownies?
I know, I know…crazy, right?
Well, let me clarify. I have always liked brownies, but when I was younger, I would gladly pass up brownies for a cookie, muffin, or just about any other sweet treat. I’ve also mentioned before that I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth, though my tastes have definitely evolved as I’ve gotten older.
Now, I eagerly look forward to munching on a donut, muffin, slice of cake, and brownies. Yes, brownies!
You may remember these Brownie Bites with Nutella Frosting from a few months ago. That was my second brownie recipe that I’ve shared on Pumpkin ‘N Spice, and probably one of my favorites. I mean, brownies…need I say more? I’m SO glad I came around to loving them!
And while homemade is always good, sometimes you just need something easy, yet delicious. After all, I’m all about the simple recipes around here (hence my motto at the top of the page: Where Easy Meets Delicious!).
These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are thick, fudgy, and filled with a creamy peanut butter swirl and topped with peanut butter cups. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, this simple dessert will satisfy your brownie cravings and have you coming back for more!
If you’re looking for the perfect, easy dessert, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Trust me, friends. I mean, peanut butter and brownies…could it get any better than this?
You all know I love peanut butter, so it only seemed natural to combine it into this simple, one bowl, dessert. These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are loaded with flavor. A chocolate brownie base, with chocolate morsels, peanut butter, and peanut butter cups…wowsers. Definitely the perfect, easy brownie!
Like most of my recipes, these Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are a breeze to whip up. The brownie mix is made in one bowl and then popped into the oven to bake.
Once the brownies have cooled, it’s time to swirl on some chocolate and peanut butter. Simply melt some chocolate wafer (or chips) in the microwave and then spread on top of the brownies. Then, it’s time for the peanut butter! Melt the peanut butter slightly in the microwave so that it’s easy to spread, and then drop by the spoonful on top of the chocolate. Swirl with a knife and then top with peanut butter cups. Easy peasy, right?
One bite and you’ll fall in love with the rich chocolate and peanut butter explosion. The soft and chewy texture, combined with the decadent flavor equals pure perfection. Easy to make and even better to eat, these Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies will be your new, go-to dessert!
Looking for more easy desserts? I’ve got you covered!
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix any kind
- Ingredients needed for mix as directed on box
- 1 cup chocolate wafers or chocolate chips I like to use Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- Mini peanut butter cups roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with foil or parchment paper, letting hang slightly over sides. Lightly grease with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, prepare and bake the brownies according to package directions.
- Allow brownies to cool completely once out of the oven.
- In a medium, microwaveable safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers (or chips) until smooth and creamy, stirring every 15 seconds so mixture doesn't burn. Spread melted chocolate evenly over top of brownies.
- In a small bowl, heat peanut butter for about 10-15 seconds, or just until it's slightly melted and easier to spread. Drop peanut butter in small spoonfuls over chocolate frosting.
- Drop peanut butter in small spoonfuls over chocolate topping. Using a butter knife, gently swirly to create a marble affect. Top with chopped peanut butter cups.
- Let brownies set until frosting has slightly hardened.
Jane Couric says
This is a nice recipe, that i have now put on my to-do list, thanks for sharing.
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Jane!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Oh Gayle, what are you doing to me?! I have just had to ban myself from eating peanut butter and then I see this haha. They look epic!
Gayle says
Peanut butter and brownies make the best combo, don’t they? Thanks, Dannii!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Now THIS is my kind of baking — the recipe that starts with a mix! 🙂
Your chocolate-peanut butter treats sound AMAZING, Gayle!
Gayle says
Yes! Sometimes easy recipes are needed. Thanks for the brownie love, Blair!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh gosh, I am ALL about peanut butter cups so these gorgeous brownies are right up my alley! I mean, I’m totally swooning over all that layer-y goodness! Perfect kinda food for getting through that mid-week slump!
Gayle says
Thank you, Sarah! I agree, brownies are much needed this week!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Gayle, I feel the same way about brownies .. but top them with Reese’s mini peanut butter cups and I’m grabbing all the brownies!!! can’t wait to check out the new Nestle Toll House Baking Mixes!!
Gayle says
Thank you, Alice! Peanut butter makes everything better! 🙂 And I think you’ll love those baking mixes!
Annie Chesson says
I want alllllllll these brownies ????. Chocolate and peanut butter = SO delicious!
Gayle says
Thank you, Annie!
Keri @ Fashionable Foods says
These peanut butter swirl brownies sound so heavenly, Gayle! I’ll have to make these for my mom – she’s a huge peanut butter lover! Well, so am I, so I know just about everyone will love these! 🙂
Gayle says
Thank you for the brownie love, Keri!
Medha says
Peanut butter and chocolate is where it’s at and especially when it comes to brownies- yum!
Gayle says
Yes! 🙂 Thanks, Medha!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee says
Oh my goodness, do these look amazing or what? I LOVE thick and chewy brownies!
Gayle says
Me too, Kelly! Thanks!
All That I'm Eating says
These look AMAZING. I love peanut butter brownies. You’ve made me so hungry,
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words!
annie@ciaochowbambina.com says
Peanut butter + chocolate = a match made in heaven! I’m in heaven just thinking about these brownies!! YUM!
Gayle says
Thank you, Annie! You just can’t beat this combo! 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
The peanut butter queen strikes again! You can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate!
Gayle says
Definitely not! Thanks, Rachelle!
mira says
I was thinking I need to try this mix, since I also got all 4 of them! Can’t wait to try these brownies! They look and sound amazing!
Gayle says
Thanks for the brownie love, friend!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
aah peanut butter brownies!! these look amazing!! i adore anything peanut butter related (especially anything peanut butter cup related) so i definitely must try these out Xx
Gayle says
Thank you, Thalia!
Kelly says
These are the ultimate brownies, Gayle! The peanut butter cups totally take them to the next level! I love how easy they are to make too! 🙂
Gayle says
I love how easy these are, too! Thanks, Kelly!
Rachel @ Mesa Cooking Co. says
Oh my goodness… these are SO over-the-top and SO enticing! I love peanut butter and chocolate (I mean, really, who isn’t?) and so this just looks perfect. So pretty too!
Gayle says
Thank you for the kind words, Rachel! Peanut butter and chocolate were meant to be together, right? 🙂
GiGi Eats says
Man! I don’t think I have ever been more sad about my food allergies and intolerances- ha! I want these!!!
Gayle says
Aww sorry to hear that, Gigi! Thanks for the brownie love, though!
Jess @ What Jessica Baked Next says
These brownies look incredible, Gayle! Love all the PB swirls and chopped Reese’s! So yummy – can’t wait to try these soon! 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Jess!
Mir says
That’s how we differ, Gayle. I have like 70 brownie recipes on my site, and you have three, whereas I never post anything but dessert. And we’re still blog buddies! 🙂
These are seriously the most incredible thing I’ve seen this week. I’m making them STAT!
Gayle says
Haha very true! I guess we balance each other out, right? 🙂 Thanks for the brownie love, friend!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
Too funny! Brownies were always my favorite growing up – probably because my mom would let us lick the bowl!! lol These look and sound fantastic! I can never turn down peanut butter + chocolate!
Gayle says
Licking the bowl was the best! 🙂 Thanks, Ashley!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
Okay, these brownies are everything! Love all that peanut butter on top! No one can resist chocolate and peanut butter! I’m dying to try these!
Gayle says
Thanks, Jen! They’re SO good! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh my gawsh, brownies and peanut butter cups are two of the things I miss most since I developed a cocoa allergy (2 decades ago). So, you are torturing me with these Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies!! They look beyond delish, Gayle!! Definitely going to have to make these for Boy.. and jealously watch as he devours the whole pan. Good thing I love him huh? 😉 Pinned! Cheers, Friend!
P.s. you didn’t like brownies??? Why weren’t we friends back then? I could have eaten all yours! 😉
Gayle says
Ugh darn your cocoa allergy! 🙂 I would’ve gladly given you all of my brownies when back when! Thanks for the kind words and pin, friend!
Manali@CookWithManali says
I am all up for easy recipes like this, these look so delicious!
Gayle says
Thanks, Manali!
Danielle says
I think chocolate and peanut butter has to be one of the best combinations ever! These brownies look so good, Gayle! Love how easy they are to make too 🙂
Gayle says
Thank you, Danielle! Peanut butter and chocolate is definitely the best! 🙂
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
I love brownies, and peanut butter makes them even better! These look so good, Gayle!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kristine!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Woah! I love reading your blog, G, because I get to learn about all of your food likes and dislikes! 😉 So interesting that you preferred the other sweets to brownies. I’m just happy you came around to loving them, because: these beauties! WOW. Just the sheer amount of pb cups on top of these brownies… I’m just sighing with so much PB love right now. Pinning to my Peanut Butter Love board. No explanation needed. 😉 Hope you have an awesome weekend, Gayle! 🙂
Gayle says
Thank you so much, Demeter! I’m glad I came around to brownies too…not sure what was wrong with me back then! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend, too!