Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies

If you love rich, fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter, these Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies are about to become your new obsession. They feature a deeply chocolatey brownie base with a thick layer of smooth peanut butter fudge tucked right in the center. Every bite is decadent, indulgent, and perfect for parties, bake sales, or anytime chocolate cravings strike.

Ingredients

Brownie Layer

• 18 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
• ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Peanut Butter Fudge Layer

• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Brownies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13×9-inch pan with baking spray.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate chips.
3. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir well, then microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted.
4. Stir in cocoa powder until smooth.
5. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; mix until fully combined.
6. Add eggs and egg yolk one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
7. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
8. Add flour and mix just until combined.
9. Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Peanut Butter Fudge

10. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and peanut butter.
11. Stir frequently until melted and smooth.
12. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
13. Pour fudge mixture evenly over brownie batter. Spread gently if needed.
14. Let sit for 5 minutes to set slightly.
15. Carefully spread remaining brownie batter over the fudge layer.
16. Bake for 40–50 minutes, checking at 40 minutes. A toothpick should come out with moist fudgy crumbs.
17. Cool completely before slicing for best results.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill before slicing for super-clean edges.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days for firmer fudge.
• Freeze individual squares for up to 2 months—wrap tightly.

Variations

1. Reese’s Lover’s Brownies – Sprinkle chopped Reese’s cups over the fudge layer.
2. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter – Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
3. Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge – Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy.
4. Salted Peanut Butter Brownies – Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
5. Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl extra peanut butter into the top brownie layer.
6. Chocolate Chip Explosion – Fold mini chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
7. Nutty Brownies – Add chopped peanuts or walnuts to the brownie layers.
8. Espresso Brownies – Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor.
9. Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
10. White Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted white chocolate on top after cooling.
11. Triple Chocolate – Add milk chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
12. Marshmallow Peanut Butter – Stir mini marshmallows into the fudge layer.
13. Peanut Butter & Jelly – Add a thin layer of strawberry jam on top of the fudge.
14. Protein Boost – Use protein brownie mix and natural peanut butter.
15. No-Bake Fudge Center – Chill the fudge layer before topping with batter for extra thickness.

FAQs

1. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
   Yes! Prepare the mix as directed and layer it the same way.
2. Why cool completely before cutting?
   Cooling allows the fudge to fully set for clean slices.
3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
   White chocolate works best for structure, but milk chocolate will work softer.
4. Can I reduce sugar?
   You can slightly reduce granulated sugar, but texture may change.
5. Do these brownies freeze well?
   Yes! Freeze individually wrapped squares.
6. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   Yes, but stir well—it may be slightly softer.
7. How do I know when they’re done?
   Look for moist crumbs, not wet batter.
8. Can I double the fudge layer?
   Absolutely—just expect longer cooling time.
9. What pan size works best?
   A 13×9 pan is ideal for even layers.
10. Are these very sweet?
    They’re rich but balanced—perfect for peanut butter lovers.

These Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. The contrast between the rich brownie layers and creamy peanut butter fudge makes them unforgettable. Let them cool fully for clean slices and the perfect fudgy texture—they’re worth the wait!

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