Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies From Scratch
There’s just something about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter that makes my heart (and taste buds) so happy!
If you have read my blog before, you would know that I already made these Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies using box cake mix.
But I have gotten so many emails asking me how they could make it from scratch, so here it is!
I’ve been making these for years, and they never last more than a day in my house.
And they don’t require any fancy equipment or complicated steps.
Just mix, layer, and bake. Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants a quick and easy peanut butter dessert.
Bake these for birthdays, potlucks, or just because you’re craving something sweet. They’re always a hit!

Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. This makes removing the brownies super easy!
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

- Then, gently stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your brownies fudgy!

- In another bowl, mix peanut butter, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

- Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

- Spread the peanut butter layer evenly in the pan first, then gently spread the chocolate layer on top.

- Bake for 22 minutes. The brownies will still be soft in the middle, but they’ll set as they cool. Let them cool completely before slicing (if you can wait!).

Tips for the Best Brownies
- Overmixing makes brownies cakey instead of fudgy. Stir until just combined!
- For a smooth texture, creamy peanut butter works best. If you love crunch, try chunky peanut butter!
- Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done!
- Try adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Storing at Room Temperature
Keep them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. (If they last that long!)
Freezing for Later
Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to eat!
If you love brownies that are rich, fudgy, and melt in your mouth, these are for you.
They are everything you want in a dessert! Rich, fudgy, peanut buttery, and SO easy to make.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment!), this peanut butter dessert will be a hit.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you like it!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies From Scratch
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. This makes removing the brownies super easy!
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Then, gently stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your brownies fudgy!
- In another bowl, mix peanut butter, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Spread the peanut butter layer evenly in the pan first, then gently spread the chocolate layer on top.
- Bake for 22 minutes. The brownies will still be soft in the middle, but they’ll set as they cool. Let them cool completely before slicing (if you can wait!).
Other Desserts You Can Try!
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Chocolate Layered Cake
- Bite-Sized Cheesecakes
