Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

I’m a brownie nut, and it’s no secret, based on the number of brownie recipes on my site. These ones have a special place in my heart, though. I made them with melted chocolate (rather than cocoa powder), and the results are insane. The brownies themselves are wonderfully fudgy with the perfect chew.

But the best part is that peanut butter swirl. There’s nothing quite like the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter, and these brownies are a fabulous example. The slight saltiness of the peanut butter really elevates the dessert from everyday to something special. They take under an hour to make (plus some cooling time), and they are totally vegan. Boom!

The Best Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies You’ll Ever Bake (and They’re Vegan!)

Thinking about giving these peanut butter brownies a shot? Here’s why you should stop thinking and just go for it:

• A lot of brownie recipes (many of mine included) use cocoa powder, which is all fine, dandy, and convenient. This recipe uses melted chocolate, though, which makes it feel sort of old-fashioned and extra satisfying. You know what I mean?
• The rich ribbon of peanut butter running through each and every bite of these chewy, fudgy brownies adds this beautiful creaminess and a slight saltiness that complements the sweet chocolate flavour so nicely.
• These brownies freeze and thaw beautifully. So, they’re an awesome thing to make a big batch of and keep on hand for when you and the fam need a quick pick-me-up.

Notes on Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these vegan peanut butter swirl brownies. Please scroll to the recipe card below for precise measurements.

• Chocolate chips – Or chunks. I like semi-sweet chips, but milk or dark chocolate would also work. Make sure they’re vegan!
• All-purpose flour – This recipe also works really well with gluten-free flour. I like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour, but most 1:1 gluten-free flours will do.
• Sea salt – To break up the sweetness of the brownies a bit.
• Baking soda – For that perfect rise.
• Flax eggs – I make mine with 1 tablespoon of flaxmeal and 3 tablespoons of water (see my recipe here). You could also use a vegan egg replacement.
• Brown sugar – I like using raw brown sugar, but cane sugar or coconut sugar would be fine.
• Melted coconut oil – I’d go with refined coconut oil (unrefined has a strong coconut flavour). You could also use canola oil or avocado oil.
• Water – Filtered water is ideal. Tap water can have a funny taste depending on where you live.
• Pure vanilla extract – To add warmth and depth to the flavour profile.
• Peanut butter – Smooth, natural peanut butter is ideal. Be sure to give it a hearty stir before using. Allergic to peanuts? Cashew butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter would all work.

How to Make Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Ready to start baking? Here’s a quick overview of how to make these fudge-y, peanut butter-y brownies. See the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

• Prep. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease an 8×8 (20x20cm) square pan.

• Melt. Microwave the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
• Combine the wet ingredients. Beat together the flax eggs, sugar, and oil on high speed for 2 minutes. Mix in the water and vanilla.

• Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
• Put it all together. Mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and stir in the melted chocolate.
• Transfer the batter to the baking pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
• Warm the peanut butter. Pop the peanut butter in the microwave for 15 seconds to loosen it up.

• Swirl. Dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter. Use a knife to swirl the peanut butter through the batter.
• Bake. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
• Cool. Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Brownies

Here are some pro tips you’ll want to keep in mind when making these brownies:

• Melt with care. When melting the chocolate in the microwave, do so in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, and just until the chocolate is smooth. You don’t want to burn it.
• Beat it. When beating together the flax eggs, sugar, and oil, do so for about 2 minutes, until the mixture starts to lighten and gain some volume. This will help you get that chewy brownie texture you’re looking for.
• Don’t over-mix. When mixing together the chocolate and dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, do so just until everything is combined. Mixing past this point will cause the glutens in the flour to overdevelop, resulting in tough, over-dense brownies.
• Don’t overdo the swirl. When swirling the peanut butter into the batter, swirl gently and just until you see a nice pattern. If you swirl too much, you’ll basically just mix the peanut butter into the batter, muddying the flavours and potentially impacting how the brownies bake.
• Don’t over-bake. No one likes a dry brownie, so be sure not to overbake these. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, and the centre is still a little wobbly.
• Cool completely. The brownies will continue to bake and set as they cool, so leave them be until they’ve come to room temperature.
• Optional chocolate chips. If you’d like to fold 1/2 cup or so of chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the pan, go for it!

Storage and Freezing

• Counter: Once cool, transfer the brownies to an airtight container or cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can also seal fully cooled leftover brownies in a freezer-safe airtight container (such as a freezer bag) or wrap individual brownies in a double layer of plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the brownies to thaw at room temperature before diving back in.

I do not recommend storing these chocolate peanut butter brownies in the fridge. They’ll dry out.

More Vegan Brownie Recipes

Love this peanut butter brownies recipe? There’s more where that came from!

• Gluten Free Brownies
• Pumpkin Brownies
• Red Velvet Brownies
• Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies
• Vegan Mug Brownie

Enjoy friends! If you make these peanut butter swirl brownies, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!