If you love the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter paired with the irresistible charm of chocolate, you’re in for a real treat with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe. These blondies are wonderfully chewy and moist, boasting a beautiful marble effect from swirls of creamy peanut butter and luscious melted chocolate. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and gooeyness that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving something special for yourself, this recipe delivers pure, comforting joy in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor for your blondies. From the buttery richness to the dusting of baking powder that gives just a hint of rise, every component is essential.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Melted for rich moisture and that classic buttery base blondies are known for.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the blondies chewy.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances flavor with warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation providing structure without making it too heavy.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Just enough lift to keep the blondies from being dense.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Peanut butter (½ cup): Creamy or crunchy, this gives the blondies their distinctive nutty swirl.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Melted for luscious chocolate ribbons throughout the batter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift the blondies out after baking without any fuss.
Step 2: Make the Blondie Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a creamy, well-incorporated base. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that comforting vanilla warmth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your blondies tender and soft.
Step 3: Soften the Peanut Butter and Melt the Chocolate
Place the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20 to 30 seconds until it softens slightly; stir to make it smooth and easy to swirl. In another bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until fully melted and glossy. These melted swirls will create the stunning marbled effect that makes these blondies so special.
Step 4: Assemble the Blondies
Pour your blondie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then dollop spoonfuls of the softened peanut butter and melted chocolate randomly across the surface. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the peanut butter and chocolate into the batter to create a beautiful marble pattern—but don’t overdo it! You want distinct ribbons that make every slice a little work of art.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. The edges will turn a lovely golden brown while the center remains chewy—exactly how blondies should be.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out gently. Slice them into squares and get ready to indulge in the perfect union of peanut butter and chocolate.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle the blondies with flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven. This tiny salty contrast elevates the sweetness beautifully. You might also top them with a drizzle of melted peanut butter or extra chocolate for stunning presentation and flavor bursts.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert experience. You could also serve them alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter, fresh contrast that brightens every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress friends at a party? Cut the blondies into mini squares and serve them skewered with fresh strawberries or banana slices. Alternatively, create a dessert platter featuring different nut butters and dipping sauces to encourage a fun, interactive sweet treat experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and chewy. If the environment is warm or humid, keeping them in the fridge is a good option, though they might firm up slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze these blondies successfully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They stay fresh for up to three months frozen and can be thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring your blondies back to that fresh-baked warmth, microwave them individually for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive the soft, gooey texture and enhance the peanut butter and chocolate flavors delightfully.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture and an extra nutty bite that complements the smooth chocolate swirls perfectly. Both versions work well in the Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
No worries at all. You can use bittersweet, milk chocolate, or even chopped chocolate bars. Each variety will bring its unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist on this recipe.
Can I use a different flour, like whole wheat or gluten-free?
For best results, stick to all-purpose flour as it provides the ideal texture. However, you can try gluten-free flour blends or whole wheat with some modifications, but this might affect the tenderness and density of the blondies.
How do I get those perfect peanut butter and chocolate swirls?
The key is to soften the peanut butter and melt the chocolate separately, then dollop them on top of the batter and swirl gently with a knife or skewer. Avoid over-swizzling to keep distinct, beautiful ribbons.
Are these blondies very sweet?
These blondies strike a lovely balance between sweet and nutty, especially with the salt in the recipe enhancing the flavors. If you prefer a less sweet treat, consider reducing the brown sugar slightly or using darker chocolate for the swirls.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe is one of those must-try desserts that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s approachable, fun to make, and absolutely irresistible to eat. Once you try these blondies, they’ll surely become a beloved favorite that you want to bake again and again. So grab your ingredients, swirl that batter, and prepare for some seriously delicious bliss!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully rich and chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies combine the buttery sweetness of classic blondies with decadent swirls of creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate. Perfectly baked to golden edges and a moist, tender center, these blondies are an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Swirls
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the blondies out once baked.
- Prepare the Blondie Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Make the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Swirls: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter for 20-30 seconds until slightly softened and stir until smooth. In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently, until completely melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Blondies: Pour the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the softened peanut butter and melted chocolate over the batter surface. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter and chocolate through the batter, creating a marble pattern.
- Bake the Blondies: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. The edges should be golden brown and the center set but still moist.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan, then cut into 16 squares and enjoy.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the blondies in the refrigerator after cooling to firm up.
- Use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture in the swirls.
- Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
- Ensure not to overbake to maintain a moist and chewy texture.
