If you have a sweet tooth that craves something buttery, rich, and delightfully nutty, then this Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These blondies capture the perfect balance between the deep, creamy peanut butter and the decadence of semi-sweet chocolate swirls, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy, golden blondie base. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to making these luscious blondies. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate texture and flavor — from the melty butter that makes the batter so rich, to the lovely pop of peanut butter richness and chocolatey goodness that defines this recipe.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Melted for that irresistibly smooth, rich batter base.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that enhances every bite.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and create the perfect chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Boosts flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure provider that keeps your blondies tender and soft.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the blondies rise just the right amount for a light crumb.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Peanut butter (½ cup): Creamy or crunchy, it adds that iconic nutty swirl everyone loves.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Or chopped chocolate for those luscious, melty pockets throughout.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even baking so the blondies come out soft yet set. Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang on the sides. This little trick lets you lift the blondies out easily once they cool without any stickiness or breakage.
Step 2: Mix the Blondie Base
Start by whisking together the melted butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth and combined — this creates a rich, glossy foundation. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until silky and well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to keep your blondies tender and soft.
Step 3: Soften and Melt Your Swirl Ingredients
Place the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 20 to 30 seconds to make it easier to swirl. Stir it until smooth but still thick enough to hold shape. In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in short 20-second bursts, stirring between intervals until fully melted and glossy. These steps ensure your swirls blend beautifully without melting into the batter permanently.
Step 4: Assemble the Blondies
Pour the blondie batter into your prepped pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now for the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of the warmed peanut butter and melted chocolate over the batter surface. Grab a butter knife or skewer and gently swirl the two together into a marble pattern. The goal is to create lovely ribbons of peanut butter and chocolate that peek through the blondie batter in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye on the golden edges. You want a toothpick inserted near the center to come out with just a few moist crumbs for that perfect chewy texture. Pull the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Cooling lets them set up nicely so your slices won’t fall apart when you cut them.
Step 6: Slice and Savor
Using the parchment overhang, lift the blondies gently from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 16 generous squares and get ready to dig in. The gooey peanut butter-chocolate swirls combined with the buttery, sweet blondie base is pure joy in every bite.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can highlight the swirls beautifully. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top just before serving — it really amps up the peanut flavor and adds a delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. If you want to add a fruity note, fresh berries or a tangy raspberry sauce complements the nutty chocolate profile surprisingly well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe as decadent mini bars at your next party, arranged beautifully on a slate platter with edible flowers for a fancy touch. Or stack them between layers of parchment paper and wrap with a ribbon for a homemade gift that will wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover blondies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture. Avoid refrigerating as this can dry them out, but if you live somewhere warm, refrigeration is better than nothing — just bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm your blondie squares in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This wakes up the peanut butter and chocolate swirls, making each bite gooey and irresistible again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a little extra texture to the swirls, which some people love. It works just as well as creamy peanut butter in this recipe.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?
Yes, feel free to use chopped dark or milk chocolate bars instead of chips. Just make sure to melt gently and stir well to achieve those beautiful swirls.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a center that’s set but still soft. When a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs, your blondies are perfectly baked.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may need to be increased slightly; start checking at about 30 minutes.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
This traditional Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and keep the rest of the ingredients the same.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and this Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies Recipe brings it to life in a way that’s easy, fun, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, these blondies are guaranteed to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead — make a batch and watch the smiles appear with every gooey, nutty bite!
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
Delight in these rich and chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Blondies that combine the nutty creaminess of peanut butter with luscious melted chocolate swirls in a buttery blondie base. Perfectly baked to golden edges with a moist, tender center, this recipe yields irresistible decadent squares ideal for any dessert craving.
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
Swirl Ingredients
- 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 for easy removal.
- Prepare the Blondie Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
- Make the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Swirls: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter for 20-30 seconds to soften it slightly, then stir until smooth. In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Blondies: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the softened peanut butter and melted chocolate over the top of the batter. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the peanut butter and chocolate into the batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing it.
- Bake the Blondies: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be a golden brown and the center should appear set but moist.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies from the pan. Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to help the batter blend smoothly.
- You can use crunchy or creamy peanut butter based on your texture preference.
- Chocolate can be substituted with dark or milk chocolate as desired.
- Do not overbake to retain moistness in the blondies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
