Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

4.9 from 22 votes
(Click the stars to vote)
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These Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies are chewy gluten-free brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter and loaded with peanut butter cups. It’s a chocolate and peanut butter dessert that no one can resist!

Looking for more gluten-free brownies? Try these Bailey’s Fudge Brownies and my Gluten Free Rocky Road Brownies!

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe

  • Cuisine Inspiration: American
  • Primary Cooking Method: Oven
  • Dietary Info: Gluten-free
  • Skill Level: Easy

Peanut butter brownies put a chocolate-and-peanut butter spin on my favorite Gluten Free Brownies! Moist, fudgy, loaded with creamy peanut butter cups, and swirled with even more peanut butter, this brownie recipe is impossible to resist. Here’s why:

  • Swirled with peanut butter. These flourless brownies have an extra gooey, chocolate intensity, swirled with creamy peanut butter. You’ll love the salty, peanutty contrast to the sweet, fudgy brownie.
  • Packed with peanut butter cups. Of course, these peanut butter brownies are scattered with chunks of peanut butter cups for texture, and, you know, even more chocolate and peanut butter!
  • Gluten-free. This brownie recipe replaces flour with almond meal, for an epic gluten-free dessert that has double the chocolate and double the peanut butter.
  • Easy to make. These gluten-free brownies are so simple to make with your basic baking
  • ingredients. They’re perfect to whip up for potlucks, bake sales, or just because.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This recipe is a wonderful delight to my family! I have 2 Celiacs, 1 who is to avoid gluten and 1 who can eat seemingly whatever, and these brownies are delicious and asked for by all! Thank you, Brianne, for developing it and sharing it for our enjoyment! – Katie

A peanut butter brownie on a white napkin with red polka dots, next to a glass of milk with more brownies on a plate in the background.

Reese’s Brownies Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick overview with some notes on what you’ll need to make these gluten-free chocolate brownies with peanut butter. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for a printable ingredients list.

  • Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or any kind that you’d like.
  • Butter: I recommend unsalted butter. If you use salted butter, consider leaving out the salt that comes later in the recipe.
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa Powder: You’ll want to use natural unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Almond Meal: Almond meal is made from ground almonds and it’s a great alternative to flour in gluten-free dessert recipes.
  • Salt
  • Vanilla: For the best flavor, use real vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla.
  • Peanut Butter: Make sure to use shelf-stable, creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter tends to separate due to the oil.
  • Peanut Butter Cups: Use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or your favorite store brand. Chop them up coarsely before you start.

Are Peanut Butter Cups Gluten-Free?

Hershey states on their website that their peanut butter cups are gluten-free, except for the specialty shapes that they release for holidays. Regular or Reese’s Minis are fine to use, and I also use Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups, which are certified gluten-free. For more details, you can read my article, Are Reese’s Gluten Free? However, always consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies

These peanut butter brownies couldn’t be easier to make. They’re ready for the oven in just a few steps! Remember to scroll down to the recipe card for printable instructions.

  • Melt chocolate. Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can make one by placing a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water. Once the chocolate is melted, set it aside to cool.
  • Make brownie batter. Whisk the eggs and sugar until thickened. Add the chocolate mixture a little at a time into the egg mixture, whisking constantly until it is smooth. Next, whisk in the almond meal, vanilla, cocoa powder, and salt.
  • Fill the pan. Pour the brownie batter into a parchment-lined 13×9-inch baking pan. Drizzle the brownie batter with peanut butter, swirl it around, and then sprinkle on the peanut butter cups.
  • Bake and cool. Bake at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or set in the middle. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Three peanut butter brownies stacked on a blue and white striped napkin, with a second brownie on a polka dot napkin in the background.

Tips for the Best Reese’s Brownies

These are my tips for the best results when making these peanut butter brownies:
  • Line the pan. I recommend lining your baking pan with parchment paper. It comes in handy when it’s time to remove these uber-gooey brownies from the pan!
  • Take your time. Don’t rush the step where you whisk the eggs with the sugar. This is the secret to fudgy brownies with crackly tops! It only takes a minute or two, but make sure that the egg mixture gets very pale yellow and thick. I typically do this by hand with a wire whisk (I figure it helps burn off some of the brownie calories).
  • Bake to perfection. The best way to tell if the brownies are done is just by looking to see if they are set in the middle. You can try to see if a toothpick inserted comes out clean, but with the peanut butter and bits of chocolate, it can be tricky to tell.
  • Substitute the peanut butter cups. Fill your peanut butter brownies with chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of peanut butter cups. You can also skip the add-ins altogether and keep only the peanut butter swirl.
  • Make brookies. Use this peanut butter brownie recipe as the brownie layer for your next batch of gluten-free brookies.
A pile of peanut butter brownies on a blue plate with a glass of milk in the background.

How to Store

  • To Store. Store any leftover gluten-free peanut butter brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze. You can also freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap to freeze, and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Three peanut butter brownies stacked on a blue and white striped napkin next to a glass of milk.

More Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes

If you love these fudgy gluten-free brownies with peanut butter swirled throughout, wait until you try these other irresistible dessert ideas. And, check out my ultimate list of the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Desserts for even more inspiration!

Three stacked Peanut Butter Cup Brownies on a blue and white striped napkin with a glass of milk.
4.9 from 22 votes

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

These Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies are chewy gluten-free brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter and loaded with peanut butter cups. It's a chocolate and peanut butter dessert that no one can resist!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 12 mini peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper (or grease really, really well, though I’d recommend the parchment).
  • In a double boiler or a bowl set over a simmering pan of water, melt the butter, then add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar for a minute or two.
  • Add melted chocolate mixture a little at a time, whisking well after each addition.
  • Whisk in the cocoa powder, almond meal, salt, and vanilla.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  • Place small dollops of the peanut butter over the batter and then create swirls with a butter knife or small spatula. Scatter the chopped peanut butter cups over the top of the batter and lightly press in any larger chunks.
  • Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until just set in the middle.
  • Cool completely in the pan before cutting.
Nutrition Facts
Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies
Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)
Calories 189 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 41mg14%
Sodium 99mg4%
Potassium 128mg4%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 165IU3%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 1.1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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231 Comments
  1. Katie

    5 stars
    This recipe is a wonderful delight to my family! I have 2 Celiacs, 1 who is to avoid gluten and 1 who can eat seemingly whatever, and these brownies are delicious and asked for by all! Thank you, Brianne, for developing it and sharing it for our enjoyment!

  2. Sylvia

    5 stars
    I love how you size your brownie recipes for 9″x13″ pans, while every other website I’ve looked at uses an 8″ square! LOL!!! A baker after my own heart… These look amazing. I’m going to make them for my son’s talent show tomorrow night.

  3. Marci

    I seem to be the only one that has never used almond meal. Where do I find it? I’d love to try these brownies. Thanks!

  4. Amita Patel

    Hey,
    This look like I want to rip my screen to eat them. I was recently diagnosed for gluten intolerance and am allergic to eggs. I tried Betty Crocker brownie mix with egg replacer and it stuck to my pan and so greasy that I just threw the whole thing in trash. I would really like to try these but want to know if an egg replacer would work or not.

    Reese’s peanut butter candy line, all of them are my favorite 🙂

    1. Oh no! Honestly, I’ve never used the Betty Crocker gluten free mix and have never worked with egg replacer. I’ll see if any of my vegan friends have used egg replacer in a recipe like this. I know that sometimes egg is critical in gluten free baking to hold it together since it doesn’t have the gluten from flour.

      1. Amita Patel

        I followed your recipe with half of the measurements and substituted 2/3 cups of applesauce for 2 eggs. It was little runny so I added 1/4 cup of GF oats flour. I also used mini muffin pan rather than baking them in a square pan as I wasn’t sure how the results would be and if an 8X8 would be big or small enough. The results…they were okay as I didn’t care much for the melted chocolate chips taste but not bad. Next time I want to try only cocoa powder and omit chocolate chips. Your post has inspired me and I want to thank you as I have been craving some brownies for a while 🙂

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  6. EVA

    Favorite chocolate-peanut butter treat? What ISN’T? That’s my answer!

    Those bars look so good. I haven’t salivated this much for a very long time.

    Damn….I really want that third prize pack…..

  7. Deb

    These brownies sound fabulous! I will make them for my niece’s birthday party. The family always says I don’t need to bring anything when I ask but I know they love it when I bring any of my chocolate goodies. I’m pretty much known for being a chocoholic – not sure that’s a good thing!?!
    My favorite is my chocolate peanut butter pie. It’s so light and fluffy and has lots of chopped up peanut butter cups all through it and scattered on top for garnish. Mmmm!

  8. Lisa Jones

    Whoa! Those brownies look awesome! I think my favorite is the ole stand-by. Reese’s Peanut butter Cup (or a Hershey bar and a jar of peanut butter in emergencies)

  9. olivia tokarz

    Anything with chocolate and peanut butter! I Love Reese Pieces peanut butter pudding cookies, they are amazing! 🙂

  10. Karen

    I love many forms of chocolate and peanut butter together! I had some giant peanut butter cup chunks last night from my husband’s “Everything But The…” Ben & Jerry’s pint. Those were wonderful. I also love chocolate peanut butter brownies like you made! I really like peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips too. I have yet to meet a chocolate and peanut butter combo that I don’t like, actually!

  11. Doreen McCloskey

    5 stars
    I can’t decide which of these is my favorite. They’re all divine. Another great recipe not listed is: Devils Food Cupcakes stuffed with Peanut Butter Ball and frosted with Peanut Butter Cream Frosting. Oh my goodness, these are so delicious!

  12. lynzee mathews

    My Favorite peanut butter and chocolate treat would be the no bake peanut butter and chocolate bars. Delicious! And when it’s just me at home I take a spoonful of peanut butter and pour chocolate syrup over it. Lol

  13. Dorothy

    My favorite has to be smittenkitchen’s chocolate cake w/ PB frosting. Or maybe it’s moose tracks ice cream…or maybe just an english muffin w/ nutella and PB – I can’t even decide!

  14. Mary S

    5 stars
    Your brownies look wonderful and to imagine they are flourless — wow! I know they would be a 5 star recipe, even though I haven’t baked them yet. With no flour, the chocolate would only taste richer!!

    If forced to choose, I would have to say my favorite chocolate peanut butter confections were Buckeyes and a good creamy peanut butter pie with a chocolate crust and a chocolate topping. Delicious!!

  15. Debbie Gates

    I like my peanut butter and chocolate the old fashioned way…….Peanut butter scooped out of the jar with a bar of dark chocolate. Simple and oh so good.

  16. Paige

    My favorite peanut butter and chocolate combo is the dark chocolate dreams peanut butter from peanut butter&company!

  17. Kristen M

    I’m a fan of no-bake chocolate-peanut butter oatmeal cookies. They’re quick to make and perfect to use as candy egg “nests” for springtime treats.

    1. ashley

      Baskin robbins pb chocolate ice cream….or just pb and chocolate chips/bars (whatever is in the house) on a spoon with my morning coffee!!

  18. Cindy Padgett

    Oh, my gosh!!!! I am going to make these as as soon as my daughter gets home from college. Or maybe I will invite some other family over to have an excuse to make them sooner. Thank-you 🙂

  19. Lisa M

    OMG this looks so yummy! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, but I just had to comment on the deliciousness in this post! Definitely making these this weekend… I’m usually a fan of anything chocolate and peanut butter, but absolute fav is the peanut butter blossom cookies that my mom has been making as long as I can remember. She brings them to every party and always gets asked for the recipe.

  20. So many “favorites”. But I have been thinking a lot lately of a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting my incredible step mom makes. Brings back some amazing memories.

  21. Cynthia

    5 stars
    Yummo! There’s nothing that goes together better than peanut butter and chocolate… and add that to a baked good and I’m in heaven… now only if you were here to bake and share! 😉

  22. Michelle Reed

    Reece’s peanut butter cups are my ultimate favorite, but anything, just about, with those ingredients would be good!

  23. These looks fantastic!! My favorite peanut butter and chocolate treat has to be the original reeces peanut butter cup 🙂 I wish I had one right now.

  24. Robin C.

    5 stars
    My favorite peanut butter and chocolate treat is chocolate covered Ritz crackers with peanut butter smeared generously on top!

  25. Alice F

    Peanut Butter and Chocolate. …a match made in heaven! My favorite combination of the two is a brownie recipe that I make called Double Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Heaven. Keeping my fingers crossed that I win this giveaway!

  26. Kristi Wolfe

    When I need a quick fix, I get a spoonful of crunchy peanut butter and dip it in semi sweet chocolate chips…yum!

  27. Stephanie Christon

    5 stars
    Peanut butter is one of my favorite things to eat. The brownies look great. Please post this comment. I bumped the rating button and post too fast on my first. Thanks.

  28. 5 stars
    I remember how excited I was when I discovered my kids were not allergic to peanuts. I’m hugely addicted to peanut butter and–not to make light of the matter–I was just so happy we could continue keeping it in the house! Great recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Day!

  29. Anna

    Flour less pb brownies?! I have died and gone to heaven! We’re chocolate + pb fans here. Just made a chocolate cake with peanut butter buttercream last week. Aaaaand we ate it all. lol

  30. Lisa

    4 stars
    Made these for my daughter to take to the combined youth activity, but not before grabbing a piece for those of us staying home.
    Super sweet, I’m going to make it again with 2/3-3/4 cup sugar instead, and maybe GF peanut butter chips too.
    The kids loved them.

    Thank you for posting a gluten free recipe! And dairy free!

  31. Meg

    My favorite chocolate and peanut butter treat are homemade peanut butter cups! I make them all the time, with graham crackers mixed in the peanut butter part to give it a crunch.

  32. sandy

    oh, these look soooo very good! i gave up lots of my stuff when i had to pack and move quickly. i am at bare basics. this would be wonderful!

  33. Flourless, you say! I am so making these for a new friend who is gluten-free. Well, as soon as I check that she’s not allergic to peanuts. 🙂 These are wonderful, Brianne! They look so chewy and rich!

  34. Nancy @ gottagetbaked

    Brianne, I’m so glad you went the over the top, indulgent route with your recipe today. Today’s fabulous made up holiday deserves no less, lol. I’m swooning over how fudgy, rich and chewy these look. I’m so glad that Baby Smiles isn’t allergic to peanuts. It seems that there are so many kids with the allergy nowadays which would make life so hard for both you and him. Whew! Now you can keep indulging!

  35. Pam Gurganus

    My favorite chocolate-peanut butter treat is homemade peanut butter ice cream drizzled with homemade hot chocolate fudge!

      1. Pam Gurganus

        You sure can! But we only make it once a year (July 4th) because…believe it or not…we still make the ice cream the old fashioned way with the old hand-crank ice cream maker! We have a BIG family party for the holiday and every one gets a turn at the crank until the ice cream is done! 🙂 The little kids love it. Us older kids…not so much! *LOL*

  36. Debbie Caraballo

    I love anything with peanut butter and chocolate…..especially peanut butter bars – pb cookie base, creamy pb filling, and chocolate ganache on top!!!
    Thanks for this opportunity, Brianne!

    Deb

  37. Heather

    The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ball looked really good…. but then again a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake would be good too!

  38. Denise Fedor

    Buckeyes. I would love to make your recipe, but we are VERY tree nut allergic here. So many great sounding recipes, and then I see NUT meal or NUT flour!

  39. Whoa! TOO MUCH GOODNESS for this time in the morning! My head is spinning! Why do you torment me with so many delicious looking recipes at 7am AND work with Peanut Butter and Co? They are amazing! I am so very jealous! Your brownies literally look like THE PERFECT peanut butter brownie! I cannot even begin to chose my favorite, but probably a white chocolate reeses is my ultimate, or a blondie with peanut butter m and ms! Yum!

    Now I have to go on my run, dreaming of PB and chocolate!

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