Peanut Butter Nutella Swirl Brownies
You know those days when you can’t decide between peanut butter or chocolate? These brownies solve that problem permanently.
The fudgy chocolate base gets ribbons of creamy peanut butter and Nutella swirled right into the batter. Each bite hits different.
Room Temperature Eggs Matter Most
Cold eggs won’t mix properly with your melted chocolate and butter. They’ll seize up the mixture and create a grainy texture. Pull your eggs out 30 minutes before you start baking. If you forget, place them in warm water for 5 minutes to bring them up to temperature quickly.
Our Best Picks
Swirling Without Overmixing
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter and Nutella on top of your brownie batter. Use a knife to create figure-8 patterns, dragging through each dollop. Stop after 8-10 swirls total. More than that and you’ll blend everything into mud instead of getting those gorgeous distinct ribbons.
Underbaking Prevents Dry Disappointment
These brownies continue cooking in the hot pan after you pull them out. The center should still jiggle slightly when you shake the pan at 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the chocolate parts should come out with moist crumbs, not clean. The residual heat finishes the job perfectly.
Getting Perfect Swirl Definition
- Warm the peanut butter and Nutella in the microwave for 15 seconds before swirling – they’ll move through the batter more easily.
- Cut brownies with a plastic knife to prevent the swirls from dragging and creating messy edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of peanut butter works best here?
Creamy natural peanut butter gives the smoothest swirls. Avoid chunky or no-stir varieties that are too thick to distribute evenly through the batter.
How long do these stay fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days. The texture actually improves after the first day as flavors meld together.
Will almond butter work as a substitute?
Absolutely. Use the same amount of almond butter or any smooth nut butter. Sunflower seed butter works great for nut-free versions too.
Editor’s Choice
Peanut Butter Nutella Swirl Brownies
Ingredients
Swirl
Equipment Needed
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Melt chocolate base: Melt butter and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk sugar into the chocolate mixture until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is glossy.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly into the chocolate mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined – don’t overmix.
- Layer batters: Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter and Nutella randomly across the surface.
- Create swirls: Use a knife to create figure-8 swirl patterns through the peanut butter and Nutella, dragging through the brownie batter. Make 8-10 swirls total.
- Bake brownies: Bake for 23-25 minutes until center barely jiggles when pan is shaken. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before cutting.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 brownie)
