Name: Rich Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy); 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey; 1/4 cup applesauce; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup chocolate chips; Optional: 2 tbsp oat flour or almond flour

These rich fudgy peanut butter brownies are my go-to when I want a chocolate fix that’s indulgent yet surprisingly wholesome. Packed with deep chocolate flavor and creamy peanut butter, they’re naturally sweetened and made without any flour—making them perfect for anyone avoiding gluten or just looking for a better-for-you treat. The texture? Incredibly moist and fudgy, especially after chilling in the fridge. I love how easy they are to whip up with pantry staples and no mixer required.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey

1/4 cup applesauce

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup chocolate chips

Optional: 2 tbsp oat flour or almond flour for extra structure

Directions

I preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, I stir together the peanut butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, applesauce, salt, baking soda, and vanilla until smooth.

If I’m using oat or almond flour, I fold it in at this point for a slightly firmer texture.

I stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Then I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

I bake it for 20–25 minutes, or until the top looks set and the edges start to pull away slightly.

I let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing.

For extra fudginess, I like to refrigerate them for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 rich and fudgy brownies.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Calories per serving: 145 kcal

Variations

Nut-free: I swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to make these nut-free.

Double chocolate: I sometimes add 1–2 tablespoons of extra chocolate chips on top before baking for an even more decadent bite.

Swirl style: For visual flair and extra peanut butter flavor, I swirl a couple of teaspoons of peanut butter on top of the batter before baking.

Vegan: I make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Protein boost: Adding a scoop of unflavored or chocolate protein powder (and adjusting liquid slightly) gives these brownies a nice protein kick.

Storage/Reheating

I store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—they stay perfectly fudgy and moist. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer and then transfer them to a sealed bag or container. They thaw well at room temperature or can be microwaved for a few seconds to bring back that warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

I look for the edges to pull away slightly from the pan and the top to appear set. Because they’re meant to be fudgy, a toothpick won’t come out clean—it should have a few moist crumbs.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, I often use natural peanut butter. I just make sure it’s well stirred so the oil is fully incorporated before measuring.

What can I substitute for applesauce?

Mashed banana or Greek yogurt both work as substitutes, but I find applesauce gives the most neutral flavor while keeping the brownies moist.

Can I make these without chocolate chips?

Definitely. I sometimes skip the chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor or add chopped nuts for crunch instead.

Are these brownies freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze really well. I let them cool completely, slice, and then freeze them in a single layer before storing in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

These rich fudgy peanut butter brownies hit every craving: chocolatey, chewy, moist, and just the right amount of sweet. I love that they’re made with better-for-you ingredients but still feel like a real treat. Whether I need a quick dessert, a lunchbox snack, or something to share at a potluck, this is one recipe I return to over and over again.

📖 Recipe:

Rich Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These rich fudgy peanut butter brownies are flourless, naturally sweetened, and irresistibly chocolatey. Moist, chewy, and made with wholesome ingredients, they’re easy to whip up and perfect for gluten-free or healthier dessert lovers.