Peanut Butter Brownie Bites
You want brownies. But you also want peanut butter. And maybe something bite-sized so you can pretend you’re practicing “portion control.”
Say hello to Peanut Butter Brownie Bites—tiny, fudgy, chocolate-packed little squares with a creamy peanut butter center that basically melts in your mouth. They’re rich. They’re indulgent. They’re dangerously poppable.
And because they’re mini, you can totally have three. Or six. Who’s counting?
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First: they’re bite-sized. That means quicker baking, faster cooling, and immediate gratification.
Second: texture. The brownie part is dense and fudgy—not cakey, not dry. The peanut butter center stays soft and creamy. It’s basically dessert perfection in two layers.
Third: they look impressive without requiring elite baking skills. You don’t need a water bath. You don’t need complicated techniques. You just layer and bake.
Also:
- Perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Easy to transport.
- Freezer-friendly.
- Beginner-friendly but bakery-level vibes.
Warm brownie + peanut butter = unbeatable combo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients. Big flavor.
For the brownie base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – For that rich fudgy texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweet and classic.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth.
- 2 large eggs – Structure and chew.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Flavor booster.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Chocolate intensity.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Just enough structure.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Essential balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder – Slight lift.
For the peanut butter center:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – Smooth and rich.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – Helps thicken and sweeten.
Optional topping:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Peanut butter drizzle
- Flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a mini muffin pan or line it with mini liners. Mini is key here—we’re going for bite-sized magic.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla. Mix until smooth and glossy.
Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.
3. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a small bowl, stir together peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
It should be thick but scoopable. If too soft, chill it for a few minutes.
4. Assemble the Bites
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each mini muffin cup.
Add a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the peanut butter mixture in the center.
Top with a small amount of brownie batter to cover the peanut butter.
Don’t overfill—these will rise slightly.
5. Bake
Bake for 10–13 minutes.
The edges should look set, and the centers should still look slightly soft.
Do not overbake. Fudgy > dry. Always.
6. Cool
Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing.
They firm up as they cool. Removing too early can cause breakage. Patience wins here.
7. Decorate (Optional but Fun)
Drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate on top.
Sprinkle flaky salt if you love that sweet-salty combo.
Now admire your mini masterpieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s keep these perfectly fudgy.
1. Overbaking.
The biggest brownie sin. Pull them out when the center still looks slightly soft.
2. Overfilling the muffin cups.
They will puff up. Leave space or risk overflow chaos.
3. Skipping the powdered sugar in the filling.
It helps stabilize the peanut butter center. Don’t skip it.
4. Using a regular muffin tin instead of mini (without adjusting time).
If you use a regular tin, increase baking time to about 18–22 minutes.
5. Removing them too soon.
Let them cool so they hold their shape.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Want to customize? Let’s do it.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter – Extra gooey goodness.
- Use crunchy peanut butter – Adds texture in the center.
- Swirl the peanut butter instead of layering – Marbled look, same flavor.
- Dark cocoa powder – Deeper chocolate flavor.
- Stuff with mini peanut butter cups instead of plain filling – Next-level indulgence.
You can also dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar for bakery-style flair. IMO, that tiny sprinkle of flaky salt takes them to another level.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Why are my brownie bites dry?
Most likely overbaked. Check earlier next time and remove when slightly soft in the center.
4. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes! Prepare the batter according to the box instructions and follow the same layering method. Easy shortcut.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
6. How do I get clean removal from the pan?
Grease well or use liners. Let them cool properly before removing.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Brownie Bites are small but mighty. They deliver all the rich, fudgy, peanut buttery goodness you want—just in adorable little portions.
They’re perfect for sharing… or not sharing. No judgment here.
So preheat that oven, mix up that batter, and create a batch of bite-sized chocolate bliss.
Then grab one (or three), take a bite, and enjoy that perfect fudgy center. You just leveled up your brownie game.
