Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream with a creamy, nutty twist. These brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate layers with a smooth swirl of peanut butter frosting on top. The contrast between the dense chocolate and the salty-sweet peanut butter creates a bakery-quality dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or simple home baking, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat every time.

What are Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Brownies?

Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Brownies are a decadent dessert featuring a classic chocolate brownie base topped with a silky peanut butter frosting. The brownies are thick, chewy, and packed with deep cocoa flavor, while the frosting adds a creamy, nutty layer that enhances the sweetness. This recipe is simple to make yet delivers the richness of a professional bakery brownie.

Other Ina Garten Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten White Chicken Chili
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Cookies
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Frosting
• Ina Garten Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Brownies

• Perfect flavor balance – The sweetness of chocolate pairs beautifully with the salty nuttiness of peanut butter.
• Fudgy and rich – Soft, dense, and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Crowd favorite – A guaranteed hit at bake sales, parties, or gatherings.
• Easy ingredients – Uses basic pantry staples you likely already have.
• Freezer-friendly – Can be made ahead and stored for later.
• Versatile treat – Works as dessert bars or bite-sized snacks.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Brownies

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1 – Preheat the oven

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2 – Melt butter and chocolate

In a saucepan, melt butter and chopped chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3 – Mix in sugars and eggs

Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 4 – Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this dry mixture into the chocolate batter until fully incorporated.

Step 5 – Bake the brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 6 – Cool completely

Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan before adding frosting.

Step 7 – Prepare peanut butter frosting

In a bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and cream. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 8 – Frost the brownies

Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.

Step 9 – Chill and serve

Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help the frosting set, then cut into squares and enjoy.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies

• A glass of milk – Complements the chocolate-peanut butter richness perfectly.
• Vanilla ice cream – Adds cool creaminess to each fudgy bite.
• Hot coffee – Balances the sweetness with a roasted bitterness.
• Chocolate ganache drizzle – Extra indulgence for chocolate fans.
• Fresh berries – Raspberry or strawberry adds a refreshing fruity contrast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies

• Use good-quality chocolate – Higher cocoa content gives a richer flavor.
• Don’t overmix – Stir until ingredients are just combined for fudgy brownies.
• Cool completely before frosting – Prevents the peanut butter topping from melting.
• Sift confectioners’ sugar – Keeps frosting smooth and lump-free.
• Add cream slowly – Adjust consistency for a spreadable texture.
• Cut when chilled – Easier to slice neatly once the frosting firms up.
• Store properly – Keep covered to maintain moisture and flavor.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies

• Swirled brownies – Swirl peanut butter directly into the batter before baking.
• Crunchy topping – Sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate chips on top.
• Salted caramel layer – Add a drizzle of caramel between the brownie and frosting.
• Double chocolate – Use dark cocoa powder for a richer base.
• Mini brownie bites – Bake in muffin tins for bite-sized treats.
• Nut butter twist – Substitute almond butter for a different flavor profile.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies

• Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to 6 days when chilled.
• Freezer – Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Defrosting tip – Thaw at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies

• Microwave method – Warm for 10–15 seconds for a soft, fudgy texture.
• Oven method – Heat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes if you prefer warm brownies.
• From frozen – Let thaw completely, then reheat gently in the oven.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 340
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 160mg

FAQs

How do I make Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Brownies extra fudgy?

For fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking — remove them when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs instead of being fully clean. Use real butter, good-quality chocolate, and don’t overmix the batter after adding flour, as this keeps the texture dense and rich.

Can I swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter instead of frosting it?

Yes, you can swirl creamy peanut butter directly into the brownie batter before baking. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter and use a knife to create gentle swirls. This method gives a marbled look and infuses peanut flavor throughout the brownies.

Why did my Ina Garten Peanut Butter Brownies turn out dry?

Brownies often turn dry if baked for too long or if too much flour is added. Always measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method and bake just until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft. Cooling them completely in the pan helps retain moisture.

Can I make Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies store beautifully. Bake and frost them a day in advance, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the frosting softens to its creamy texture again.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Peanut Butter Brownies bring the best of two beloved flavors — chocolate and peanut butter — into one irresistible dessert. The fudgy base and creamy frosting create a luxurious texture combination that’s hard to beat. These brownies are simple to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation.

Print