Name: Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural or regular); 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey; 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup oat flour (or almond flour for grain-free); 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/3 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)

These Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, made with wholesome, simple ingredients. They’re naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and can easily be made grain-free, making them an indulgent treat I can feel good about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and easy this brownie recipe is. It uses pantry staples like peanut butter, cocoa powder, and maple syrup to create an ultra-fudgy texture without any butter, eggs, or refined flour. The applesauce keeps them moist, and the chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey goodness. Whether I’m baking for myself or sharing with friends, these always disappear fast. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, vegan, and lower in sugar than traditional brownies.

Ingredients

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

1/2 cup peanut butter (natural or regular)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey

1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup oat flour (or almond flour for grain-free)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease or line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, I stir together the peanut butter, applesauce, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Then I add the salt, cocoa powder, oat flour, and baking soda, stirring until a thick, even batter forms.

I fold in the chocolate chips and spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. If I want extra chocolate, I sprinkle a few more chips on top.

I bake the brownies for 20–22 minutes, until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

I let them cool completely before slicing to get the perfect fudgy texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 brownies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories per serving: 165 kcal

Variations

Grain-Free: I swap the oat flour for almond flour if I want to keep things grain-free.

Nut-Free: I’ve made these using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version.

Sweeter: I add a touch more maple syrup or an extra tablespoon of chocolate chips if I’m craving something sweeter.

Extra Texture: I’ve mixed in chopped nuts or a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking for added texture.

Different Chips: I sometimes use white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, I freeze them in a sealed container with parchment between layers. To enjoy warm, I reheat a brownie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Related Recipes:

Peanut Butter Brownies

FAQs

Can I make these brownies nut-free?

Yes, I replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to make them completely nut-free.

Are these brownies vegan?

They are! I use applesauce instead of eggs and stick with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener to keep them vegan.

Can I use regular flour instead of oat or almond flour?

Yes, I’ve tested this with all-purpose flour, but I usually stick with oat or almond to keep them gluten-free and wholesome.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

I check by inserting a toothpick into the center—when it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, increasing the bake time to around 25–28 minutes.

Conclusion

These fudgy peanut butter brownies are my go-to when I want something rich, satisfying, and made with better-for-me ingredients. They’re easy to whip up, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m baking for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe never lets me down.

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