Name: Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural or regular); 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional); 1/4 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)

These fudgy peanut butter swirl brownies are a rich, chocolatey dream with the perfect balance of gooey centers and crispy edges. I love how the creamy peanut butter adds a salty contrast to the deep chocolate flavor, and the marbled swirl on top makes them look just as irresistible as they taste. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened — but no one would ever guess they’re on the healthier side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I make these brownies again and again because they’re easy to whip up with pantry staples and don’t require any fancy ingredients. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate never fails to impress, and I like that they’re just sweet enough without being overly indulgent. Plus, they’re a great option for anyone avoiding dairy, gluten, or refined sugar. Whether I’m baking for friends or just treating myself, they disappear fast.

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 cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional)

1/4 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a food processor, I blend everything except the chocolate chips until smooth and creamy.

Then I stir in the chocolate chips by hand for a little texture.

I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Next, I dollop a few teaspoons of peanut butter on top and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it in for that signature marbled look.

If I want extra decadence, I sprinkle more chocolate chips over the top.

I bake them for 18–20 minutes until the center looks just set but still slightly gooey.

Once baked, I let them cool completely before cutting, since they firm up as they sit.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 brownies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I like to switch things up by using almond butter instead of peanut butter for a milder nutty flavor. If I’m out of applesauce, mashed banana works in a pinch and adds a slight banana note. For an extra crunch, I’ve added chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top. If I want to take them to the next level, I’ll mix in a pinch of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I keep them in the fridge for up to a week — they get even fudgier when chilled. If I want to reheat a brownie, I microwave it for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey texture. They also freeze beautifully; I wrap them individually and defrost at room temperature or warm in the microwave.

Related Recipes:

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without a food processor?

Yes, I can mix the ingredients by hand or use a blender. I just need to make sure everything is well combined and smooth before adding the chocolate chips.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

They are if I use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Regular oats can be cross-contaminated with gluten, so I always check the label.

Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut or brown sugar?

Yes, granulated white sugar works, though it slightly changes the flavor and texture. I prefer coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.

Do these brownies taste like peanut butter?

They do have a noticeable peanut butter flavor, especially in the swirls, but it complements the chocolate well. If I want a milder nut flavor, I use almond or cashew butter.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13 inch pan, adjusting the baking time to around 25–30 minutes. I just keep an eye on the center to make sure it’s set but still soft.

Conclusion

These fudgy peanut butter swirl brownies are one of my favorite healthier treats. I love how indulgent they taste without being overly heavy, and the texture hits that perfect sweet spot between cakey and gooey. They’re easy to customize, allergy-friendly, and always a hit — whether I’m baking for a crowd or just keeping them all to myself.

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