Nothing beats the irresistible combination of rich peanut butter and buttery blondies. These peanut butter blondies deliver all the comfort of your favorite childhood treat with a sophisticated twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. We’ve perfected this recipe to create the ultimate chewy, fudgy texture with that perfect peanut butter flavor in every bite.
While brownies get all the attention, blondies deserve their moment in the spotlight. These golden bars pack serious flavor without the chocolate, letting creamy peanut butter take center stage. We love how they’re incredibly easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Our peanut butter blondies recipe creates those coveted crispy edges and tender centers that make dessert dreams come true. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special, these bars deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. Let’s jump into creating these absolutely addictive treats that’ll become your new go-to dessert.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected these ingredients to create the perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor and fudgy texture. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving those coveted crispy edges and tender centers.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/3 cup butterscotch chips
Equipment Needed
Having the right equipment makes preparing these peanut butter blondies straightforward and ensures consistent results every time. We’ve found that investing in quality baking tools significantly improves the final texture and appearance of our blondies.
Mixing bowls form the foundation of our baking setup. We recommend using at least two medium to large bowls for separating wet and dry ingredients before combining them. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best as they don’t retain flavors and are easy to clean.
A rubber spatula becomes essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly without overworking the batter. This flexible tool helps us scrape down bowl sides effectively and ensures every bit of peanut butter gets incorporated into our mixture.
While not mandatory, an electric mixer can save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together. We prefer using a stand mixer or hand mixer to achieve the perfect light and fluffy texture that creates the ideal base for our blondies.
The 9×13 baking pan serves as our go-to size for these blondies. This standard dimension provides the perfect thickness and allows for even baking throughout. We always opt for metal pans as they conduct heat more efficiently than glass alternatives.
Parchment paper makes removal incredibly simple and prevents sticking issues. We line our baking pan completely, leaving some overhang on the sides to create easy-lift handles for transferring the finished blondies.
Additional tools that enhance our baking process include measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wire cooling rack for proper cooling, and an offset spatula for spreading frosting evenly across the surface.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients measured and equipment ready, let’s walk through each step to create these irresistible peanut butter blondies. The process is straightforward and requires just a few simple mixing techniques to achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning any mixing. Line your 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring you leave enough overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This preparation step prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in your large mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture becomes well combined and smooth. The melted butter creates that signature fudgy texture we’re aiming for in these blondies.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in your second mixing bowl. This separate mixing ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and prevents overmixing once we combine everything together.
Create the Batter
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients using your rubber spatula. Fold the ingredients together gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will appear thick and dense, which is exactly what we want for chewy, fudgy blondies.
Add Mix-ins
Fold in your chosen mix-ins such as Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, or chopped peanuts if using them. Distribute these additions evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Bake the Blondies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to the corners. Bake for 18-30 minutes, depending on your pan size. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean.
| Pan Size | Baking Time |
|---|---|
| 8×8-inch | 25-30 minutes |
| 9×13-inch | 18-22 minutes |
Cool and Cut
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares using a sharp knife for clean edges and perfect presentation.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blondies
Creating exceptional peanut butter blondies requires attention to exact details that transform a simple recipe into an extraordinary dessert. We’ve gathered essential tips to help you achieve that perfect balance of gooey centers and crispy edges every time.
Choose the Right Peanut Butter
We recommend using processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy rather than natural varieties. Natural peanut butter contains oils that separate and can create a dry or crumbly texture in your blondies. Creamy processed peanut butter provides the smooth consistency and stable structure needed for perfect results.
Master Your Mixing Technique
Overmixing stands as one of the most common mistakes when making blondies. We suggest mixing the batter just until the ingredients combine completely. Excessive mixing develops the gluten in flour too much and creates dense or tough blondies instead of the tender texture we want.
Perfect Your Baking Time
Preventing overbaking ensures your blondies maintain their signature gooey interior. We bake until the edges set firmly and the center feels just firm to the touch. The blondies continue cooking slightly from residual heat after removal from the oven.
Allow Proper Cooling
Patience during the cooling process makes all the difference in achieving clean cuts. We let our blondies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before attempting to slice them. This cooling time allows the texture to set properly and prevents crumbling when cut.
Add Texture Elements
Extra crunch elevates the eating experience significantly. We fold in chopped peanuts or candy pieces like Heath bar bits just before baking. These additions create delightful textural contrast against the smooth peanut butter base.
| Timing Element | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Time | Just until combined | Prevents tough texture |
| Baking Time | 18-30 minutes | Maintains gooey center |
| Cooling Time | Minimum 10 minutes | Ensures clean cuts |
| Total Time | Less than 1 hour | Quick preparation |
These techniques ensure consistently delicious results that showcase the rich peanut butter flavor while maintaining the perfect chewy texture that makes these blondies irresistible.
Storage Instructions
Our carefully crafted peanut butter blondies deserve proper storage to maintain their delicious texture and rich flavor. The method you choose depends on how quickly you plan to enjoy these treats and whether you want to prepare them in advance.
Room Temperature Storage
We recommend storing sliced blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. These treats maintain their perfect chewy texture for up to 1-2 days when properly sealed. Uncut blondies last longer at room temperature but may develop a dry texture if exposed to air for extended periods.
Refrigeration
For longer storage we suggest placing leftover blondies in an airtight container and refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks. This method works particularly well if you’ve added frosting to your blondies since refrigeration keeps the frosting firm and prevents unwanted softening. The cool temperature also helps preserve the rich peanut butter flavor while maintaining the desired texture.
Freezing Options
Freezing provides the longest storage solution for our peanut butter blondies. We wrap each blondie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before placing them in freezer bags for maximum protection. Another effective method involves placing the blondies on a parchment lined tray and freezing them overnight before transferring to freezer bags or containers.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1-2 days | Airtight container |
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 weeks | Airtight container |
| Freezing | 1-6 months | Freezer bags or containers |
Additional Storage Tips
Proper cooling remains essential before any storage method. We always let our blondies cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart during the cutting process. This cooling period allows the texture to set properly and makes handling much easier.
For advance preparation we can refrigerate the prepared dough for 2-4 days or freeze it for 1-2 months before baking. This flexibility allows us to enjoy fresh baked blondies whenever the craving strikes without starting from scratch each time.
Variations and Substitutions
We love experimenting with different ingredients to create unique versions of our classic peanut butter blondies. These simple swaps allow you to customize the recipe based on dietary preferences or available ingredients.
Different Nut Butters
Swapping peanut butter for other nut butters opens up exciting flavor possibilities while maintaining the same rich texture we adore. Almond butter creates a more subtle nutty taste with slightly less sweetness than traditional peanut butter. Cashew butter delivers an ultra-creamy consistency with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate chips. Hazelnut butter transforms these blondies into a decadent treat reminiscent of your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread.
When substituting nut butters, we recommend using the same measurements as the original recipe. Natural nut butters work perfectly, though you may notice slight texture differences compared to processed varieties. Each alternative provides its own distinct character while preserving the fudgy center and chewy edges we expect from perfect blondies.
Gluten-Free Option
Creating gluten-free peanut butter blondies requires thoughtful flour substitutions to maintain our desired texture. Almond flour produces incredibly moist blondies with a slightly denser crumb and rich nutty undertones. Coconut flour absorbs significantly more liquid than traditional flour, so reduce the amount by about 75% and add an extra egg to compensate for moisture loss.
We particularly love The Big Man’s Industry’s naturally flourless approach using peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, baking soda, and chocolate. This method eliminates flour entirely while creating perfectly chewy blondies with intense peanut butter flavor. The recipe relies on the natural binding properties of peanut butter and eggs to achieve the ideal consistency.
Vegan Alternative
Transforming our peanut butter blondies into vegan treats involves strategic ingredient swaps that preserve flavor and texture. Replace each egg with one flaxseed egg made by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and letting it sit for 5 minutes until gel-like. Mashed banana works as another excellent egg substitute, though it will add subtle sweetness and banana flavor.
Substitute butter with equal amounts of coconut oil or vegan butter for the best results. We recommend using refined coconut oil to avoid overwhelming coconut taste. Ensure your chocolate chips or add-ins are certified vegan since many contain milk products. These modifications create deliciously rich vegan blondies that satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth while meeting dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
We’ve shared everything you need to create these irresistible peanut butter blondies that’ll become your new favorite dessert. With our detailed guide and proven tips you’re equipped to bake consistently perfect results every time.
These versatile treats work beautifully for any occasion whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet. The endless customization options mean you can adapt the recipe to suit any dietary need or flavor preference.
Now it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking. Trust us – once you taste these perfectly chewy golden squares with their rich peanut butter flavor you’ll understand why we’re so passionate about this recipe. Your kitchen will smell amazing and your family will be asking for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes peanut butter blondies different from brownies?
Peanut butter blondies are made with brown sugar instead of cocoa, giving them a rich vanilla-caramel base with intense peanut butter flavor. They have a chewy, fudgy texture similar to brownies but with golden color and nutty taste that sets them apart from chocolate-based desserts.
What ingredients do I need for peanut butter blondies?
You’ll need creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Optional mix-ins include chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, mini marshmallows, or butterscotch chips to enhance flavor and texture.
What equipment is essential for making these blondies?
Essential equipment includes two medium mixing bowls, a rubber spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a 9×13 metal baking pan. Parchment paper helps with easy removal, while a wire cooling rack and offset spatula are helpful for cooling and frosting.
How long do I bake peanut butter blondies?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-30 minutes, depending on your pan size. The blondies are done when edges are set but the center still looks slightly underbaked. This ensures a gooey center and prevents overbaking, which can make them dry.
How should I store peanut butter blondies?
Store cut blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze wrapped blondies for 1-6 months. Always cool completely before storing to maintain texture.
Can I make gluten-free or vegan versions?
Yes! For gluten-free, substitute with almond or coconut flour, or try a flourless version. For vegan blondies, replace eggs with flaxseed mixture or mashed banana, and use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Use processed, creamy peanut butter for the smoothest consistency and best results. Natural peanut butter can work but may affect texture due to oil separation. Avoid crunchy peanut butter unless you want additional texture in your blondies.
Why do my blondies turn out dry or overbaked?
Overbaking is the main culprit. Remove blondies when the center still looks slightly underbaked, as they continue cooking while cooling. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and create a tough texture instead of chewy fudginess.
