If you’re ready for a dessert that stops all conversation at the table (except for the word “wow!”), these Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies are absolutely the showstopper you need. A rich, fudgy chocolate base meets ribbons of gooey caramel and swirls of creamy peanut butter for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family movie night, or just because you need something decadent to brighten your day, this is the dessert that truly delivers on flavor, texture, and that pure, indulgent happiness only incredible brownies can bring.

Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a short list of simple, everyday ingredients can transform into something so extraordinary. Every item on this list plays a starring role, creating the magic texture, deep chocolate flavor, and those dreamy pockets of caramel and peanut butter in your Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies.

Unsalted Butter: The foundation of that perfect chewy, fudgy brownie texture—always go unsalted so the flavors stay balanced.
Bittersweet Chocolate: The secret to rich, complex chocolate flavor; use freshly chopped bars for the best melt.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the base and helps give those telltale shiny brownie tops.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel background note, making each bite ultra decadent.
Large Eggs: These bring structure and hold everything together beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and depth to the chocolate and peanut butter.
All-Purpose Flour: The classic choice here, giving the brownies the sturdiness they need to support all that gooeyness.
Cocoa Powder: Amplifies the chocolate flavor so every bite is intense and satisfying.
Salt: Just a pinch keeps the sweetness from going overboard and truly enhances the caramel and chocolate notes.
Caramel Sauce: Swirled throughout, it’s what makes these brownies extra irresistible—use a good-quality store-bought or homemade sauce.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The nutty, salty swirl that brings it all together; smooth is key for the prettiest swirls.

How to Make Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to pull your brownies out easily when they’re done. This makes sure nothing sticks and your Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies come out picture-perfect.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl (or using a double boiler), melt the butter and bittersweet chocolate together in 30-second bursts, stirring often. You want a silky, glossy melt—this is what sets the whole brownie’s luscious texture in motion.

Step 3: Whisk in Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla

Add both granulated and brown sugars to the warm chocolate mixture, whisking until smooth. Then, one at a time, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. The batter will be thick and shiny and smell absolutely heavenly already.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Switch to a spatula and fold just until you don’t see any streaks left. Don’t overmix—this keeps your brownies fudge-like and tender.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl Caramel & Peanut Butter

Spread half the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Dollop on generous spoonfuls of caramel sauce and creamy peanut butter, using about half of each. Use a butter knife to swirl the batters together, then repeat with the remaining batter and more caramel and peanut butter on top, swirling again for a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 32-36 minutes, or until the edges look set but the middle is just slightly jiggly—remember, these will finish setting as they cool. Let your Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies cool completely in the pan for the cleanest slices (if you can possibly wait that long!).

How to Serve Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies

Garnishes

Level up your Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right when they come out of the oven, which brings out the chocolate and caramel flavors even more. You might also add a drizzle of extra caramel or melted peanut butter before serving for added flair.

Side Dishes

For an all-out treat, serve these brownies slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The hot-and-cold combination is truly unbeatable and makes every bite feel even more lavish.

Creative Ways to Present

Brownies might be a classic, but there are so many fun ways to present them! Try cutting your Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies into mini squares and stacking them high on a cake stand at your next party. You can also pack them in lunchboxes or wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with twine for a homemade gift that’s hard to beat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist and fudgy, and the flavors deepen over time—in fact, some say they’re even better on day two!

Freezing

If you want to savor your brownies over time, they freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

For that just-baked texture, pop a brownie square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The caramel gets gooey again, the peanut butter softens, and the whole brownie practically melts in your mouth—pure comfort!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a little more peanut flavor. The swirls won’t be as smooth, but you’ll get delightful tiny bits of peanut in every bite.

What kind of caramel sauce works best?

Either store-bought or homemade caramel sauce is great, but make sure it’s thick and rich, not the thin kind meant for ice cream sundaes. A thicker caramel will sit on top and create gorgeous swirls rather than sinking in.

Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?

Definitely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; it usually extends by 8–12 minutes, but start checking at the 38-minute mark.

How do I know when my brownies are done?

The edges should look set and just start pulling away from the pan, while the center is still slightly underdone and jiggles when you gently shake the pan. That’s the sweet spot for fudgy Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies!

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

No need! They’re best stored at room temperature, tightly wrapped. If you live somewhere very warm, you can refrigerate them, but bring them back to room temp or warm them up before enjoying so the caramel and peanut butter are soft and luscious.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate dessert mashup, these Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies have everything you could possibly want—rich chocolate, nutty peanut butter, and luxurious caramel in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast! There’s truly nothing like sharing a fresh batch with friends and family, so go ahead and give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite.