Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies with Fresh Raspberries
Rich, fudgy brownies featuring a creamy peanut butter layer swirled through decadent chocolate batter and topped with bright fresh raspberries. The combination of smooth peanut butter, bourbon-enhanced chocolate, and tart berries creates an indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests. The marbled appearance makes each square visually stunning, while the contrast of textures and flavors delivers a sophisticated twist on classic brownies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 7 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- ⅝ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang
- 2
Cream together peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth
- 3
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, reduce to low and whisk in half the chopped chocolate
- 4
Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, then eggs, bourbon and vanilla
- 5
Whisk in flour, cocoa powder and salt until smooth, then stir in remaining chocolate
- 6
Pour 3/4 of brownie batter into prepared pan and spread evenly
- 7
Spread all peanut butter mixture over brownie layer
- 8
Dollop remaining brownie batter on top and create swirly pattern with knife tip
- 9
Scatter raspberries over surface
- 10
Bake for 40 minutes, rotating pan halfway through
- 11
Cool completely before lifting out using parchment overhang and cutting into squares
Tips
Line pan with parchment overhang for easy removal and clean cutting
Let brownies cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean squares
Create the swirl pattern gently to maintain distinct layers while achieving a marbled appearance
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered
Serve at room temperature, cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake to avoid dry brownies
Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling
Use room temperature butter for smooth peanut butter layer
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Natural peanut butter may make the layer less smooth and stable. Creamy conventional peanut butter works best for the proper texture and consistency.
What if I don't have bourbon?
You can substitute with additional vanilla extract or omit entirely. The bourbon adds depth but isn't essential to the recipe's success.
How long do these brownies keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.