There are desserts that hit the spot when you’re craving something sweet, and then there are desserts that stop you in your tracks because they’re just that good. These Gooey Peanut Butter Brownies fall squarely into the second category. They’re fudgy, rich, and unapologetically indulgent—the kind of treat that makes you sneak back into the kitchen for “just one more bite.”
This recipe is one that reminds me of cozy afternoons when the oven warms up the whole kitchen, and everyone magically wanders in to see what’s baking. The smell of chocolate brownies mixed with sweet marshmallow and peanut butter is pure comfort. And let’s be real—peanut butter and chocolate are one of those timeless flavor pairings that never disappoint. Add marshmallow crème into the mix, and you’ve got a dessert that’s gooey, nostalgic, and a little bit over-the-top in the best way.
Whether you’re making these for a bake sale, a family gathering, or just because you want something ridiculously good after dinner, this recipe will deliver every single time.
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Why You’ll Love These Gooey Peanut Butter Brownies
- Ultra Gooey Texture: Between the marshmallow crème, peanut butter swirls, and fudgy brownie base, every bite is melty and indulgent.
- Easy Shortcut Recipe: These start with a boxed brownie mix, but get dressed up with a few mix-ins that make them taste completely homemade.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Peanut butter + chocolate + marshmallow = guaranteed applause.
- Perfect for Sharing: A 9×13-inch pan makes plenty of brownies, so you can treat your family and still have some left to share (or stash away for yourself).
- Foolproof Recipe: No fancy techniques needed—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible brownies:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds richness, sweetness, and that gooey texture we’re after.
- Butter (melted & cooled) – Gives the brownies a rich, buttery depth.
- Milk – Helps loosen up the batter since it’s extra thick with the mix-ins.
- Brownie Mix – Any standard box of brownie mix works here. Choose your favorite brand.
- Egg – Just one, lightly beaten egg white, to help bind everything together.
- Marshmallow Crème – For that sticky-sweet gooey layer in the middle.
- Peanut Butter Morsels – For the ultimate peanut butter taste.
- Cooking Spray – Essential for making sure these rich brownies don’t stick to the pan.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix brownie mixture together.
- Step 2: Press ⅔ of mixture into a well greased pan, bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Step 3: Mix sweetened condensed milk with marshmallow fluff and peanut butter chips.
- Step 4: Pour marshmallow mixture on top of par baked brownie. Then top with dollops of remaining brownie mixture and bake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.
Step-by-Step Tips for Success
Mix with a stand mixer: The batter will be very thick (thanks to the condensed milk), so don’t worry if it feels heavier than a normal brownie batter. That’s exactly how it should be.
Spray your spatula: When spreading the brownie mixture into the pan, lightly spray your spatula with cooking spray. It prevents sticking and makes spreading much easier.
Partial bake is key: That first 10-minute bake helps set the base layer so the marshmallow mixture doesn’t sink straight into the batter.
Don’t worry about perfection: When you drop the remaining brownie batter over the marshmallow layer, it won’t cover evenly—and that’s the beauty of it. The gooey swirls on top are what make these brownies so irresistible.
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped peanuts or walnuts into the top layer before baking for extra crunch.
- Extra Chocolatey: Drizzle melted chocolate chips along with the peanut butter for a double-swirled effect.
- Peanut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter morsels for butterscotch or caramel chips.
- Holiday Twist: Mix in festive sprinkles or colored candy-coated chocolates for a fun seasonal version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a tall glass of cold milk—classic and unbeatable.
- Warm a square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Slice into smaller bites and serve on a dessert tray at parties.
- Enjoy them straight from the pan while standing in the kitchen (no judgment).
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep up to 1 week if you like a firmer, fudgier texture.
- Freezer: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a homemade brownie recipe instead of a box mix?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s for a 9×13-inch pan so the proportions stay balanced.
Q: Do I have to use marshmallow crème?
A: It’s what makes these gooey! But if you prefer, you could substitute mini marshmallows (though the texture will be a little different).
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, but you’ll need two pans. A single batch already fills a 9×13-inch dish nicely.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: The edges will look set, and the top will have a slightly crackly texture. The center may still look soft—that’s okay, they’ll firm up as they cool.
Why This Recipe Works
These Gooey Peanut Butter Brownies are built on the foundation of a fudgy boxed brownie mix, but it’s the add-ins that transform them. The sweetened condensed milk makes the brownies extra moist and dense, the marshmallow crème gives them that gooey pull-apart factor, and the peanut butter swirl ties everything together with a salty-sweet kick. It’s an easy recipe, but one that feels special and bakery-worthy without the fuss.
Final Thoughts
Brownies are a classic, but these Gooey Peanut Butter Brownies take things up a notch. They’re nostalgic yet elevated, simple yet impressive, and most importantly, absolutely delicious. This is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to whenever you need a dessert that makes people stop and say, “Wow.”
So grab that box of brownie mix, swirl in some gooey goodness, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite brownie recipe.
Gooey Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup of the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, milk, brownie mix and egg white. The batter will be thick.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread ⅔ of the brownie batter into the bottom of the pan (it helps to use a spatula sprayed with cooking spray). The layer will be thin.
Bake the base: Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- In a small bowl, stir together the remaining ½ cup sweetened condensed milk with the marshmallow crème and peanut butter morsels. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the marshmallow mixture evenly over the partially baked brownie layer. Carefully drop the remaining brownie batter by spoonfuls over the marshmallow layer.
Final bake: Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F, until the top looks set and slightly crackly.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares. These are rich and gooey, so smaller portions work best!
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