Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe: Easy & Gooey Bars

Okay, let’s be real – sometimes you crave something sweet, something utterly satisfying, and you want it NOW. Enter: these incredible Peanut Butter Blondies. They’re ridiculously easy to make, packed with peanut butter goodness, and they’ll impress just about anyone. Forget complicated desserts; these are your new best friend!

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re bursting with rich, nutty peanut butter flavor in every single bite.
• The texture is perfect – chewy around the edges and wonderfully soft in the middle.
• You only need a handful of common pantry ingredients, meaning minimal grocery store trips!
• They’re ready in under an hour from start to finish – quick and easy is the name of the game.
• They’re incredibly versatile – you can customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of jam.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets these Peanut Butter Blondies apart is the emphasis on *pure* peanut butter flavor. We’re not masking it with tons of chocolate or overly complicated additions. Instead, we use a generous amount of both creamy peanut butter and a touch of melted butter to create a truly moist and decadent treat that’s all about that peanut butter goodness. The slight tang of brown sugar also gives them a depth of flavor you won’t find in your average blondie recipe. It’s simple, yes, but the focused flavor is what makes them extraordinary!

Ingredient List

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (the star of the show!)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to jazz things up a bit? Here are some fun ways to customize your blondies:

• Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the batter before baking.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Dollop extra peanut butter on top of the batter before baking and swirl it in with a knife.
• Chopped Nuts: Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch.
• Jam Swirl: Swirl in a tablespoon or two of raspberry, strawberry, or grape jam for a fruity twist.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake the blondies. They should be slightly soft in the center.
• Use good quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
• Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot when you add it to the other wet ingredients.
• Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Let the blondies cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute another nut butter? Yes, almond or cashew butter would work well, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• How do I store these? Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Can I freeze these? Yes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch baking pan. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Customization Options

Ready to get creative? Here are some more ways you can customize these blondies:

• Peanut Butter Cup Blondies: Press mini peanut butter cups into the batter before baking.
• Salted Caramel Blondies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled blondies for an extra decadent treat.
• Oreo Blondies: Roughly crush some Oreos and fold them into the batter.
• Brown Butter Blondies: Melt the butter until it browns, then allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Blondies are perfect on their own, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They’re fantastic for afternoon treats, potlucks, or simply when you need a little peanut butter pick-me-up!

Conclusion

There you have it – the easiest, most delicious Peanut Butter Blondies you’ll ever make! These are the perfect solution for your sweet tooth cravings, and they’re so simple that even beginner bakers will find them a breeze. So, go ahead and try them out – and don’t forget to share your photos! Tag us on Instagram and let us know how you made them your own. Happy baking!