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Quick Peanut Butter Spiderweb Brownies: Best Easy Halloween Treat

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These Quick Peanut Butter Spiderweb Brownies are a no-fuss Halloween dessert that looks impressive. With a fudgy brownie base and a creamy peanut butter swirl, they come together in about 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15-18 oz) brownie mix (preferably Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge or Ghirardelli)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup water (or brewed coffee for deeper flavor)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, softened (not natural or oily; Jif or Skippy recommended)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides. Alternatively, grease the pan with non-stick spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Stir with a whisk or fork until just combined (about 30 strokes). Do not overmix.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  4. Place the peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft and spoonable (not hot).
  5. Drop small spoonfuls (about 8-10 dollops) of the softened peanut butter evenly over the brownie batter, spacing them about an inch apart.
  6. Using a butter knife, insert it into the batter at a 45-degree angle and drag it through the peanut butter dollops in a continuous, gentle motion (spiral or zigzag pattern). Make 4-5 passes across the pan to create a web pattern. Do not over-swirl.
  7. Bake on the middle rack for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Start checking at 18 minutes.
  8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes (or 15 minutes in the fridge).
  9. Use the parchment paper handles to lift the brownies out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 16 squares (4×4 grid) or 9 larger squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts.
  10. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving using a fine-mesh strainer.

Notes

For best results, use creamy processed peanut butter (not natural) and soften it just enough to be spoonable. Do not overmix the batter or over-swirl the peanut butter. If the peanut butter sinks, it may be too warm; chill it slightly before dolloping. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free brownie mix. For a dairy-free version, check that the brownie mix is dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween brownies, spiderweb brownies, peanut butter brownies, easy Halloween treat, quick dessert

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/quick-peanut-butter-spiderweb-brownies-best-easy-halloween-treat/