1 cup creamy peanut butter – Use regular, well-stirred peanut butter for a consistent texture.
1 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy center.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and gives the blondies structure.
That's it! Three simple ingredients, one bowl, and a little time in the oven.
A Note About the Peanut Butter
For the most reliable results, use conventional creamy peanut butter rather than a very runny natural variety. Natural peanut butter can separate, and its texture may make the batter harder to work with.
If you use a natural variety, stir it thoroughly before measuring. The consistency of the batter may vary slightly.
Helpful Tools
You won't need any special equipment for this recipe. Gather:
8-inch square baking pan
Mixing bowl
Sturdy spoon or spatula
Measuring cups
Measuring spoon
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack
Lining the pan with parchment paper is especially helpful. Leave a little overhang on two sides so you can lift the cooled blondies out easily before cutting.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
The three-ingredient version is delicious as written, but you can make a few changes depending on what you have in the pantry.
Try a different peanut butter
Creamy peanut butter creates a smooth, even texture. If you prefer a little crunch, use crunchy peanut butter instead.
Use a different nut or seed butter
You can experiment with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Keep in mind that different spreads have different levels of moisture and sweetness, so the finished texture may change.
Add chocolate chips
Fold in about 1/3 cup of semisweet or milk chocolate chips for a peanut butter and chocolate combination. It's hard to go wrong with that!
Add chopped peanuts
A handful of chopped roasted peanuts adds a little crunch and makes the peanut flavor even more noticeable.
Add a pinch of salt
If your peanut butter is unsalted, a small pinch of salt can balance the sweetness.
Add vanilla
A teaspoon of vanilla extract gives the blondies a little extra warmth. This is optional and means the recipe will no longer have just three ingredients.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blondies
These bars come together in just a few simple steps. No electric mixer required!
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang along the sides. Lightly grease the parchment if needed.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
Add the peanut butter, packed brown sugar, and egg to a medium mixing bowl.
Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and you have a thick, smooth batter.
It will be thicker than a typical cake batter, so don't worry if it takes a little effort to mix.
Step 3: Transfer the batter to the pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Smooth the top so the blondies bake at a consistent thickness.
Step 4: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes.
The edges should look set and lightly golden, while the center should be just set. Avoid baking until the entire surface looks completely dry, or the blondies may become too firm.
Ovens vary, so begin checking around the 20-minute mark.
Step 5: Cool completely
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Let the blondies cool completely before lifting them out and cutting them into squares. This is important because the centers will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Slice and serve
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the blondies into 9 or 16 squares, depending on how large you'd like the portions.
Serve them as they are, or add a few chocolate chips or a light drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
That's all there is to it!
How to Tell When Peanut Butter Blondies Are Done
The trick is not to overbake them.
Look for these signs:
The edges appear set and lightly golden.
The center looks mostly set rather than wet.
A toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
The blondies may seem a little soft when they first come out of the oven. That's normal. They'll become firmer as they cool.
If you prefer a fudgier texture, stay toward the shorter end of the baking time, provided the center is set.
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Blondies
These blondies are lovely on their own, but a few simple additions can make them feel like a special dessert.
Try serving them with:
A cold glass of milk
Hot coffee or tea
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Fresh strawberries or banana slices
A drizzle of melted chocolate
A little whipped cream
A spoonful of chocolate or caramel sauce
For an easy dessert plate, warm a blondie very briefly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the soft peanut butter bar and cold ice cream is wonderful!
Tips for Making the Best 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blondies
Measure the ingredients carefully
Baking is all about balance. Measure the peanut butter and brown sugar accurately so the batter has the right consistency.
Use room-temperature egg
A room-temperature egg blends more easily with the peanut butter and sugar.
Mix until combined
Stir thoroughly, but there's no need to beat the batter for several minutes. Once the ingredients are evenly incorporated, you're ready to bake.
Line your pan with parchment
This makes removing the blondies much easier and helps prevent sticking.
Don't overbake
This is probably the most important tip. Overbaking can make peanut butter blondies dry and crumbly instead of soft and fudgy.
Let them cool before slicing
I know it's tempting to cut into them while they're still warm! But giving them time to cool helps the bars hold their shape and makes cleaner slices.
Use a sharp knife
For neat squares, wipe the knife clean between cuts if the blondies stick to the blade.
Can You Make Peanut Butter Blondies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! These blondies are a convenient make-ahead dessert.
Bake them according to the directions, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. You can make them a day ahead for a gathering, an afternoon treat, or a lunchbox dessert.
For the neatest slices, cut them once they're completely cool.
How to Store Leftover Peanut Butter Blondies
Once the blondies have cooled, place them in an airtight container.
At room temperature: Store for up to 3 days in a cool kitchen.
In the refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
In the freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
If stacking the bars, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
How to Freeze Peanut Butter Blondies
These blondies freeze well, making them handy when you want a little treat ready to go.
Allow the blondies to cool completely.
Cut them into individual squares.
Wrap each square tightly or place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can enjoy them once thawed, or warm them briefly if you prefer a softer texture.
Recipe Information
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling time: About 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 9–16 squares
Course: Dessert, snack
Cuisine: American
Main ingredients: Peanut butter, brown sugar, egg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these blondies with crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter works well and adds little bits of peanut throughout the bars. The texture may be slightly less smooth than when using creamy peanut butter.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the results may vary. Natural peanut butter often has a thinner consistency and can separate, so stir it very thoroughly before measuring. A thicker, well-mixed variety will generally be easier to work with.
Why are my peanut butter blondies crumbly?
They may have been overbaked, or the ingredient measurements may have been off. Be sure to measure carefully and remove the pan once the center is just set.
Why are my blondies too soft in the middle?
They may need a little more baking time, or they may not have cooled long enough. Check that the center is set before removing the pan, then allow the blondies to cool completely before slicing.
Can I make these blondies without brown sugar?
Brown sugar contributes sweetness and moisture, so replacing it may change the texture. Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch, but the bars may turn out less moist and have a slightly different flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. You can double the ingredients and bake the batter in a larger pan, such as a 9-by-13-inch pan. The baking time will need to be adjusted, so watch for set edges and a just-set center rather than relying only on the clock.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stir in about 1/3 cup of chocolate chips before spreading the batter into the pan. Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic combination.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
The three ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your peanut butter and other ingredients for possible cross-contact or added ingredients. If you need to avoid gluten, choose products specifically labeled gluten-free.
Can I make them dairy-free?
The basic recipe contains no dairy ingredients if you use a dairy-free peanut butter and check the labels carefully. Always verify ingredient packaging if you have a dairy allergy.
More Easy Peanut Butter Desserts You'll Love
If peanut butter desserts are your weakness, here are a few more ideas to add to your baking list:
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters – Sweet, salty, crunchy, and wonderfully easy.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls – Creamy peanut butter centers wrapped in chocolate.
Homemade Crunch Bars – A crisp, chocolatey treat with a satisfying crunch.
Peanut Butter Cookies – A classic cookie with rich peanut flavor.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars – Soft dessert bars loaded with chocolate chips.
Because one peanut butter dessert is never quite enough!
Leave a Review and Share Your Blondies
Did you make these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blondies? I'd love to know what you thought!
Leave a review and share whether you made the classic version or added chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or another favorite topping.
If you take a photo, save it to Pinterest so you can find the recipe again whenever a peanut butter craving hits. And don't forget to share it with a friend who loves simple homemade desserts!
Approximate Nutrition Information
The following values are estimates based on 9 servings and will vary depending on the peanut butter and brown sugar brands you use.
Estimated per blondie (1 of 9):
Calories: 280
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 16g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 21mg
Sodium: 140mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g
These numbers are estimates and are provided for general informational purposes.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest desserts are the ones we come back to again and again.
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blondies are proof that you don't need a complicated recipe or a long list of ingredients to make something delicious. They're rich, soft, chewy around the edges, and full of that peanut butter flavor we all know and love.
Whether you make them for an afternoon snack, a casual get-together, or a quick dessert after dinner, they're easy to mix up and even easier to enjoy.
So grab that jar of peanut butter, a bowl, and three simple ingredients. Your next favorite little dessert might be just 25 minutes away!
