Peanut Butter Brownies

Who can resist the delectable combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter? Peanut butter brownies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to creating the best peanut butter brownies ever. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering treat!

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Oven and Pan:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies later.

Making the Brownie Batter:

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
2. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Making the Peanut Butter Swirl:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Brownies

1. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the top of the brownie batter.
3. Use a knife or a skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.

Baking Instructions

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
2. Be careful not to overbake, as the brownies will continue to cook a bit as they cool.
3. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips:

• For a clean cut, use a sharp knife wiped clean with a damp cloth between each cut.
• Arrange the brownie squares on a decorative plate or tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Ideas:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful treat.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature:

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration:

• For longer storage, keep the brownies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing:

• Brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information

Health Benefits:

• While these brownies are definitely an indulgence, they do offer some benefits. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats. Enjoying these brownies in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

Calorie Count:

• Each brownie square contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the squares and the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

Peanut butter brownies are a delightful dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: rich, fudgy chocolate and creamy, nutty peanut butter. This recipe is simple to follow and results in brownies that are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these brownies are a guaranteed hit.

FAQs

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your peanut butter swirl. It will add a slight crunch to the brownies, which some people might enjoy.

2. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even peanut butter chips can enhance the texture and flavor of the brownies. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

3. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the peanut butter swirl?
You can substitute powdered sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.

4. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Be careful not to overbake them to keep them fudgy.

5. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Yield: 12 Brownies

Peanut Butter Brownies

Print

Who can resist the delectable combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter? Peanut butter brownies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to creating the best peanut butter brownies ever. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering treat!

Prep Time 45 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth and combined.
3. Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Stir in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Add the vanilla extract and stir until the batter is smooth and glossy.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
9. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
10. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an extra nutty crunch, you can sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top of the brownie batter before baking.

Use smooth peanut butter for the marbling effect. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead.

To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder in the brownie batter.

Store the Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.