Peanut Butter Brownies
235
18
1.30k
Peanut Butter Brownies are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and nutty goodness. As someone with a passion for baking, this recipe has always held a special place in my heart. The combination of fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter creates a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply indulging after a long week, these brownies will surely impress. They’re the kind of treat that you crave when you want to make any day feel a bit more special.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This isn’t just any brownie recipe; these Peanut Butter Brownies have an allure that’s hard to resist. Packed with flavor and texture, they effortlessly strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
Why you’ll love this dish:
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps, you can have these delicious brownies ready to serve in under an hour.
- Kid-Approved: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a timeless favorite among kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, school events, or a cozy night in—any occasion becomes a celebration with these treats.
"I brought these Peanut Butter Brownies to a family gathering, and they were gone in minutes! Everyone loved how fudgy and rich they were, especially with that sweet peanut butter layer." – Sarah T.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Peanut Butter Brownies is straightforward and fun! Here’s a concise breakdown of the steps involved:
- Prepare the Pan: Before anything, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F and line your baking pan.
- Melt the Chocolate: Combine butter and chopped chocolate, melting them together until smooth.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients for the brownie mixture.
- Combine Everything: Gradually add the melted chocolate into the dry mixture, followed by the eggs and chocolate chips.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and whipped topping before layering it over the brownie batter.
- Finish and Bake: Top with any additional chocolate bark if desired, then bake and enjoy!
What You’ll Need
To whip up these delightful Peanut Butter Brownies, gather these ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (sliced into tablespoons)
- 6 ounces semi-sweet baking bar (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- 1/4 cup melted chocolate bark (optional for extra flair)
You might consider swapping out creams for alternatives like Greek yogurt for a lighter twist or using dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into preparing these delicious treats!
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, letting the edges hang over for easy removal. Spray with cooking spray and set aside.
-
Melt the butter and chocolate: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the sliced butter and chopped chocolate. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Continue heating in 15-second intervals until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and set aside.
-
Combine dry ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Incorporate eggs: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one by one, mixing until thoroughly combined. Increase the speed to medium and let mix for about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
-
Combine chocolate mixture: On low speed, slowly drizzle in the melted chocolate mixture until just blended. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
-
Prepare the peanut butter layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and whipped topping until smooth.
-
Layer and bake: Pour half of the brownie mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the peanut butter layer evenly across the brownie batter. Top with the remaining brownie batter. If desired, drizzle the melted chocolate bark over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
-
Cool and serve: Allow to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting out using the foil edges. Cut into squares and enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies
Presenting your brownies is as delightful as making them! Consider these serving ideas:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top makes for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: For those with a sweet tooth, a caramel drizzle adds a rich layer of flavor.
- Garnished with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can lighten up the brownie experience.
- Accompany with Fresh Berries: Add a refreshing touch with some strawberries or raspberries on the side.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing these Peanut Butter Brownies properly ensures that you can enjoy them for days to come:
- At Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Fridge: For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze these brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To make your baking experience even smoother, here are a few tips:
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Investing in high-quality chocolate adds depth to your brownies that makes a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. This prevents dense brownies.
- Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to consider:
- Nutty Add-ins: Mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Swap the Peanut Butter: Use almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
- Add Swirls: Create a marbled effect by gently swirling in more peanut butter on top before baking.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare these brownies?
Preparation time is around 15 minutes, and baking takes about 30-35 minutes. Overall, you can enjoy these fudgy treats in under an hour!
Can I substitute peanut butter?
Absolutely! You can use almond butter, sunbutter, or any other nut butter of your choice. Just ensure the consistency is similar.
What’s the best way to store these brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week. For long-term storage, freeze them wrapped tightly.
With this Peanut Butter Brownie recipe, you’re not just creating a dessert—you’re crafting a sweet moment to share with family and friends! Enjoy your baking adventure and the joy it brings to those around you.
Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, letting the edges hang over for easy removal. Spray with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the sliced butter and chopped chocolate. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Continue heating in 15-second intervals until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one by one, mixing until thoroughly combined. Increase the speed to medium and let mix for about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- On low speed, slowly drizzle in the melted chocolate mixture until just blended. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and whipped topping until smooth.
- Pour half of the brownie mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the peanut butter layer evenly across the brownie batter. Top with the remaining brownie batter. If desired, drizzle the melted chocolate bark over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting out using the foil edges. Cut into squares and enjoy!
