Oh my goodness, peanut butter brownies! Just saying that makes my mouth water. Let me take you back to one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when I was craving something sweet, yet I didn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. That’s when I found this delightful recipe! The combination of rich chocolate brownies and creamy peanut butter swirls is nothing short of heavenly.
Every time I make these brownies, I’m reminded of my best friend’s birthday gathering last year. I had whipped up a batch to share, and they vanished within minutes. Seriously, it was like watching a magic trick; one second they were there, and the next, just crumbs on the plate! People were asking for the recipe left and right, and I knew I had to share this gem with everyone.
So, if you’re ready to create some brownies that might just steal the spotlight at your next get-together, let’s dive into this recipe!
What’s in Peanut Butter Brownies?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these brownies so scrumptious:
Butter: The base for our brownie mix. I love using unsalted butter, so I can control the saltiness of the finished product.
Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that divine chewy texture we all crave in brownies.
Brown Sugar: It gives the brownies a deep, caramel-like flavor and contributes to that soft, fudgy texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder brings in the rich chocolate flavor. Go for a high-quality brand for the best results!
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
All-Purpose Flour: Just the right amount of flour is used to give the brownies structure without making them dry.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors—don’t skip this step!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic touch to the mix.
Peanut Butter: This is the star ingredient! I prefer creamy peanut butter for its smooth texture, but feel free to use crunchy if that’s your jam!
Is Peanut Butter Brownies Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect of these decadent treats. While they certainly aren’t a health food, peanut butter brownies do offer a few benefits.
Peanut Butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter can keep you feeling full longer. Just be mindful of portion sizes; it’s easy to devour a whole batch!
Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants, cocoa also contains minerals like magnesium, which can help boost your energy.
Of course, the sugar and butter content means they should be enjoyed in moderation. But hey, life is all about balance, right? Treat yourself sometimes, and these brownies are definitely a worthy indulgence!
Ingredients List
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus more for greasing)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter (divided)
This recipe serves about 12 deliciously rich brownies.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition.
4. Stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm half of the peanut butter until it’s pourable. Drizzle it over the brownie layer.
7. Spoon the remaining brownie batter on top, then drop dollops of the remaining peanut butter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the brownies for that marbled effect.
8. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
The Perfect Pair!
These peanut butter brownies are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try serving them warm a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! You can also sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for a little crunch or drizzle with chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.
I hope you try these peanut butter brownies out! They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Please share your experience with me—did they disappear like they did at my friend’s birthday? Happy baking!
