Okay, listen up, dessert aficionados! If you're anything like me, the words "peanut butter" and "chocolate" together make your heart skip a beat. But let's face it, sometimes the packaged versions leave you wanting more, a little less processed, a little more mmm. So, I present to you: Peanut Butter Chocolate Dream Brownies!
These aren't your average, run-of-the-mill squares of sweetness. Oh no, these are a three-layered symphony of flavor: rich chocolate brownie, a dreamy peanut butter cream, and a final cascade of chocolate on top. Yes, it's a journey, and yes, it's worth every single step. Don't worry, while they are decadent, we will nudge them in a healthy direction! Think of it as a balanced indulgence.
The Brownie Building Blocks
Before we dive in, let's get real: butter needs to be soft! Leave that stick out of the fridge, pronto.
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Oven Dance: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grab your baking dish (9x13 is ideal). Now, you can go the classic grease-and-flour route, but for less stress, I highly recommend parchment paper. Easy peasy clean-up.
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Melty Magic: In a small saucepan, combine 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, ½ oz semi-sweet chocolate, and ½ cup of that softened butter. Over low heat, gently melt and stir until smooth. It’s like a chocolate spa day in a saucepan!
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Egg-cellent Fluff: In a separate bowl, whisk two eggs with 1 cup of sugar until it's light and fluffy. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now, fold in ½ cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and that gloriously melted chocolate mixture. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
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Bake Time: Pour that batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes. Use a toothpick to check, you want a little gooeyness, but not raw batter. (A few crumbs on the toothpick are perfect!). Let it cool completely before adding the next layer.
The Peanut Butter Cloud
Get ready for the layer that dreams are made of. You will need your hand mixer and a healthy dose of self control not to eat this all with a spoon.
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Peanut Butter Bliss: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with ¼ cup of softened butter. Mix until smooth.
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Sweetness Arrival: Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar (in ½ cup increments). It will get crumbly, that's expected.
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Creamy Finish: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cream or milk and mix until it’s wonderfully smooth. Now, taste test is essential, for science of course.
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Spread the Dream: Once the brownies are cooled, evenly spread this peanut butter frosting over the top. Stick it in the fridge until firm. Patient is a virtue, especially when chocolate is involved!
Drizzle of Delight
Now it's time for the final flourish of flavour.
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Chocolate Melt: In a saucepan, melt 2 oz of semi-sweet chocolate with 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat, stirring until it's smooth. (Want a thicker layer? Double the ingredients).
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Drizzle & Swirl: Drizzle this warm chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer. You can swirl it with a spoon, making it look oh-so-fancy, or spread it for maximum chocolate coverage.
Let the chocolate cool completely and you are ready to devour. Serve immediately or keep them in the fridge but beware they are VERY hard to resist!
Why These Brownies Will Steal Your Heart (And Maybe Your Diet):
- PB&C Power: It's the most iconic flavor combination, elevated to gourmet status.
- Love Language: The perfect treat for that special someone (or yourself, let’s be real).
- Rainy Day Remedy: Baking is basically therapy, right?
- Showstopper: Prepare to outshine every other dessert at the potluck.
- Sweet Gift: Give the gift of homemade happiness.
The Perfect Drink Pairing
Forget the usual milk. Let's get adventurous.
- Sherry: A dark Oloroso sherry adds depth and intrigue.
- Madeira Wine: Or try Amontillado sherry or Madeira wine for a similar effect.
- Aquavit: If you are feeling adventurous, a little Breckenridge Aquavit.
- Lambrusco: A fizzy red that surprisingly works wonders with chocolate.
FAQs for the Curious Baker
Q: Do I have to make all three layers? A: Nope! A simple brownie is always delightful, or you can leave off the top chocolate layer. It's your brownie, your rules!
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter? A: I wouldn't recommend it for the frosting. You want that smooth texture.
Q: Almond butter instead? A: Totally! And use almond milk in the frosting too.
Q: Chocolate chips for the semi-sweet? A: Absolutely!
Q: How long will they last? A: They’re best fresh, but tightly wrapped in the fridge, you’ll be okay for a couple of days (if they last that long!).
Q: Vegan version? A: Not this one, but there are plenty of amazing vegan chocolate treats out there.
Ready to get started? Download Menuistia and plan all your meals, with all the best recipes. Get inspired! You could even add this recipe to your collection! Who doesn’t want a perfect brownie recipe!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Yield: 24 brownies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Brownies
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate
- ½ oz semi-sweet chocolate
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Frosting
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
Chocolate Glaze
- 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Set out ¼ cup of butter to soften and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Prep a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt semi-sweet and unsweetened chocolates and butter over low heat. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract. Add flour, salt, and melted chocolate, mixing well.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should have a few crumbs on it.
- Let brownies cool completely.
- While the brownies cool make the frosting. Mix peanut butter and softened butter until combined and smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add cream or milk until fluffy and desired consistency is reached. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies. Chill until firm.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a saucepan until smooth. Drizzle over brownies and gently spread.
Notes
- Double the glaze for a thicker layer.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
- Yield: 24
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 131mg
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 3g
Ready to make some seriously good brownies? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven and get ready for an incredible baking journey! Don't forget to check out Menuistia for more recipes and menu planning ideas! Happy baking!