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Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

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5 from 88 reviews

Decadent chocolate peanut butter brownies featuring a rich, fudgy chocolate base topped with creamy, smooth peanut butter frosting. These brownies strike the perfect balance between chocolate and peanut butter flavors, baked to perfection and finished with a luscious homemade frosting for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)
  • 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (142 grams) (or 50-70% dark chocolate, finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (105 grams)
  • 2 large eggs (whisked)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder (22 grams)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Peanut Butter Frosting

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (75 grams) (softened)
  • 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter (do not use natural peanut butter)
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar (165 – 220 grams)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (or cream)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, allowing an overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out easily later.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: Place the butter and finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 45-second intervals on medium power, stirring between intervals until smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler method.
  3. Mix Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly. Then whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and whisked eggs until incorporated.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder (sifted if lumpy), and salt until just combined to form the brownie batter.
  5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no raw batter.
  6. Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Add peanut butter and beat until combined even if some lumps remain.
  7. Add Powdered Sugar and Flavorings: Add 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the peanut butter mixture. Beat on low speed, gradually increasing to medium.
  8. Complete Frosting Texture: Continue beating in remaining powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of milk or cream, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  9. Cool and Frost: Once the brownies are fully cooled, use the parchment or foil overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place on a cutting board.
  10. Apply Frosting and Serve: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Optionally, sprinkle with Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter cups. Slice with a thin, sharp knife and serve.

Notes

  • Use smooth peanut butter for frosting for the best texture; avoid natural peanut butter which tends to separate.
  • If the cocoa powder is clumpy, sift it before adding to ensure smooth batter consistency.
  • Do not overbake the brownies; they are best when fudgy and moist inside.
  • Frosting can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less powdered sugar and milk/cream.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
  • Optional toppings like Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter cups add texture and extra flavor but can be omitted.

Keywords: chocolate peanut butter brownies, peanut butter frosting, homemade brownies, fudgy brownies, easy dessert, chocolate dessert

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-brownies-recipe/