Peanut Butter Brownies

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these peanut butter brownies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.

Timing

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies

Step 1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking pan (8×8 inches) or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or microwave. Once melted, stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Step 3- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 4- Combine wet and dry ingredients by folding the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 5- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 6- Add peanut butter: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl it in gently. This gives the brownies that beautiful marbled look.

Step 7- Optional: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top for extra chocolatey richness.

Step 8- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9- Cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownie Texture

1- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in dense, cakey brownies.

2- Watch the bake time carefully. Fudgy brownies are achieved by slightly underbaking them—check them at 25 minutes and adjust accordingly.

3- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest swirls, though chunky peanut butter works if you like a bit of texture.

Variations: Adding Chocolate Chips, Swirls, and More

1- Chocolate chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for extra richness.

2- Peanut butter cups: For a fun twist, chop up peanut butter cups and press them into the batter before baking.

3- Nutty texture: Add a handful of chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch.

How to Store and Keep Your Peanut Butter Brownies Fresh

• Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Peanut Butter Brownies for Special Diets: Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

1- Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a gluten-free treat.

2- Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) to make the recipe vegan.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Peanut Butter Brownies

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the richness of the brownies.
• You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or serve with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Peanut Butter Brownies

1- Overbaking: This will result in dry, crumbly brownies. Keep an eye on the baking time and test with a toothpick.

2- Using natural peanut butter: While it’s great for sandwiches, natural peanut butter can separate too much during baking. Stick to regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe.

How to Reheat Peanut Butter Brownies for Fresh-out-of-the-Oven Taste

To warm up your brownies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven texture. You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

Why Peanut Butter Brownies Are a Must-Try Dessert

These brownies are a delightful treat for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. They’re easy to make, and each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, the swirl of peanut butter adds a fun visual element that makes them as pretty as they are delicious.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 24g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 17g

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, these peanut butter brownies are an absolute must-try. They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients and start baking