Are you craving a decadent dessert that's both incredibly rich and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Brownie and Peanut Butter recipe is the perfect fusion of fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter, creating a truly unforgettable treat. It's a fantastic recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth, perfect for a quick dessert or an impressive homemade addition to any gathering. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup milk (any kind)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This preparation ensures even baking and easy removal of your delicious brownies.
Make the brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
Peanut butter swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
Combine and bake: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl the peanut butter and brownie batter together with a knife or toothpick.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake; slightly underbaked brownies will be fudgier.
Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Enjoy this delightful homemade dessert!
Tips for Brownie Perfection:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The quality of your cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor of your brownies. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will result in a richer, darker brownie.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting ensures they hold their shape and are easier to serve.
Variations:
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Different nut butters: Experiment with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter.
- Add-ins: Incorporate chopped nuts, pretzels, or even dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy brownie recipe is a simple way to create a delicious and impressive dessert. Enjoy the wonderful combination of rich, chocolatey brownies and creamy peanut butter – a perfect treat for any occasion! It's a quick dinner idea that can quickly transition to a delightful dessert for the whole family. Homemade cooking doesn't get much easier or more delicious than this!