Are you craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This peanut butter brownie recipe delivers rich, fudgy brownies with a delightful peanut butter swirl—the perfect combination of chocolate and nutty goodness. It's a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers and a quick win for experienced ones seeking a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat. This recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings, making it a great addition to your list of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas (even if it's dessert!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups 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
- Peanut Butter Swirl:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step ensures your brownies release easily and prevents sticking. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next to ensure a smooth batter.
Step 3: Incorporate 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 lead to tough brownies.
Step 4: Create the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the batter. Swirl the peanut butter mixture into the brownie batter using a knife or toothpick for a marbled effect. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the top and gently swirl again for a beautiful finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake, or your brownies will be dry!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly and makes cutting neat squares much easier.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Brownies:
- Use good quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- For a richer peanut butter flavor, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Replace the peanut butter swirl with a salted caramel swirl for a different flavor profile.
- Nuts: Add chopped peanuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This peanut butter brownie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—a delicious and easy dessert perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the homemade cooking experience and the delectable results! It's a fantastic recipe to add to your collection of healthy meals (in moderation, of course!) and best recipes.