Description
Indulgent chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in these irresistible brownies that dance between rich fudge and nutty bliss. Sweet chocolate layers merge with smooth peanut butter swirls, promising pure dessert paradise for chocolate enthusiasts craving an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour and Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Sweeteners:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Peanut Butter Swirl:
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper, ensuring easy extraction of the decadent dessert.
- Combine melted butter with granulated and brown sugars in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth base.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract, then sift dry ingredients – cocoa powder, flour, and salt – directly into the wet mixture. Stir with minimal agitation, just until components integrate. Gently fold chocolate chips throughout the batter if desired.
- In a separate container, blend peanut butter with powdered sugar until achieving a creamy, spreadable texture without lumps.
- Transfer brownie batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution across the surface. Strategically dollop peanut butter mixture atop the chocolate base.
- Using a thin implement like a knife or skewer, delicately create swirling patterns, intermingling the peanut butter with chocolate layers. Maintain a light touch to preserve distinct marbling.
- Position the pan in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick reveals moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely within the pan, permitting the structure to set and facilitate clean, precise cutting.
- Slice into square portions and serve. Optional: Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch.
Notes
- Customize the peanut butter swirl by adjusting sugar levels for a less sweet or more intense peanut flavor, catering to different taste preferences.
- Experiment with natural or crunchy peanut butter varieties to add unique texture and depth to the brownies.
- Use gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute to make these brownies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Chill the brownies for an hour before cutting to achieve cleaner, more precise slices and enhance the fudgy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 284
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg