Dive into the decadent world of brownies with a twist of creamy peanut butter filling that perfectly complements the rich chocolate batter.
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 ⅓ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted for smoothness
For the Brownie Batter:
- 5.30 oz unsalted butter
- 7 oz high-quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 additional egg yolk
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a medium bowl, blend peanut butter with powdered sugar until it forms a smooth, spreadable mixture. Set aside.
- Brownie Batter:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and dark chocolate. Melt in the microwave or use a double boiler method, then let it cool slightly.
- Into this chocolate mixture, whisk in granulated sugar, sifted cocoa powder, kosher salt, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Beat in eggs and the extra yolk until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Gently fold in the flour until it's just incorporated, taking care not to overmix and maintain the fudginess.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, leveling with a spatula.
- Carefully add the peanut butter layer over the brownie base, spreading it to cover evenly.
- Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it out to completely cover the peanut butter layer.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes—just until set but still slightly underdone for gooey brownies.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about an hour before slicing to get clean cuts.
Notes:
- Use ingredients at room temperature, especially eggs, to ensure a smooth brownie batter.
- Avoid overmixing once the flour is added; mix just enough to combine for tender brownies.
- Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method for accurate results and to prevent dense brownies.
- Resist the temptation to cut into the brownies immediately; letting them cool ensures they set properly.
- If you desire moist, fudgy brownies, err on the side of underbaking rather than overbaking.
Indulge in these peanut butter brownies that promise a balance between the salty nuttiness of peanut butter and the indulgent chocolatey goodness of the classic dessert.
