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This fudgy peanut butter frosted brownie recipe elevates the classic chocolate brownie with a creamy peanut butter frosting that will make your taste buds dance. The combination creates a decadent dessert that balances rich chocolate with nutty sweetness.
I first made these brownies for a neighborhood potluck where they disappeared within minutes. Now they're requested at every family gathering, and my nieces have nicknamed them "heaven squares."
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: gives you control over the salt content while providing richness
- Semisweet chocolate chips: create the foundation of chocolate flavor
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: intensifies the chocolate experience
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: work together for sweetness and moisture
- Eggs and egg yolk: provide structure and that fudgy texture
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors
- Salt: balances the sweetness
- All-purpose flour: gives just enough structure without making brownies cakey
- Mini chocolate chips: optional but recommended for extra chocolate pockets
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Creamy peanut butter: choose a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for best texture
- Unsalted butter: must be properly softened for smooth frosting
- Powdered sugar: provides sweetness and structure
- Vanilla extract: deepens the flavor profile
- Salt: enhances the peanut butter flavor
- Heavy cream: creates silky spreadable consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides to easily lift brownies out later. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Create the Chocolate Base:
- Combine butter and chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals initially, then reduced to 15-second bursts, stirring thoroughly between each until completely melted and glossy. This gentle melting prevents scorching the chocolate.
- Build the Batter:
- Add cocoa powder and stir until fully incorporated with no lumps. The mixture will be thick and glossy. Mix in both sugars until completely combined. The texture should be grainy but uniform. Add eggs and the extra yolk one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated. This creates the fudgy texture. Stir in vanilla for aromatic flavor.
- Complete the Brownie Mix:
- Sprinkle salt evenly over the batter and mix well. Add flour and stir until just combined; no flour streaks should remain visible. Overmixing at this stage can make brownies tough. Gently fold in optional mini chocolate chips for pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, taking time to push it into the corners. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The toothpick test should show slightly fudgy crumbs but not wet batter. Remember brownies continue cooking slightly as they cool.
- Cool Completely:
- Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan until they reach room temperature. This patience prevents the frosting from melting when applied. For quicker cooling, place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after it has cooled somewhat.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Using an electric mixer, beat butter and peanut butter until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar gradually to prevent a sugar cloud, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Mix in salt and vanilla. Add heavy cream while mixer is on low, then increase to high speed and beat until the frosting becomes light and silky.
- Frost and Finish:
- Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate frosted brownies for 30 minutes before slicing with a warm, clean knife.
The secret to these brownies' incredible texture is the extra egg yolk. I discovered this by accident when I dropped a yolk into the batter and decided to keep it. That happy accident created the perfectly fudgy center that makes these brownies irresistible.
Perfect Pairings
These brownies are excellent on their own, but transform into an extraordinary dessert when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the cool cream and the rich brownie creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast that highlights both components.
Storage Solutions
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual brownies wrapped in plastic wrap then aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. The frosting maintains its creamy texture even after freezing.
Clever Substitutions
If peanut allergies are a concern, substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture. For a darker, more intense brownie, replace the semisweet chocolate with bittersweet. Dairy-free? Use coconut oil instead of butter in the brownies and a plant-based butter alternative in the frosting.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I make the peanut butter frosting smoother?
To make the frosting smoother, ensure your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature, and beat them together well before gradually adding powdered sugar. Adding heavy cream helps achieve a silky texture.
- → Can I use a different frosting instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter frosting with chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or any other frosting of your preference for a different flavor variation.
- → Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies a day ahead, store them in an airtight container, and frost them just before serving or refrigerating for freshness.
- → What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of milk or omit it entirely. The frosting will still be creamy but slightly firmer.
- → How long should I let the brownies cool before frosting?
Allow the brownies to cool completely, typically about 1-2 hours, before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting or sliding off.
- → Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownies?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even swirl in some extra peanut butter, to enhance the flavor and texture.