Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting combine two iconic flavors that many people love: rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These brownies are not only delicious but also easy to make, offering a delightful treat for any occasion—from bake sales to family gatherings. The fudgy texture of the brownies pairs perfectly with the smooth and sweet peanut butter frosting, making each bite utterly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress friends or family with homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Making brownies with peanut butter frosting is a straightforward process. You’ll begin by creating the delicious brownie base and then top it with a creamy peanut butter frosting that is simple yet luxurious. Here are the steps:

Ingredients

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs (cold)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
• Walnuts (if desired)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies will bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownies once they are baked.

3. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 10 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Add Sugars and Cocoa: Once the butter has melted, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, and ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix well until all are combined.

5. Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Add ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Mix until the dry ingredients are wet. Then, take 2 large cold eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix in. Finally, fold in ⅔ cup all-purpose flour along with ½ cup chocolate chunks or chips. If you like nuts, feel free to add walnuts at this stage.

6. Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

7. Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting: While the brownies cool, you can make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup creamy peanut butter until smooth and well blended. Gradually add 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and smooth.

8. Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting over the top.

9. Make the Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch, melt ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Once melted, drizzle this over the frosting.

10. Slice and Serve: Allow the brownies to set for a bit before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your delicious brownies with peanut butter frosting!

How to Serve Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

These brownies are excellent served slightly warm or at room temperature. You can present them on a dessert platter or even in individual cupcake liners for easier serving during parties. Consider pairing the brownies with ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of extra peanut butter for added deliciousness. They also make a perfect treat alongside a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

How to Store Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the brownies in a single layer if possible, or you can separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Brownies with frosting can also be frozen; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your brownies will taste. Use high-quality chocolate and fresh butter.

2. Do Not Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated to ensure fudgy brownies.

3. Check for Doneness: The key to perfect brownies is checking them carefully. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are perfectly fudgy.

4. Let Them Cool Completely: Before frosting, allow your brownies to cool completely to avoid melting the frosting.

5. Customize Your Frosting: You can swap out creamy peanut butter for crunchy for added texture, or try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty flavor.

Variation

This brownie recipe can be easily modified according to your preferences. Here are some variations to try:

• Nutty Brownies: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the brownie batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
• Mint Chocolate: Incorporate mint extract instead of vanilla in the frosting for a refreshing mint chocolate flavor.
• Add Fruit: You can fold in fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries in the brownie batter before baking for a fruity twist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use milk instead of water for the instant coffee?
A: Yes, you can dissolve the instant coffee in milk instead of water to add even more richness to the brownies. Just make sure not to add too much extra liquid; stick to the measurements.

Q2: What can I substitute for peanut butter in the frosting?
A: If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter, sun butter, or even chocolate hazelnut spread for a different flavor.

Q3: How can I tell when the brownies are properly baked?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are baked perfectly. If it comes out wet with batter, give them a few more minutes.

Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also make for a delightful culinary experience. Try making these delicious treats at home and enjoy the rich flavors they bring to your table!

Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Print Recipe

Delicious brownies topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs (cold)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
• Walnuts (if desired)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
3. Melt 10 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
4. Add ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, and ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the melted butter and mix well.
5. Mix in ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules, and ½ teaspoon baking powder.
6. Add 2 large cold eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
7. Fold in ⅔ cup all-purpose flour and ½ cup chocolate chunks or chips. Add walnuts if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Prepare the peanut butter frosting by beating together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup creamy peanut butter.
10. Gradually add 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Frost the cooled brownies with the peanut butter frosting.
12. Make the chocolate drizzle by melting ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over the frosting.
13. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: brownies, peanut butter frosting, dessert, chocolate, easy recipes