Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Welcome to a chocolate lover’s paradise where we take a classic treat and swirl in some peanut butter magic! If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies with a twist of creamy peanut butter, then this recipe is tailor-made for you. Not only are these Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies a delightful treat, but they are also surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible dessert that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate Base:
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup Dutch process or natural cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter, room temperature
• Peanut Butter Swirl:
  • ¼ cup peanut butter, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it’s well-greased or lined to prevent sticking.
2. Chocolate Mixture:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and 7 tablespoons of butter. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Allow this mixture to cool slightly.
3. Peanut Butter Swirl Mix:
   • In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside.
4. Dry Ingredients:
   • Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a separate bowl and set this aside too.
5. Egg and Sugar Mixture:
   • In another larger bowl, whisk the eggs with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is pale and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
6. Combine and Swirl:
   • To the egg mixture, add the cooled chocolate mixture and stir until just combined. Then, fold in the dry ingredients gently, just until no streaks remain.
   • Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Dollop the peanut butter swirl mixture in spots on top of the batter. Use a toothpick or a knife to swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate base.
7. Bake and Cool:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 23 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. It’s crucial not to overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.
   • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours to set properly before slicing.
8. Serving:
   • Cut into 9 large squares and serve. These brownies are excellent on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: Makes about 9 brownies

Total Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 48 minutes (plus cooling)

These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are not just a dessert, they’re a conversation starter. Perfect for gatherings, a family treat, or when you need that chocolate fix with a twist. Happy baking and enjoy your delicious creation!