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Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies Recipe

5 from 53 reviews

These rich, fudgy brownies are topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting, combining the best of chocolate and peanut butter flavors for a delicious dessert treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)
  • 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (142 grams), or 50-70% dark chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (105 grams)
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder (22 grams)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Peanut Butter Frosting

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (75 grams), softened
  • 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter (not natural peanut butter)
  • 1 1/22 cups powdered sugar (165220 grams)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 12 tbsp milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil leaving an overhang for easy removal of brownies later.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: Place the butter and finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave at medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt them gently. Allow to cool slightly.
  3. Mix Sugars and Eggs: Whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the whisked eggs into the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture until well combined.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Ensure cocoa powder is sifted if lumpy to avoid clumps.
  5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
  6. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Add the peanut butter and continue to beat until combined, lumps are fine.
  7. Add Powdered Sugar and Flavorings: Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and beat starting at low speed, gradually increasing to medium. Then add the remaining powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, alternating with tablespoons of milk or cream until you reach desired frosting consistency.
  8. Frost the Brownies: Allow the baked brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift them out onto a cutting board. Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the brownies.
  9. Slice and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter cups for extra flavor. Slice brownies with a thin, sharp knife into 16 pieces and serve.

Notes

  • Pan Sizes: This recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9×13 inch pan; baking time will increase to approximately 30-35 minutes with thicker brownies.
  • Nutrition Estimate: Values are estimated for one brownie assuming the pan is cut into 16 pieces.
  • Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Unfrosted brownies can be tightly wrapped and frozen; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

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