Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 8 pieces)
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate bar (chopped)
- ½ cup natural cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Peanut Butter Topping
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch (22×22 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside to use later.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped semisweet chocolate. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir well, then continue heating in 20-second increments, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Immediately add the natural cocoa powder to the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Beat Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla bean paste vigorously until the mixture lightens in color and becomes pale yellow, about 1 minute at medium/high speed.
- Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixtures: Drizzle the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring continuously until fully incorporated and the batter is uniform.
- Add Flour and Salt: Sift the all-purpose flour and salt over the batter, then stir until the flour is fully absorbed and the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional): If using mini chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter ensuring even distribution.
- Reserve Peanut Butter for Topping: Measure out about 2 tablespoons of the peanut butter and set it aside to use as the top swirl.
- Layer Brownie Batter and Peanut Butter: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Dollop the majority of the remaining peanut butter over the batter and use the back of a spoon to smooth it close to the edges, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch border.
- Add Remaining Batter and Swirl Peanut Butter: Gently spoon the rest of the brownie batter over the peanut butter layer, spreading it so that it completely covers the peanut butter. Dollop the reserved 2 tablespoons of peanut butter over the top, then use a knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely Before Serving: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Warm brownies will be messy to slice due to their fudgy texture.
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract if needed.
- Using parchment paper for lining the pan ensures easy removal of brownies.
- Letting brownies cool completely helps achieve clean cuts and allows flavors to meld.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add extra chocolate bursts.
- Swirling peanut butter on top gives a beautiful marbled look and a rich peanut flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American