Fudge brownies with Peanut Butter

A warm welcome to your favorite baking and dessert blog! The season of love and the month of love is finally here so let my heavenly fudge brownies with peanut butter play cupid and help you elevate your celebration of love. If you’re someone who shares affection with loved ones by making them delicious food or if you wanna indulge yourself in some TLC trust me there’s no better way to celebrate love than by treating your tastebuds to this decadent dessert that will captivate your senses like nothing else.

These fudge brownies with peanut butter are sure to steal the spotlight with their taste whether its a romantic setting for two or a cozy night with yourself, I am sure you will find yourself admiring your labor of love so with no more waiting preheat your oven and gather your ingredients and join me today as we delve into the art of baking, that transforms simplest of ingredients into a dessert that speaks the language of your love.

Table of contents:

• Equipment required
• Ingredients required
• Procedure
• Step-by-step picture
• Video Tutorial
• FAQ
• Recommended recipes
• Recipe Card

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What equipment do I require to make these Swirl peanut butter brownies?

A set of teaspoons and tablespoons: 

 This stainless-steel measuring spoon set is durable and perfect for measuring dry ingredients.  I use the one that my pastry college provided to me. I did use the plastic ones, but let me tell you, yes, they may look boring, but stainless steel is best for long-term and safe use.

Big Bowl:   

I use a big bowl because it reflects the light when I shoot videos, and you also get to see all the ingredients. It can also be used in the microwave.

Weighing Scale:

Well, you won’t get the recipe right if the measurements are wrong, and in baking, measuring your ingredients plays a vital role, so make sure you get your hands on this weighing scale.

Sieve:

This will help us remove impurities and lumps from the flour and other dry ingredients.

Baking Dish:

I have used this 5.5-inch by 5.5-inch Baking dish here. Perfect for this recipe.

Balloon Whisk:

Use this Balloon Whisk to mix your ingredients well.

Chopping board:

A good chopping board is a must-have. You can check this one out here.

Parchment Paper/ Butter Paper:

This makes sure that the brownies don’t stick to the base.

Chef’s Knife:

A set of good chef knives is essential on your culinary journey.  Here is the knife that I use.

To be good at baking you need to have the basic baking knowledge, the enthusiasm to try more, and the most basic equipment that will help you elevate your baking game. I am listing below a few important links that will be a game changer in your baking journey ensure you make the most of these compiled resources that have been super helpful to me in my journey so far.

11 Baking Equipment for beginners in baking

7 Essential Baking Tools for Beginner Bakers

11 Best Baking Tips for Beginners

 

What ingredients are required to make fudge brownies with peanut butter?

Butter

Butter is used in this recipe to provide richness, moisture, and little leavening during baking. In this recipe, I have used unsalted butter and then added salt as an extra ingredient, if you would like you can use regular butter but just skip the salt in this case. This and the peanut butter combined will elevate the richness of the brownies which will undoubtedly be a treat for your tastebuds. Butter and chocolate are two versatile ingredients that can be used to make a variety of desserts, this season of love I bring you two such recipes that evoke love and admiration for the ingredients like none other.

Brown Butter Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter Crunch Cookies

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is comparitively more intense in flavor than milk chocolate which makes it an appropriate choice for most brownie recipes. This will also impart the classic dark brown hue and this will pair well with the peanut butter and nuts in your brownies in case you choose to have them.

Egg

Eggs will provide moisture, structure, and some leavening to your brownie.

Castor Sugar

To get your brownie perfect to the T, do not skip adding castor sugar as this is important to get that shiny, cracked, and crisp crust. The compounds in sugar interfere in the process when the sugar crystalizes while baking which ultimately results in the perfect cracked and crispy brownie surface, isn’t it?

All-purpose flour

This is important to give structure to your brownies.

Coffee powder

Coffee powder is used here to enhance the flavor of these brownies, I feel coffee, peanut butter, and dark chocolate are a good combination, what say?

This recipe here can be a great refreshing addition to your Valentine’s menu if you love coffee just like me ♥

Cardamom Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Lukewarm water

A little bit of lukewarm water to prepare the coffee decoction.

Salt

Salt enhances the flavor profile by balancing the overall sweetness and bringing out the intense flavors of dark chocolate.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter in this recipe provides the right nutty balance and texture to your brownie making it more flavorful and delicious while balancing the sweetness of the brownies. While the protein content in peanut butter can create a win-win situation while you enjoy this brownie guilt-free. Here’s another win-win recipe with peanut butter and oats good for your health and pack a punch to your morning breakfast.

Peanut butter overnight oats without chia seeds

Step-by-step pictures on how to make Peanut butter swirl brownies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to make Fudge brownies with peanut butter?

Pre-prep for brownie batter

Start with lining your baking dish with parchment paper or butter paper.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees centigrade or 356 Fahrenheit.

In a bowl sieve all-purpose flour and salt.

Prepare the coffee decoction by mixing the coffee powder with lukewarm water.

Take out the butter and leave it at room temperature so that you have it ready when required.

Preparing the brownie batter

In a microwave-safe bowl, put the dark chocolate and melt it in the microwave. Remember to stir it every 30 seconds. Now its time to add the butter which is already at room temperature to the chocolate and melt them both in the microwave.

In a separate bowl mix the egg and the castor sugar gently using a spatula. Once the sugar is dissolved, add this mix to the melted chocolate mix.

Next, pour in the coffee decoction in the chocolate mix and stir it well. This will ensure that your brownie gets a nice coffee flavor.

Now add in the sieved all-purpose flour and salt. Use a whisk to gently combine all the ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.

It’s now time to pour the batter into the 5.5-inch by 5.5-inch lined baking dish. Add heaps of peanut butter to this batter and swirl it using a skewer to give it a nice pattern. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

Once done place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes at 180 degrees centigrade or 356 Fahrenheit, I checked mine at 20 minutes.

Take the brownie out of the oven when the sides are firm and the center remains soft yet firm to the touch. We need not do any poke test with this brownie recipe as the skewer will not come out clean.

Before you get to taste a piece of your labor let the brownie cool down and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight.

Take the brownie out, and place the baking dish upside down on a chopping board to release it from the baking dish. Use a hair dryer, to release the parchment paper from the brownie. Pull it off to remove it completely.

I cut my brownies into 9 pieces and used a sharp knife dipped in hot water after every cut. When you do this make sure you clean any remnants of water and brownie bits from the knife on a clean duster.

The best way to enjoy this dessert in this season of love is to put on your fav rom-com or chill with some scented candles and your fav book, serve the brownie with a dollop of your favorite ice cream, and admire your labor of love.

Frequently Asked Questions about making Peanut butter swirl brownies:

What’s the texture of these peanut butter brownies like?

These brownies are fudgy and they will melt in your mouth leaving you with a rich and delightful flavor.

How do I prepare the brownie batter with these ingredients?

In this recipe, I have explained in detail each step on how you can get your batter right to get the most indulgent flavor out of these brownies. You can also refer to the step-by-step pictures for reference.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of regular butter, and will it affect the taste?

This recipe uses unsalted butter so yes you can use that and in case you want to use regular butter please skip the salt. I have used unsalted butter hence used a very little amount of salt to bring out the flavors better.

What’s the purpose of dark chocolate in this recipe, and can I substitute it with milk chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute the dark chocolate but please note that the texture of these brownies will not be the same if you use them. Dark chocolate due to its distinct quality helps the brownie with a firm and set texture while the same is not possible with milk chocolate.

Can I use a different type of chocolate, like chocolate chips, instead of dark chocolate?

No, as chocolate chips will not provide the desired result, please stick to dark chocolate.

What role do eggs play in this recipe, and can I use egg substitutes for dietary restrictions?

Eggs are important as they provide structure to your brownies, when beaten the eggs add air into the batter and during baking which helps make the brownies rise and helps its texture.

Can I use a sugar substitute instead of castor sugar, and if so, what would be the equivalent amount?

Castor sugar in this recipe serves the purpose of giving your brownies that cracked, flaky crust which cannot happen when normal sugar is used so please avoid substituting castor sugar.

What is the purpose of all-purpose flour in this recipe, and can I use whole wheat flour instead?

All-purpose flour provides structure to your brownies and also maintains the texture where it is neither too dense nor too cake-like. I haven’t tried using whole wheat flour but in case you would like to experiment here then try adding 80% all-purpose flour and 20% whole wheat flour. Let me know in the comments how the recipe turns out if you tend to use whole wheat flour.

Why is coffee powder used, and can I omit it or substitute it with something else?

Coffee powder is used to enhance the overall flavor profile of these brownies and make them taste rich and indulgent. If you wish you can skip adding the coffee decoction.

What is the purpose of lukewarm water, and why is such a small amount used?

We have used a little amount of lukewarm water here to make the coffee decoction.

How does peanut butter enhance the flavor of these brownies, and can I use a different nut butter?

You can use any nut butter that you like, I have used peanut butter as a flavor enhancer.

Do I need to add salt even though peanut butter is already salty?

You can skip adding salt.

What size baking dish should I use for baking the brownies, and should it be greased?

This Baking dish is the perfect size for this recipe.

How long does it take to bake the peanut butter brownies, and how do I know when they’re done?

30 mins is the time I have set on a pre-heated oven, however, I checked my brownies at 20 minutes as well. When you take the brownie out check for the sides to be firm and the center should remain firm yet soft to the touch. If this is your first time making a brownie this blog right here will help you fix some common problems, should you have any.

Should I let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them, and how should I store any leftovers?

Yes, you can let the brownies cool in the pan, usually, I like to snack on the leftovers coz why not, but if you have extra you can add some chocolate truffle to it and turn them into delicious truffle balls.

Are there any variations or substitutions I can try to customize this recipe?

Yes absolutely, you can try adding a different topping. You can also try to pour the brownie batter first and then add a layer of frozen peanut butter for a layered brownie look, or you can use a different type of nut butter or your choice of nuts added to this brownie. You can also try adding chocolates like M&M’s just for fun and it will taste amazing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it, and if so, how should I thaw and reheat it?

Yes, you can freeze it, remove it a day before you want to use it transfer it to the fridge and use it as normal.

What’s the best way to serve these peanut butter brownies, and can I add any toppings or sauces?

You can serve it with your favorite ice cream on top and top it with some peanut butter and nuts of your choice for that extra crunch. You can also try adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the ice cream.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend?

I haven’t tried making a gluten-free version of this recipe however if you do try do leave your comments.

How long will these peanut butter brownies stay fresh, and can I store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator?

These brownies are best stored in the refrigerator and not at room temperature coz they are moist and fudgy and they have eggs in them. They will stay well for 7 days in the refrigerator and they will last longer if frozen.

Valentine’s Day Specials:

Check out more romantic dessert ideas that complement our Fudge Brownies.

Super Fudgy brownies recipe from scratch

Homemade Red Velvet Cake recipe without oven

5-ingredient Biscoff Cheesecake

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