Description
Decadent chocolate brownies featuring a solid, rich layer of creamy peanut butter baked right into the center.
Ingredients
Scale
1¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup butter, melted (regular or vegan)
2 eggs
¾ cup light brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8×8 baking pan with wax paper. Melt the peanut butter, pour it into the pan, and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Step 2: Once the peanut butter is frozen, preheat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Step 4: Melt the butter and pour it into a medium bowl. Add both the brown and granulated sugars, then whisk until very thick.
- Step 5: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, then fold in the dry ingredients until just combined to make the batter.
- Step 6: Remove the frozen peanut butter layer from the pan. Re-line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Step 7: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Peel the peanut butter layer off the wax paper and place it on top of the batter.
- Step 8: Pour the rest of the brownie batter on top and spread it evenly to cover the peanut butter layer.
- Step 9: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few wet crumbs.
Notes
You can sprinkle chocolate chips or peanut butter chips over the top before baking if desired.
Lining the pan with overhanging parchment paper allows you to easily lift the brownies out once cooled.
The brownies are perfectly baked when a toothpick comes out with a few wet crumbs, not completely clean.
- Prep Time: 70 mins
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American