Indulgent Peanut Butter Brownies for Weekend Indulgence

A brownie is a perfect excuse for the weekend to treat yourself to something that feels like a warm hug. Nothing complements the moment of sitting in your favorite chair when life has slowed down, but the gooey, rich decadence of a homemade brownie. Imagine taking that indulgence up a notch with a swirl of creamy, nutty peanut butter. Peanut butter brownies are a kind of comfort food, bridging the gap to gourmet delight. They are so pleasing to make as they are to eat, filling the kitchen with the aroma of baked chocolate and roasted peanuts. The ideal treat for seasoned bakers, this brownie is an answer for someone who needs an easy but impressive dessert.

Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 200g dark chocolate
• 150g unsalted butter
• 200g granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 30g cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 150g creamy peanut butter

Method:

Melt dark chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and frothy. Gradually fold the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs, ensuring a smooth consistency. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently until combined. Pour half the batter into a lined baking tin. Dollop half of the peanut butter over the batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top. Add more dollops of peanut butter, swirling with a toothpick for a marbled effect. Bake at 180°C for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are already set and the center is a little gooey. Completely cool before slicing.

Classic Chocolate Lovers

Add chunks of milk and white chocolate to the batter to make peanut butter brownies more decadent. The pockets of melting chocolate create a rich texture that is enhanced by the nutty swirls. Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate and cocoa nibs for a gourmet finish. Pair these with a hot mocha or chocolate milk for the ultimate indulgence.

Sweet and Salty Pretzel Crunch

To add a sweet and salty touch, break pretzels into the batter before baking. The crunch of the pretzel's pairs well with the fudgy texture, while their saltiness brings out the peanut butter flavor. Add some flair by topping with whole pretzels. Serve these with a cold glass of milk or a frothy vanilla latte.

Tropical Coconut

Indulge your taste buds in the tropics by adding shredded coconut into the brownie batter. Top the baked brownies with a layer of toasted coconut flakes for added texture and aroma. The subtle sweetness of coconut perfectly balances the richness of chocolate and peanut butter. Enjoy these with refreshing coconut water or creamy piña colada.

Nutty Overload

Double down on the nutty theme by folding in chopped roasted peanuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. These add a crunch and really boost the brownies' flavor profile. Top with a mixture of nuts and drizzle with a honey glaze for the most irresistible finish. Pair with a nutty cappuccino or almond milk.

Berry Blast

Add a fruity zing by mixing raspberry or strawberry jam into the peanut butter. The tartness of the berry balances out the sweetness in this perfectly balanced treat. Top with fresh berries before serving for a pop of freshness. These pair beautifully with a berry-flavored iced tea or a sparkling lemonade.

Caramel Swirl Heaven

Add a sinful layer of salted caramel to the brownie mix. The sweet, buttery caramel perfectly blends in with the peanut butter and chocolate. A sprinkle of sea salt on top seals that ideal sweet-salt taste. Such brownies should be indulged in a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel-flavored latte.

Espresso Shot

Add depth to your chocolate by mixing a shot of espresso or a spoonful of instant coffee powder to the batter. It does amplify the chocolate taste with a slight bitterness that comes as a contrast to the sweet; top with chocolate-covered espresso beans for a touch of class. Pair it with a shot of espresso or cold brew for an extra boost of caffeine.