Peanut Butter Brownies

By srumbel

These are the fudgiest, densest and richest brownies you'll ever bite into, and they're so easy to make. No mixer is required and only one bowl is needed. The edges have a bit of chewiness and the center is tender, soft, and the perfect fudgy texture for leaving teeth marks. They're as easy as a boxed mix, but the taste infinitely better. I like to add a couple tablespoons of brewed coffee because it enhances the flavor of the chocolate, and I promise it doesn't make the finished brownies taste like coffee.
from joanngoddard.blogspot.pt

Ingredients

• For the peanut butter buttercream:
• 6 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate or dark chocolate, coarsely chopped (such as Baker's brand semi-sweet chocolate—I use a 72% Pound Plus Bar from Trader Joe’s)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp. espresso or brewed coffee, any temperature; optional but recommended
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt to taste, optional
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I recommend Jif or Skippy—not a fancy, high-end or natural peanut butter, since they separate, and your frosting results could be compromised)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups confectioner's sugar
• Pinch of salt to taste, optional
• Sprinkles, optional
• Makes one 9-by-9-inch pan, or 16 generous squares

Preparation

Step 1

For the brownies: Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9-by-9-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside. In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and chocolate and heat on high power to melt, about 60 to 90 seconds. Stop to stir, and heat in 10-second bursts until the mixture has melted and can be stirred smooth. Add the sugars and whisk to combine; batter will seem granular. Add the coffee (if using) and vanilla, and whisk to incorporate. Add the eggs and whisk vigorously to combine. Then, add the flour and optional salt, stirring until just incorporated; don’t overmix. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until center is just set and not jiggly, and edges have pulled away slightly from sides of pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. (My perfect baking time is about 28 minutes based on my oven and the dry climate I live in.) Keep these gooey and don’t overbake; the brownies will continue to firm up as they cool. Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before frosting them, or before slicing and serving.

NOTE: Brownies may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours (or longer, depending on your comfort level with buttercream frosting at room temp), but I prefer them chilled and like to store them in the refrigerator (brownies will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container). I've also successfully made them, frosted them, frozen them, and thawed them, up to 3 months later.