Description
These dense, moist, and incredibly rich brownies feature a salty-sweet peanut butter swirl and a glossy chocolate ganache. They are easy to make, pantry-friendly, and deliver a bakery-quality texture at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (40g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache)
- Flaky sea salt (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar into the chocolate mixture until well combined and shiny. Add the vanilla extract and whisk again.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating visible ribbons.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. For fudgy brownies, bake for 25 minutes; the top should be set and crackly, and a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.
- While brownies bake, make the ganache: Heat heavy cream until hot, pour over the 1/4 cup chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Once brownies are out of the oven, drop spoonfuls of ganache on top and swirl gently. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan (at least 1 hour) before lifting out and cutting into 12-16 squares.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification. Do not overmix the batter to maintain a fudgy texture. Natural peanut butter is not recommended as it can make the brownies greasy. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and let brownies cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: fudgy brownies, peanut butter brownies, chocolate ganache, easy dessert, homemade brownies, gluten-free option, crowd-pleaser