Irresistible Fudge Brownies with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting: The Ultimate Indulgence
Chocolate and peanut butter is a famous combination, for good reason! Here we’ve combined deliciously fudgy brownies with smooth and fluffy peanut butter frosting.
Why We Adore These Fudge Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting
The magic of combining two universally adored flavors like chocolate and peanut butter creates a dessert that’s truly out of this world. This recipe doesn’t just combine them; it elevates them, offering a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on your palate. Imagine the intense, deep chocolate flavor of a perfectly fudgy brownie melding seamlessly with the sweet, nutty, and incredibly creamy embrace of peanut butter frosting. It’s an experience that’s nothing short of delightful.
These aren’t just any brownies; they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, a casual backyard barbecue, a festive holiday gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these brownies are guaranteed to bring smiles. They vanish quickly from any dessert table, sparking conversations about their irresistible flavor profile. For chocolate lovers and peanut butter aficionados alike, this recipe is a dream come true, providing that perfect balance of richness and sweetness without being overwhelmingly sugary. They are straightforward to make, yet yield a gourmet-quality treat that everyone will rave about. Prepare to become everyone’s favorite baker!
Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
To create these spectacularly fudgy brownies topped with dreamy peanut butter frosting, selecting the right ingredients is key. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. For the rich brownie base, you’ll need standard pantry staples: unsalted butter, high-quality unsweetened chocolate (coarsely chopped for easier melting), granulated sugar, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, unbleached all-purpose flour, and a tiny pinch of baking soda. Using unsweetened chocolate is crucial here, as it delivers a deep, authentic chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet, allowing the frosting to truly shine.
The star of the show, the peanut butter frosting, is equally simple yet relies on proper execution. Gather softened cream cheese and unsalted butter (both at room temperature for optimal whipping), sifted confectioners’ sugar, and smooth peanut butter. Ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature is non-negotiable for achieving that light, fluffy, and lump-free frosting consistency. Cold ingredients can result in a dense, grainy frosting, which is certainly not what we’re aiming for. Sifting the confectioners’ sugar also contributes to a silky-smooth finish. Always measure accurately, and you’re well on your way to dessert perfection!
How to Make Irresistibly Fudgy Brownies with Dreamy Peanut Butter Frosting
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through the process, helping you visualize how to create this incredible recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page. Let’s dive into making these amazing treats!
Baking the Fudgy Brownie Base
- **Melt Butter and Chocolate:** Begin by combining the ½ cup of unsalted butter and 3 ounces of coarsely chopped unsweetened chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue heating in short 20-second bursts, stirring vigorously after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is silky smooth. This gradual melting prevents scorching. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool slightly. It’s important that it’s warm, but not hot, when you add the eggs, to prevent them from scrambling.
- **Prepare Your Baking Pan:** While the chocolate mixture cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the sides. These parchment “slings” will be your best friend later, making it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan.
- **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Once your chocolate-butter mixture has cooled enough to be warm to the touch (but not hot), add the 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir vigorously until it’s fully incorporated. Next, beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, using a sturdy wooden spoon or rubber spatula until they are completely blended into the mixture. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor.
- **Incorporate Dry Ingredients Carefully:** Gently fold in the ⅔ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. The key here is to *mix just until combined*. Overmixing the flour can lead to the development of gluten, resulting in tougher, more cake-like brownies rather than the desired dense and fudgy texture. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Pour the smooth brownie batter into your prepared 8×8 inch pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly into all corners. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. Remember, it’s always better to slightly underbake brownies for that ultimate fudgy texture.
- **Cool Completely:** Remove the baked brownies from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial! Attempting to frost warm brownies will only result in melted, runny frosting and a messy situation. Patience during the cooling phase ensures your brownies set properly and achieve their signature dense consistency. Ideally, let them cool for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight.
Whipping Up the Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting
- **Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:** In a medium mixer bowl, combine the 2.5 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is exceptionally creamy and smooth. This step forms the airy base of your frosting, so don’t rush it!
- **Gradually Add Powdered Sugar:** With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the 1¼ cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar, about a cup at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the sugar is fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is in, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3 to 4 minutes. This process incorporates air, making the frosting wonderfully light, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.
- **Incorporate Peanut Butter:** For the final touch, add the 3 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter to the frosting mixture. Continue to beat until it is thoroughly blended, ensuring the frosting is uniform in color and boasts a consistent, silky-smooth texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to guarantee every last bit is perfectly mixed.
- **Frost and Serve:** Once your brownies are completely cool (this is vital!), generously spread the freshly prepared peanut butter frosting over them while they are still in the pan. Use the parchment paper “wings” to carefully lift the entire slab of frosted brownies out of the pan and transfer them to a sturdy cutting board. For impeccably clean cuts, use a sharp knife that has been warmed under hot water and wiped dry, cleaning it between each slice. Cut them into your desired bar or square size, and get ready to enjoy!
These ultimate peanut butter fudge brownies are fantastic for any occasion – from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations, barbecues, or simply as a well-deserved indulgence. The combination of dense, rich chocolate and the smooth, decadent peanut butter frosting is truly spectacular and will impress everyone lucky enough to try them!
Tips for Baking Perfect Brownies and Frosting Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality brownies and frosting at home is easier than you think with a few expert tips:
- **Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable:** For both the brownie batter and the frosting, ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This allows for smoother, more even mixing, preventing lumps in your frosting and ensuring a perfectly emulsified brownie batter, which leads to superior texture.
- **Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter:** Once you add the flour, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your brownies tough and cakey rather than deliciously fudgy. A few streaks of flour are better than an overmixed batter.
- **Cool Brownies Completely:** This cannot be stressed enough! Attempting to frost warm brownies will result in a melted, runny mess. Allow your brownies to cool entirely in the pan, preferably for several hours or even overnight, before applying the frosting. Chilling them slightly can also make them easier to cut.
- **Sift Confectioners’ Sugar for Frosting:** Powdered sugar often contains small lumps. Sifting it before adding it to your frosting ensures a flawlessly smooth, creamy, and airy consistency, free from any granular bits.
- **Achieve Clean Cuts:** For professional-looking squares, use a long, sharp knife. Heat the knife under hot running water for a few seconds, wipe it dry, and then make a single, decisive cut. Clean the knife again between each slice. This keeps the frosting from sticking and creating jagged edges.
- **Parchment Paper Slings are Essential:** Don’t skip lining your baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s an overhang on two opposite sides. This creates convenient “handles” or a “sling” that allows you to easily lift the entire cooled brownie slab out of the pan, making frosting and cutting a breeze.
- **Quality Chocolate Matters:** For the best flavor, use high-quality unsweetened baking chocolate. This provides a rich, deep chocolate base that is well-balanced by the sweet peanut butter frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fudge Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting
- How do I store these brownies to keep them fresh?
- To maintain their deliciousness, store the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or for extended freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For the best taste and texture, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the frosting instead of smooth?
- While smooth peanut butter is recommended for a light and silky frosting texture, you absolutely can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer. Just be aware that the frosting will have visible peanut pieces and a slightly different, chunkier consistency, adding an extra textural element to your brownies.
- Can I prepare these brownies ahead of time for an event?
- Yes, these brownies are perfect for making in advance! You can bake the brownies up to 2-3 days ahead of time and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. The peanut butter frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring the frosting to room temperature and re-whip it briefly before applying it to the cooled brownies on the day of your event.
- Can I freeze these chocolate peanut butter brownies?
- Indeed! These brownies freeze exceptionally well. You can freeze them either frosted or unfrosted. To freeze frosted brownies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
- My brownies turned out cakey, not fudgy. What went wrong?
- Cakey brownies are a common baking issue and usually stem from a few culprits: too much flour, overmixing the batter (which develops gluten), or overbaking. To avoid this, measure your flour accurately (using a kitchen scale for precision is ideal), mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones only until just combined, and remove the brownies from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter.
- What kind of chocolate is best for these brownies?
- For the truly fudgy and rich brownies described in this recipe, unsweetened baking chocolate is highly recommended. It provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness, which allows the peanut butter frosting to balance the overall taste beautifully. Avoid using chocolate chips as they contain stabilizers that can alter the brownie’s texture, making it less fudgy.
We love these equally as much as our Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies. It’s tough to choose a favorite, but these chocolate peanut butter delights hold a special place in our hearts!
These peanut butter fudge brownies are the ultimate treat to bring to any gathering. They’re perfect for holidays, barbecues, potlucks, birthday parties, or just a cozy night in. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the frosting truly takes them over the top!
More Irresistible Chocolate and Peanut Butter Desserts
If you’re a devoted fan of the chocolate and peanut butter pairing, you’re in for a treat! We have a whole collection of recipes celebrating this dynamic duo. From cookies to no-bake bars, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Explore these other fantastic options and continue your journey through the world of chocolate and peanut butter bliss:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- Amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
- Classic Reese’s Pie
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Fudge Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Brownies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate coarsely chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅔ cup unbleached all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Frosting:
- 2.5 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
- 3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
Things You’ll Need
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Hand mixer
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Wire cooling racks
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8×8 baking pan
Instructions
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Melt butter and chocolate in a large bowl in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir, continue heating at 20 second intervals until chocolate is completed melted and smooth. Allow to cool completely.
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Preheat oven to 350 F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, allowing parchment to hang over the sides.
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Add sugar to the cooled chocolate and stir until combined. Add eggs and beat with wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined. Stir in vanilla. Stir in the flour and baking soda just until combined.
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Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting
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Combine room temperature butter and cream cheese in a medium mixer bowl and beat until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar a cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue to beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the smooth peanut butter and beat until thoroughly blended.
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Frost the cooled brownies while still in the pan. Remove brownies from pan by lifting the sides of the parchment and place on a cutting board. Cut into bars using a warm, sharp knife.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Aug 21, 2013 and has since been updated with new photos.