Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Bittersweet Brownies topped with a creamy Salted Peanut Butter Frosting. Perfectly balancing deep chocolate flavor with a hint of saltiness and nutty sweetness, these brownies bake to a moist, dense texture that satisfies any chocolate craving. Ideal for gatherings, they yield 16 generous servings, making them a delightful treat for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Salted Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugar: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until fully combined, creating a rich sugar-butter base for the brownies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: While the mixture is still warm but not hot, whisk in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth and glossy batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa elements.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Pour and spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for even baking.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating moist, fudgy brownies.
- Prepare the Frosting: While brownies bake and cool, beat together creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and sea salt in a bowl until smooth and spreadable for a luscious frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the salted peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- For an extra chocolate punch, consider folding in chocolate chips before baking.
- Ensure brownies are fully cool before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free frosting option.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
