Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies With Honey Roasted Peanuts
Sometimes a girl needs chocolate. Sometimes a girl needs peanut butter. And sometimes, she needs both. Well, in this case – that girl was me. A couple of weeks ago I was having one of those cravings. Short of chocolate chips or unsweetened chocolate from my pantry, there was nothing to be found in any of the usual places I hide my stash. I’ve been known to exercise self- discipline by employing the theory – out of sight, out of mind. Believe it or not, it actually works for me. I’m not sure what trick my mind plays on itself to accomplish this and I’m not about to question it either. So, in an attempt to satisfy that gnawing for chocolate and peanut butter (a simple Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the house and I could have moved on), I decided to find the quickest and most delicious means to an end. There was a recipe lurking in the back of my mind for a brownie I had made years back. I happen upon it from time to time when combing my recipe files. Sure enough, within a few minutes I had it in hand. I made a few changes to accomodate the ingredients I had on hand and popped them into the oven.
I must confess that between the baking and chilling time required for this recipe, it was several hours before I was able to sink my teeth into this triple layer deliciousness. It was well worth the wait. They strike a perfect balance between chocolate and peanut butter. Beware, these brownies are rich and fudgey. Honestly, they are so rich that they straddle the fence between brownie and confection – which isn’t a bad thing at all.
As I write this post, the leftovers are securely wrapped and hiding out in my freezer. If not for posting this recipe today, they could have been buried in there for months before I peeked into the container to refresh my memory as to what was inside. My self control isn’t always what I would like it to be. I’m heading to the freezer!
Satisfy a double craving with these fudgey and decadent chocolate peanut butter brownies.
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies With Honey Roasted Peanuts
Brownies
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped ( I used these. Delicious and no chopping.)
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup honey roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped *
Frosting
1 cup smooth peanut butter (do not use natural or old fashioned)
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Ganache
7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup butter
For Brownies:
Preheat oven to 325˚. Line a 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with foil. Place 3/4 cup butter in a heavy large saucepan. Add both chocolates; stir over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat. Whisk in sugar, vanilla, and salt, then eggs, 1 at a time. Fold in flour, then nuts. Spread in prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Place pan on rack to cool.
For Frosting:
Using electric mixer, beat peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter in medium bowl to blend. Beat in powdered sugar and salt. Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
For Ganache:
Stir chocolate and 1/4 cup butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Drop ganache all over frosting; spread to cover. Chill until set, about 1 1/2 hours.
Using foil as an aid, transfer brownies to a work surface; cut into squares. Bring to room temperature to serve.
* An easy way to chop peanuts in to place them in a ziplock bag and gently break them apart with a meat mallet or heavy bottomed glass.
Source: Adapted from Peanut Butter and Fudge Brownies With Salted Peanuts by Dorie Greenspan via Bon Appetit
YUMMMMY !
Your brownie pics first made me think of holiday candy. Since you describe it as part confectionary, it sorta’ is like holiday candy. What are your thoughts about a holiday candy post? Since I have dozens of teachers to gift, I rely on candy and granola. I am always looking for new (and fairly straightforward) candy recipes. I know you would do something beautiful and tasty. You always are my go-to person for recipes!!
Holiday candy posts are just around the corner. Hard to believe that summer is over but it’s time to gear up for the holidays now. Always an exciting time in the kitchen.
oh em jee! I have to make these!
I had the pleasure of tasting Mary’s decadent, heavenly morsels last weekend. Truly amazing they are! I’m making them for my new neighbors…how lucky are they?! Awesome photos Mary!
Thank you Tracy! Your neighbors are lucky – lucky to receive homemade brownies, and lucky to have you as a neighbor.