Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies

            So I found a challenge for myself that really tested me. You all know that I live for peanut butter. I would put peanut butter in everything if I could. One day, I was searching for a peanut butter brownie recipe. All I could find were peanut butter blondies or cake brownies. I really wanted to find a recipe similar to the ones that were sold at the school I attended. They were slightly crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside. I learned rather quickly that I was out of luck finding the school recipe.

            Of course, you know what I proceeded to do. I had to experiment myself and come up with the perfect Peanut Butter brownie. I finally got one figured out. I think you will be amazed and fall in love with this one!

These are a rich dessert and easy to mix up quickly after dinner if you want a dessert. Brownies are one of those desserts that double as a quick treat, they can be taken anywhere very easily, you can eat a brownie on the run. Plus, they are small enough it does not feel as though you are eating an actual dessert. Instead, it is a quick pick me up, during the afternoon or evening.

Brownies can be made into any flavor you want and there are even holidays that celebrate the brownie. That, to me, means go ahead and enjoy a brownie whenever you want.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I add chocolate?

You could add cocoa or just chocolate chips to the batter. This would make it taste like peanut butter cups.

            What if I want more of a cake brownie?

For a cake type brownie, use less flour and leave out the baking soda.

            What if I want a fudge brownie?

To obtain more of a fudge texture, use more  butter and less flour

            What if I want a chewy brownie?

For a chewy brownie, use more eggs and more peanut butter.

What do you need to make Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies

            ¼ tsp salt

            1 tsp baking soda

            1 cup flour

            ⅔ cup granulated sugar

            ½ cup brown sugar, packed

            2 eggs

            ½ tsp vanilla extract

            ½ cup peanut butter

            ⅓ cup butter, softened

How to make Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Grease a 9×9 baking pan

SECOND STEP:

In a mixing bowl, combine and beat the peanut butter and the butter

Gradually add in the brown sugar, white sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat well until fluffy

THIRD STEP:

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt into the peanut butter mixture

a)

b)

Pour into the prepared pan

FOURTH STEP:

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top springs back when touched

FIFTH STEP:

Set to the side and allow to cool

When cooled, cut into 16 squares

Enjoy!

Additions: if wanted,

            Add a spoonful of jelly and swirl in to make a marble effect

            Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar

            Melt some chocolate chips on the top when it first comes out of the oven

            Add some chopped peanuts to the batter before baking

            To make gluten free, use Almond flour in place of the all purpose flour.