Who doesn’t love the combination of caramel and peanut butter, especially when it’s baked into fudgy brownies? Imagine biting into a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth brownie that’s perfectly gooey, with a rich peanut butter swirl and a drizzle of caramel. Whether you’re cozying up for family gatherings or simply seeking a sweet treat after dinner, these Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies are bound to be a hit!
Did you know that brownies became popular in the United States in the late 19th century? It’s believed that they were invented when a baker forgot to add baking powder to his chocolate cake batter. What a happy accident that led to this beloved dessert! If you love brownies as much as I do, you might also want to check out my fudgy chocolate brownies recipe – it’s another crowd-pleaser.
What are Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies?
So, what’s in a name? Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies. It sounds delightful, doesn’t it? It raises a question: is it the caramel that steals the show or the peanut butter? Perhaps it’s a beautiful dance between the two. I mean, whether it’s a potluck or an ordinary family gathering, we all know: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And if you whip up a batch of these brownies, be prepared for everyone to be equally captivated! So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into making some sweet memories with these heavenly treats.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies
These Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies are not just your ordinary dessert; they are an adventure for your taste buds! Picture this: a chocolaty base, warm and gooey, swirled with rich peanut butter, and topped with luscious caramel. It’s like a hug in brownie form! Plus, making these at home can save you money compared to store-bought desserts, and you get to control the ingredients, ensuring they’re halal-friendly. Compared to a traditional chocolate brownie, the added complexity of flavors in these brownies takes your dessert experience to another level. Ready to impress? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies
Quick Overview
Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies are surprisingly easy to make and ridiculously satisfying. Within just 30 minutes of preparation, you’ll be on your way to enjoying this decadent dessert. With the perfect texture – chewy, soft, and just the right amount of crunch – and flavors that meld beautifully, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful brownies:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: Chopped peanuts for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies is a breeze with these simple steps:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix Sugars and Oil: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir until well blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, crack in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract. Whisking vigorously will help incorporate air, giving your brownies a nice rise.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- Layer in Peanut Butter and Caramel: In a small microwave-safe bowl, lightly warm the peanut butter until creamy but not hot. Take about half of the brownie batter and spread it evenly in the lined pan. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce on top, and then dollop the warm peanut butter over it using a spoon. Add the remaining brownie batter on top.
- Swirl It Up: With a knife, gently swirl the caramel and peanut butter into the brownie batter for that beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out (if using parchment paper) and letting them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, slice into squares and enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or swap the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Timing Is Key: Avoid overbaking these brownies, as you want them to remain fudgy. Check them around the 25-minute mark.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure that your peanut butter isn’t too thick. If it is, it might not swirl easily. Gently warming it helps with spreading.
Storing and Reheating Tips
For the best storage, keep your Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for an extra day or two if you prefer them chilled. If you’d like to enjoy them later, these brownies freeze beautifully! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up slightly in the microwave to relive that fresh-baked goodness.
If you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dessert, go ahead and bake a batch of these Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies today! Your taste buds will thank you!
Caramel Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir until well blended.
- Crack in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously to incorporate air into the batter.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate this mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter until creamy, then spread half of the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce on top and dollop the warm peanut butter over it.
- Add the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl the caramel and peanut butter into the batter with a knife.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out (if using parchment paper) and letting them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once completely cool, slice into squares and enjoy!
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