Peanut Butter Brownies are a delightful and irresistible dessert that combines the rich and chocolaty goodness of brownies with the creamy and nutty flavor of peanut butter. This scrumptious treat is a favorite among those who love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

The history of Peanut Butter Brownies can be traced back to the popularity of both brownies and peanut butter as beloved desserts in their own right. Brownies are believed to have originated in the United States during the late 19th century when a chef accidentally forgot to add baking powder to a chocolate cake batter, resulting in the dense and fudgy texture we associate with brownies today. Peanut butter, on the other hand, has a long history, dating back to the Aztecs and Incas who used peanuts to create a paste-like spread.

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is attributed to the introduction of peanut butter cups, created by H.B. Reese in the 1920s. The success of peanut butter cups led to various recipes combining these two flavors, including Peanut Butter Brownies.

Peanut Butter Brownies offer a delightful contrast between the dense and chocolaty brownie layer and the smooth and nutty peanut butter cheesecake layer, creating a mouthwatering dessert that satisfies sweet cravings and peanut butter lovers alike.

INGREDIENTS

Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 packages x 8 oz each cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2/3 cup peanut powder

Brownie Layer:

• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.

Cheesecake Layer:

1. In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and sugar. Using the paddle attachment on your mixer, beat the ingredients on low speed until they become creamy and smooth.
2. Add the 2 eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition to incorporate them into the mixture.
3. With a spatula, gently fold in the peanut powder, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake mix.
4. Set the peanut cheesecake mix aside while you prepare the brownie layer.

Brownie Layer:

1. In a separate bowl, add the 3 eggs and 2 cups of sugar. With the paddle attachment on your mixer, beat the mixture on medium-low speed until it increases in volume and gets a pale color, which should take around 5 minutes.
2. Lower the mixer’s speed and beat in the vanilla extract and melted butter until well combined.
3. Gently fold in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to form the brownie batter.

Layering the Brownies:

1. Pour almost all of the brownie batter on the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the base.
2. Carefully spread the peanut cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Finish by spreading the remaining brownie batter over the peanut cheesecake layer.

Baking:

1. With a fork or a butter knife, make a few swirls into the top brownie layer and peanut cheesecake layer to create a marbled effect.
2. Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake the Peanut Butter Brownies for 50 to 55 minutes or until the dessert is set and cooked through.
3. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely before cutting them into bars.

Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Brownies, and savor the delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every delicious bite!