Decadent Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies: A State Fair Winning Recipe, Perfected
Embark on a culinary journey to a simpler time, specifically the Dutchess County Fair Junior Division circa 1984, with this exceptional recipe for Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies. What began as a winning entry has been meticulously adapted and perfected to ensure a truly unforgettable dessert experience. While the original recipe was good, we’ve fine-tuned it, addressing common challenges like dryness often found in peanut butter baked goods. Through careful ingredient selection and technique modifications, we guarantee a batch of brownies that are wonderfully moist, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Our comprehensive notes cover everything from the ideal flour type to the best peanut butter, ensuring your brownies achieve that coveted balance of rich, fudgy texture and intense flavor.
The magic of these Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies lies in their harmonious layers and textures. We’ve optimized the recipe for a 9-inch square baking pan, a crucial detail that significantly impacts the final result. While an 8-inch pan might yield a thicker brownie, it often creates a higher “cake-to-topping” ratio, potentially overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors. The 9-inch pan, however, delivers a more elegant and satisfying outcome: a sturdy, delightfully chewy, yet not overly dense base, perfectly complemented by a luxurious topping of creamy peanut butter and luscious melted chocolate. This thoughtful design ensures that each bite offers a wonderful interplay of textures and the iconic flavor pairing of peanut butter and chocolate.
Once baked to perfection and allowed to cool slightly, these brownies undergo their final transformation. A smooth, warm mixture of melted peanut butter and butter is generously spread over the surface, creating an additional layer of peanut butter bliss. After a brief cooling period, streams of melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate are artfully drizzled and then swirled, creating the stunning marbled effect that gives these brownies their name. This final step not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds another dimension of rich, chocolatey flavor, making each square an irresistible treat. Prepare to impress with these show-stopping, flavor-packed brownies.
Key Tips for Perfect Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies
Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in your Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies requires attention to a few critical details. These insights, garnered from years of baking and adapting this recipe, will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your brownies turn out perfectly moist, chewy, and flavorful every time.
- Flour Measurement is Crucial: The amount of flour can significantly impact the final texture of your brownies. For a base that is firm yet moist, and not chalky dry, we recommend using precisely 190 grams of all-purpose flour. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to an excessive amount. Pastry flour, with its lower protein content, could also yield excellent results, contributing to a tender crumb, though it hasn’t been extensively tested with this specific adaptation. The slight dryness in the base is intentional, designed to perfectly balance the rich, moist peanut butter and chocolate toppings.
- Choosing the Right Peanut Butter: Not all peanut butters are created equal when it comes to baking. For the best flavor and texture in these brownies, opt for a mainstream, creamy peanut butter that contains both sugar and salt. Brands like Reese’s, Jif, or Skippy (including their “Natural” varieties that don’t separate) work exceptionally well. We’ve even had surprising success with Aldi’s Peanut Delight No-Stir Creamy. Avoid all-natural, unsweetened, or oil-separated peanut butters as they can alter the consistency and flavor profile, potentially making the brownies too dry or greasy. Creamy peanut butter also lends itself better to a smooth, attractive marble effect. However, if you prefer a textural contrast and plan to adorn your brownies with peanut butter cups or other chunky candies, a good quality chunky peanut butter can be used for the base. Just be aware it might not look as uniform on its own.
- Selecting Your Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate makes a noticeable difference in the swirl and topping. While any good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate will work, we strongly advise against using chocolate chips for melting. Chocolate chips often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy or lumpy texture. Instead, choose a chopped bar of semi-sweet or dark chocolate (between 60-70% cacao is ideal). Our go-to has often been Trader Joe’s Dark chocolate for its consistent melt and rich flavor. The better the chocolate melts, the more beautiful and smooth your marbled design will be.
Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
20 minutes
30 minutes
50 minutes
Dessert
American
16
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour (190 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ scant teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup generous — slightly heaping peanut butter (70 grams)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed (200 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature**
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Chocolate Swirl:
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Peanut Butter Topping:
- ½ cup peanut butter, creamy (130 grams)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Chocolate Swirl Topping:
- 1 ½ to 2 ounces semisweet chocolate – one that melts nicely if possible (Dove)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9-inch square metal baking pan with aluminum foil, extending the foil over the edges to create “handles.” Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside. Remember, if you don’t have a kitchen scale, accurately measure your flour by spooning it lightly into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Do not scoop directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and lead to a dry brownie.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter, peanut butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and creamy. Add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract, beating on low speed just until they are blended into the mixture. Be careful not to over-whip. Gradually add the reserved flour mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten and result in tough brownies. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9-inch pan. For easier spreading, you can lightly dampen your fingers with water and gently press down on the batter to flatten it across the pan.
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Prepare the initial chocolate swirl. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon of butter together on high power, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this melted chocolate mixture on top of the peanut butter brownie batter. Using a knife or a skewer, gently drag it through the batter to create a marbled pattern. The chocolate will naturally sink slightly into the batter, creating beautiful swirls.
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Bake on the center rack of your preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges appear golden brown and the center of the brownies seems set when gently touched. It’s crucial not to overbake these brownies, as this is the primary cause of dryness. A slight wobble in the center is okay, as they will continue to set as they cool.
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While the brownies are cooling slightly (they should be warm but not piping hot), prepare the peanut butter topping. In a small bowl, stir together the ½ cup of creamy peanut butter and the 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until smooth. Spread this luscious peanut butter mixture evenly over the warm brownies. Allow this layer to cool and set for about half an hour at room temperature.
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Now, prepare the final chocolate swirl topping. Place 1 ½ to 2 ounces of good quality semi-sweet chocolate (like Dove, known for its smooth melt) into a heavy-duty freezer bag or a piping bag. Microwave the bag for 30 seconds, then knead the chocolate with your hands to help it melt. Repeat this process, microwaving for another 30 seconds and kneading, until the chocolate is completely melted and there are no lumps. Snip a tiny hole in one bottom corner of the bag. Drizzle the melted chocolate decoratively over the set peanut butter topping. Alternatively, for a more rustic look, you can melt the chocolate in a small custard cup and splatter it artfully across the top with a spoon.
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If desired, enhance your brownies further by decorating them with mini peanut butter cups, chopped candies, or a sprinkle of sea salt. This is especially recommended if you opted for crunchy peanut butter in the base, as it adds an extra layer of visual and textural interest.
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To quickly set the chocolate drizzle, place the brownies in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This will firm up the topping, making them easier to slice cleanly.
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Once the chocolate is set, carefully lift the brownies from the pan using the foil handles. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or bars of your desired size. If the brownies are too firm immediately after freezing, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before slicing. For the best soft, chewy texture, allow the brownies to come to room temperature before serving. Store any leftover brownies covered at room temperature to maintain their moistness.
Additional Baker’s Notes
1. Peanut Butter Choice: Stick to mainstream, sweetened peanut butter varieties for the best results, such as Skippy, Jif (including their “Natural” non-separating lines), or Reese’s. The balance of sugar and oil in these brands is ideal for baking and contributes to the brownies’ moist texture. Avoid pure natural peanut butter that requires stirring, as its oil content can be unpredictable and lead to a greasy or crumbly outcome.
2. Baking Powder Freshness: Always ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder loses its potency, which can lead to dense, flat brownies. To test for freshness, drop a teaspoon of baking powder into a small bowl of hot water; if it fizzes vigorously, it’s good to go.
3. Flour Measurement and Type: Accurate flour measurement is paramount. As mentioned, weighing 190 grams (approximately 6.75 ounces) is the most precise method. If measuring by volume, always aerate your flour by stirring it in its sack or container before spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents over-packing, which adds too much flour and makes brownies dry. While all-purpose flour works wonderfully, using bleached all-purpose flour can sometimes result in an even more tender crumb. Pastry flour, with its lower protein content, is another excellent option for a softer brownie, though we encourage trying it only if you’re comfortable with ingredient substitutions and have it on hand.
Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies, Peanut Butter Brownies, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dessert Recipe
Why These Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies Stand Out
There’s a reason these Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies have garnered such acclaim, even tracing their roots back to a state fair winning recipe. It’s the unique combination of a perfectly chewy brownie base that strikes a delightful balance between density and moistness, coupled with layers of creamy peanut butter and rich, melted chocolate. Unlike many brownies that can lean too sweet or too dry, this recipe achieves a masterful equilibrium. The base provides a sturdy yet tender foundation, designed to hold up to the generous, decadent toppings without becoming crumbly or dense. The peanut butter topping isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a smooth, luscious layer that melts in your mouth, while the contrasting dark chocolate swirl adds visual appeal and a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the peanut butter.
The dedication to precise ingredient measurements and baking techniques ensures that every batch comes out consistently delicious. From the careful weighing of flour to prevent dryness, to the selection of the right type of peanut butter and chocolate for optimal texture and melt, every step is designed for success. These aren’t just brownies; they’re a celebration of classic flavors, elevated through thoughtful adaptation, making them an ideal treat for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when you crave an extraordinary dessert.
Variations and Customizations for Your Brownies
While the classic Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies are perfect as they are, there’s always room for creative variations to suit your taste or experiment with new flavors:
- Different Chocolate Types: Instead of semi-sweet, try milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or a very dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) for a more intense, bitter contrast. White chocolate chips or a chopped white chocolate bar could also be melted and swirled in for a different visual and flavor dynamic.
- Nutty Add-ins: For an extra layer of crunch, consider folding in a ½ cup of chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts into the brownie batter before baking. You could also sprinkle them over the peanut butter topping.
- Candy Infusion: Elevate the fun factor by pressing mini peanut butter cups, chopped Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, or even chopped Snickers bars into the peanut butter topping before the final chocolate swirl sets.
- Flavored Peanut Butter: If you’re adventurous, try using a flavored peanut butter (like honey-roasted or cinnamon swirl) for a subtle twist in the topping, ensuring it’s still a “mainstream” creamy type that melts well.
- A Touch of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the finished chocolate swirl can truly enhance the flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter while adding a sophisticated touch.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To keep your Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: For the softest, chewiest brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer, fudgier brownie, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware they might become slightly more dense. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and sliced, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer the frozen brownies to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight.
Serve these indulgent brownies on their own, or elevate the experience with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.