Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Name: Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 tbsp avocado oil (can substitute with canola or coconut oil); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs (room temperature ); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup cocoa powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 recipe Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting

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These Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting are decadent in flavor and texture. The luscious peanut butter frosting on top takes these brownies to the next level.

fudgy brownie with peanut butter frosting

As you may have registered from my last post, I love this fluffy peanut butter frosting.

I wanted to pair it with something chocolate. I immediately thought of brownies. These brownies are the perfect marriage in both flavor and texture.

peanut butter frosting on a tray of brownies

What is in these delicious brownies?

While I experimented with semi-sweet chocolate baking bars, I resorted back to cocoa powder. This is the primary source of chocolate in these brownies. Make sure to use a nice dark cocoa powder.

In addition to the cocoa powder, you will find all of the usual suspects including all-purpose flour, eggs, and the works. For the sugar, I added light brown sugar versus granulated. It adds a nice depth of caramel flavor to the brownies.

The fluffy peanut butter frosting has little sugar, only a small amount of confectioners' sugar and honey. The smooth peanut butter and softened butter make the base of the frosting which is whipped to a nice fluffy consistency.

How to make Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

For the Brownies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and parchment line an 8-inch baking dish, set aside. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together butter, avocado oil, and sugar. Whisk well for 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla, whisk for an additional 2 minutes, until light in color.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg butter mixture, until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spread out evenly. Sprinkle the top with the chopped walnuts. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until just set. (Brownies will be soft and chocolaty with a crackled top.) Allow the brownies to cool before frosting.

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

In a mixing bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the smooth peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, salt, honey, and vanilla extract. With the mixer on medium-high speed, whip the mixture until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until fluffy, scraping as needed.
Pour all of the frosting over the brownies. Evenly spread the frosting so that every area is covered. To achieve the swirled pattern as pictured, swirl frosting with the back of a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store fudgy brownies with peanut butter frosting?

Because of the peanut butter frosting, store brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What is the best way to slice these brownies?

For a cleaner cut, slice brownies after they have chilled for several hours.

Can brownies with peanut butter frosting be frozen?

For best results, freeze the brownies on their own and make the frosting when you decide to eat them. The frosting will not freeze appropriately and will most likely separate.

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These Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting are decadent in flavor and texture. These are perfect for enjoying as an after-dinner treat. The recipe specifies to cut the brownies into 12 squares, but slice them however big or small you desire. Comment below if you make this recipe!