Peanut Butter Brownies

If you’re a peanut butter fan, these are a must try. Creamy peanut butter mixed with fudgy brownies, need I say more?

INGREDIENTS

For the brownies:

• 1 cup organic unsalted butter, melted
• 2 1/2 cups Big Country Organic Cane Sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large organic free-range eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½  cups organic all-purpose flour (195 grams)
• 1 cup Big Country Organic Cocoa Powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup organic chocolate chips, optional

For the peanut butter layer:

• 2/3 cup organic unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup organic, creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups Big Country Organic Powdered Sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons organic milk

For chocolate topping:

• 2 cups organic chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

To make the brownies:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper (or generously grease)
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.
4. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually stir flour mixture into the egg mixture until blended.
5. For extra chocolaty brownies, fold in the cup of chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake in pre-heated oven for 30-35 minutes, until toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs. Remove and cool pan on wire rack.

To make the peanut butter and chocolate topping:

7. Beat together butter and peanut butter until well combined
8. Slowly add in powdered sugar, beating on lowest speed. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk so that the mixture is still thick but spreadable.
9. Top the cooled brownies with the peanut butter mixture, creating an even layer on top.
10.  Melt chocolate chips on low power for 45 seconds. Take out, stir, microwave for another 30 seconds. Continue heating for 15-30 second intervals until the chocolate chips are almost, but not completely, melted. Then just stir by hand until fully melted – you don’t want to heat too long!
11. Pour melted chocolate over peanut butter layer, creating a smooth top layer. Let cool until chocolate is just about fully hardened, then cut into bars.