I remember the first time I tried making Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies. I was skeptical at first. Peanut butter in brownies? It sounded unusual but intriguing. I figured I had to give it a shot. The outcome? Pure magic. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter created a depth of flavor that was rich, gooey, and incredibly satisfying. From that moment on, these brownies became my go-to recipe for impressing guests or satisfying my own late-night cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, Jamie’s recipe is approachable and delicious.
Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together two of the most beloved flavors-chocolate and peanut butter-then you’re in for a treat. Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies are decadent, easy to make, and sure to wow everyone at the table. What sets this recipe apart is how the peanut butter adds a creamy, savory richness to the dense chocolate brownies, making each bite a satisfying experience. Let me walk you through it.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dream dessert to life:
- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa): The heart of any good brownie. This adds the deep, intense chocolate flavor we all crave.
- Butter: Makes the brownies moist and rich. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp on this.
- Caster sugar: This creates the perfect balance of sweetness. It dissolves easily and helps achieve that shiny, crackly top on your brownies.
- Peanut butter: The star of the show. You want a smooth variety that’s not too chunky to blend well into the batter.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture.
- Flour: Provides structure. It’s what turns the gooey batter into a solid, sliceable brownie.
- Baking powder: A small amount to give the brownies a little lift without making them too airy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth and elevates the overall flavor profile.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies
Baking these brownies is simple, but you’ll want to make sure you follow each step for the best results.
- Melt the chocolate and butter: Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt them together gently over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Mix the sugar and eggs: In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. This will help create that nice crackly top when the brownies bake.
- Combine the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg-sugar mixture, then fold gently to combine.
- Add the melted chocolate: Slowly mix in the melted chocolate and butter. Stir until you get a rich, glossy batter.
- Swirl in the peanut butter: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it in. You don’t want to fully mix it-just create that beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a lined baking tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Check with a skewer-it should come out slightly sticky for that gooey brownie texture.
- Cool and slice: Let them cool before slicing to get neat pieces. But I’ll admit, they’re irresistible when warm.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to mastering this recipe. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Dark chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the sugar and peanut butter. Its cocoa content gives the brownies that deep, complex chocolate flavor.
- Butter: Fat is essential for creating the tender, moist texture in brownies. The butter’s fat content helps to prevent the brownies from becoming too dense or dry.
- Eggs: Eggs act as both a binder and a leavening agent in this recipe. They help create a rich, chewy texture while also providing structure. The proteins in eggs set as the brownies bake, holding everything together.
- Peanut butter: This ingredient’s fat content also helps contribute to the overall richness and tenderness. Peanut butter’s saltiness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Flour and baking powder: These ingredients provide structure and help the brownies rise slightly, giving them a dense yet tender crumb.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overmix: When you add the flour, don’t stir too vigorously. Overmixing will make the brownies dense and heavy. Gentle folding is key.
- Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the brownies will taste. Aim for at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, deep flavor.
- Swirl the peanut butter carefully: Don’t fully incorporate the peanut butter. You want to see those swirls when you slice into the brownies.
- Cool before cutting: Let your brownies cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting them. This helps them set properly, so they hold their shape and don’t crumble.
- Try using crunchy peanut butter: If you love texture, try swapping the smooth peanut butter for crunchy. It gives an added dimension to every bite.
Recipe Variations
Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies are versatile. You can switch things up a bit by experimenting with these variations:
- Add nuts: If you’re a fan of extra crunch, throw in a handful of chopped peanuts or walnuts to the batter. The extra texture is a great contrast to the smooth peanut butter.
- Drizzle with caramel: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the brownies once they’re out of the oven. It adds a lovely sweetness and a different texture.
- Minty twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a mint-chocolate-peanut butter flavor combo that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Use almond butter: If you prefer a milder nut flavor, swap peanut butter for almond butter. It gives the brownies a slightly different but still delicious twist.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies is an easy yet rewarding baking adventure. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create something that feels fancy but is deceptively simple. These brownies are rich, gooey, and perfect for sharing-or hoarding, if you’re like me.
FAQs
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter For The Brownies?
Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture to the brownies.
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I Freeze These Peanut Butter Brownies?
Absolutely! Just let them cool completely before freezing. They keep well for up to a month.