When I first stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies, I was in one of those moments where I just wanted to bake something simple but exciting. The idea of combining rich, fudgy brownies with the smooth, salty-sweet kick of peanut butter was too tempting to resist. I was skeptical at first, thinking, "Will this work? Is it too much?" But after one bite, I knew I had found my new go-to dessert.
There’s something about the balance of chocolate and peanut butter that hits just right. These brownies are the perfect combination of indulgence and comfort. And since Jamie Oliver is known for his accessible and delicious recipes, I knew it would be a hit. It’s become my go-to when I need to impress or just satisfy a sweet craving on a quiet afternoon.
Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Jamie’s recipe strikes the right balance between the intense richness of brownies and the creamy, slightly salty goodness of peanut butter. It’s pretty straightforward, but the results are stunning. Here’s how to make these incredible brownies:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pan. A simple step that makes all the difference in the world when baking.
- Fudgy Texture: The beauty of Jamie’s recipe is in the texture. The brownies come out soft, moist, and perfectly chewy on the inside, with a slight crispness on top.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirling peanut butter through the brownie batter adds that delicious contrast in both taste and texture. It’s rich, nutty, and almost like a surprise in each bite.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: You can’t go wrong with high-quality dark chocolate for that deep cocoa flavor. It’s the anchor to the entire brownie experience.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need for Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies:
- Butter: The key to a soft, fudgy brownie. You’ll want unsalted butter for control over the salt levels.
- Dark Chocolate: Use around 70% cocoa for that deep chocolatey richness. It helps balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar to add sweetness and help with that beautiful chewy texture.
- Eggs: These bring structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the base. It gives structure to the brownies but doesn’t take away from the fudginess.
- Peanut Butter: Look for smooth, unsweetened peanut butter. The natural oils will help swirl beautifully through the batter.
- Baking Powder: A small amount of this makes sure the brownies rise just enough to give them that perfect texture.
- Vanilla Extract: It’s a small detail, but it enhances the flavor of the chocolate and peanut butter.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together. You can do this in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat.
- Mix the sugar and eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Add the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir the melted chocolate and butter into the sugar and egg mixture.
- Fold in the flour. Gently fold until the flour is just incorporated, making sure you don’t overwork the batter.
- Swirl in the peanut butter. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the brownie batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the batter. Don’t over-mix-it’s nice to see the streaks of peanut butter throughout.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownies should still be a little soft in the center. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares. They’ll set a bit more as they cool down.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role. Here’s why:
- Butter: The fat content is crucial for keeping the brownies moist and tender. It also adds richness.
- Dark Chocolate: The high cocoa percentage balances out the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor. The fat in the chocolate also contributes to the fudgy texture.
- Sugar: It melts into the batter, adding both sweetness and moisture. It also helps create that crackly top.
- Peanut Butter: Its high-fat content makes it smooth and creamy. The saltiness balances the sweet chocolate and adds another layer of flavor.
- Eggs: They provide structure and moisture, ensuring the brownies have the right consistency.
- Flour: Flour gives structure without making the brownies too dry. It’s all about the right amount for chewiness.
- Baking Powder: A small amount of leavening helps create a slightly fluffy texture while keeping the brownies dense.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of the chocolate really shines in this recipe, so opt for something you truly enjoy eating.
- Don’t over-mix: When you fold in the flour, do so gently. Overworking the batter can result in dense, heavy brownies.
- Chill before cutting: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. They’ll hold their shape better, and the peanut butter swirl will set into a beautiful pattern.
- Storage: These brownies can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week. But let’s be honest-these usually don’t last that long!
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to change it up a bit, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe:
- Add nuts: Throw in some crushed peanuts for added crunch, or use almonds or walnuts for a different texture.
- Top with caramel: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top before serving for a sweet twist.
- Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate for a completely vegan version.
- Double the peanut butter: Add a peanut butter layer on top of the brownies before baking for an even more peanut-buttery experience.
- Go for white chocolate: If you’re a fan of white chocolate, you can mix it into the batter or use it as a topping.
Final Words
Baking Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies is a simple yet indulgent treat that’s sure to impress. The recipe combines rich chocolate, a touch of vanilla, and the smoothness of peanut butter into something you’ll want to make over and over again. It’s comfort food at its finest, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that this is a recipe that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
FAQs
Can I Use Smooth Peanut Butter Instead Of Chunky For These Brownies?
Yes, smooth peanut butter works just as well as chunky. It will give the brownies a more uniform texture.
How Long Do I Need To Bake Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies?
Bake them for around 25-30 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or until a skewer comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend and you’re good to go.