Ultimate Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe Joanna Gaines

Ever dreamt of a dessert that’s like a brownie, a candy bar, and an ice cream sandwich all rolled into one? Well, Joanna Gaines, from Magnolia Table, has just the recipe for you. Her peanut butter brownies recipe isn't just any ordinary treat; it's a layered masterpiece of fudgy goodness, creamy peanut butter, and a fluffy chocolate topping. This isn't a complex, fussy baking project, it's a straightforward, rewarding experience that even a beginner can ace. We're talking about Lucy’s Peanut Butter Brownies, a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and now, we get to make it at home. This article will walk you through each step, from mixing the brownie batter to layering the peanut butter and whipping up the frosting. We’ll explore how to achieve that perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes this peanut butter brownies recipe joanna gaines a real crowd-pleaser. Get ready to bake something truly special, and maybe even a little addictive!

Joanna Gaines' Peanut Butter Brownies: A Layered Delight

Okay, so you're about to embark on a seriously delicious journey, and it's all thanks to Joanna Gaines. This isn't just your average brownie recipe; we're talking about a triple-threat dessert. It's got that deep, fudgy brownie base that's so satisfying, a smooth, creamy peanut butter layer that's like a hug for your taste buds, and a rich chocolate frosting that pulls it all together. Think of it as a brownie, a candy bar, and an ice cream sandwich having a party in your mouth. It's a bit of a showstopper, honestly. It's also not some super complicated thing, it's actually pretty easy to put together, which is a win in my book. The best part? It’s all about those layers, that's where the magic happens, each one adding something special to the overall experience.

Before we get our hands dirty, let's talk ingredients. You'll need the usual suspects for the brownie base: butter, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, and eggs. Nothing too crazy there. The peanut butter layer is where things get interesting, all you need is peanut butter, that’s it, we will just make it easier to spread. And the frosting? Butter, marshmallows, confectioners' sugar, milk, and a little more cocoa powder. It's like a chocolate cloud on top of everything. These are ingredients that you probably have in your pantry already, which makes this even more appealing. You will see how each component comes together to create something incredible.

Making the Brownie Base: Easy Steps

Getting Started with the Brownie

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the brownie base. It's the foundation of our magnificent dessert, so we need to get it right. First off, you'll need a small saucepan. We're going to melt the butter and cocoa powder together over low heat, just until everything is smooth and combined. Don't let it boil, we're not making lava here. Once that’s done, take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit, that's key, don't skip this step. Then, it's time to add the sugar, mix it in well, and then crack in your eggs, one at a time, mixing after each one. It's like building with LEGOs, you need each piece in the right place, one at a time.

Next up, the flour. Add it to the mix and stir until you have a nice, smooth batter. It's important not to overmix at this stage, just enough to combine everything. You'll see it transform from a bunch of separate ingredients into this beautiful, glossy, chocolatey batter. At this stage, your kitchen will start to smell amazing, it's a sign of good things to come. Now, pour this goodness into your greased 9x13-inch pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread because this will be the base for the rest of our magic. Now, we're ready to bake, and that means one step closer to peanut butter brownie heaven.

Baking the Brownie Base

Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (that's about 175°C for our international friends), and let it bake for around 20 to 25 minutes. You will know it's ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don't overbake it, we want a fudgy brownie, not a dry brick. While that brownie is cooling, it's time to get started on the peanut butter layer, so keep an eye on the time. It's like a relay race, one step leads to the next and they all have to be timed correctly.

After the brownie is out of the oven, let it cool completely. This is super important because if you add the peanut butter while it's still hot, it will melt and make a mess. We want clean layers. It's like letting a cake settle before frosting it, patience is key. So, grab a book, or do a little dance, or whatever you do while waiting and let that brownie chill. Once it's completely cool, we're ready to move on. It’s amazing how simple it is, right?

The Peanut Butter Layer: A Simple Addition

Okay, so the brownie base is chilling, and now it's time for the peanut butter layer, and honestly, this is the easiest part. All you need is a jar of your favorite peanut butter, creamy or crunchy, it’s your call. I usually go with creamy because it spreads like a dream. Now, here's the thing, sometimes peanut butter can be a bit stiff, so we're going to give it a little help. Pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, just enough to soften it up, but not melt it into a puddle. It should be easy to stir and spreadable. It's like warming up a stick of butter, it just makes it so much easier to work with. This step is all about getting that perfect consistency, and it's surprisingly quick and effective.

Once your peanut butter is soft and ready to go, grab your cooled brownie base. Now, just spread the peanut butter evenly over the top. I like to use a spatula for this, but the back of a spoon works just fine too. Make sure you get right to the edges, we want peanut butter in every bite. This layer is not only delicious, but it also adds a beautiful contrast in color and texture to the brownie. This is the part of the process that makes me excited, seeing the layers come together, it's like watching your creation come to life. So, go ahead, spread that peanut butter with love, because that's what this recipe is all about.

Frosting and Finishing: Completing Your Peanut Butter Brownies

Making the Chocolate Cloud

Alright, it's time for the grand finale: the frosting. This isn't just any frosting, it's a light, fluffy, chocolatey cloud that's going to bring everything together. Grab a saucepan, and toss in your butter and marshmallows. We're going to melt these together over low heat, stirring until smooth. It’s like making a sweet, gooey potion, and it smells just as magical. Once that's done, take it off the heat, and here’s where we add the powdered sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Whisk it all together until it forms a smooth, luscious frosting. The consistency should be thick but still pourable, like melted chocolate ice cream. It's a beautiful, glossy mix that's just begging to be spread on our peanut butter brownies. Seriously, I could eat this frosting with a spoon, but we have a mission to complete.

Now, grab your peanut butter-topped brownie, and gently pour the chocolate frosting over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it covers all the peanut butter. You want a nice, smooth layer, so take your time. This is where the magic happens, where all the separate elements come together to form our layered masterpiece. Once it's frosted, it's time for the final step, which is crucial for clean cuts: freezing. Pop the entire pan into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will firm up the frosting and make it so much easier to cut into those perfect squares. It's like giving the brownies a little spa treatment before they make their debut. Patience, my friend, is a virtue in the world of baking.

Cutting and Serving

After the brownies have chilled in the freezer, it's time for the moment we’ve all been waiting for: cutting and serving. Take the pan out of the freezer, and using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into squares. Because the frosting is firm, you should get nice, clean cuts. It's like slicing through a perfectly layered cake, so satisfying. I like to cut them into even squares, but honestly, there are no rules here. You can make them as big or as small as you like. Now, arrange your beautiful peanut butter brownies on a plate, and admire your work. You've created something truly special, and it's time to share it with the world, or just enjoy them all by yourself, I won’t judge.

These peanut butter brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. They're also great for a simple treat after a long day. The combination of the fudgy brownie, the creamy peanut butter, and the rich chocolate frosting is just irresistible. It's a flavor explosion in every bite. And the best part? They're even better the next day, if you have any leftovers. Store them in the fridge or freezer, and you can enjoy them whenever you want. So, there you have it, Joanna Gaines' peanut butter brownies, a recipe that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Now, go forth and bake, and don't forget to share your creations with me, I'm always looking for new baking inspiration.

• Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
• Cut into desired square sizes.
• Serve immediately or store for later.