I remember the first time I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies. It was on a lazy Sunday afternoon, scrolling through a recipe book I had tossed aside for months. Something about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate just felt like the perfect indulgence, and I couldn’t resist giving it a go. The moment the brownies came out of the oven, the smell filled the room. Rich chocolate and a hint of roasted peanuts. It was clear that these were going to be a hit. Since then, they’ve become a staple in my baking routine, especially when I want something comforting yet a little fancy.
Let’s dive into the magic behind Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies. You might find that this recipe becomes your new go-to too.
Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies are decadent and easy to make. What stands out about this recipe is how the peanut butter blends seamlessly with the chocolate, creating a rich and gooey texture that’s irresistible. The combination of smooth peanut butter and the fudgy brownie base gives a lovely contrast of flavors.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the recipe:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves: 12-16 brownies
It’s one of those recipes you’ll turn to over and over because it’s fail-safe and always impressive. Let’s walk through the ingredients and how to make them.
Ingredients Needed
Jamie’s recipes are never about overcomplicating things. You don’t need to be a pro baker to make these brownies. The ingredients are simple, and you might already have most of them in your pantry:
- Butter: 200g (for a rich, buttery texture)
- Dark chocolate: 200g (the key to that deep chocolate flavor)
- Sugar: 250g (for sweetness and structure)
- Eggs: 3 large (to bind everything together and give structure)
- Peanut butter: 150g (smooth or crunchy, depending on your preference)
- Flour: 100g (to give the brownies structure without making them too dry)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp (to make the texture light but dense)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (because, well, vanilla makes everything better)
These ingredients are all common baking essentials, which is another reason this recipe is so approachable.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies
Making these brownies is a breeze, especially for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Here’s how you get from ingredients to delicious brownies:
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Preheat The Oven & Prepare The Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 20x20cm baking tin with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
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Melt Butter & Chocolate
In a pan over low heat, melt the butter and dark chocolate together. Stir until smooth and completely combined.
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Mix Sugar & Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. This gives the brownies that signature fudgy texture.
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Add Peanut Butter
Stir in the peanut butter to the sugar and egg mixture. If you’re using crunchy peanut butter, you’ll get little bites of texture. If you prefer smooth, it’ll blend beautifully into the batter.
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Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients
Slowly fold in the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Add in the flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Stir gently until everything is combined.
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Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set but the center is still slightly wobbly.
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Cool And Serve
Let the brownies cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!
The final texture should be dense, moist, and rich, with that familiar peanut butter swirl throughout.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s talk a little more about the science behind the ingredients that make these brownies so amazing. Each element plays a role:
- Butter: The butter gives richness and ensures the brownie stays moist, even after baking.
- Dark Chocolate: It provides the deep cocoa flavor and ensures the brownies have that irresistible fudgy texture. Dark chocolate also melts more evenly than milk chocolate, making it perfect for these kinds of recipes.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter isn’t just there for flavor. It helps add moisture and structure to the batter. Its fats also help keep the brownies soft and chewy.
- Eggs: Eggs are the glue that holds the entire brownie together. They help set the structure while also giving a soft, airy texture when whipped with sugar.
- Flour & Baking Powder: Flour gives the structure, and baking powder ensures they rise slightly without turning cakey.
The combination of fats (butter, chocolate, and peanut butter), sugar, and eggs is a foolproof formula for achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor in these brownies.
Expert Tips
If you want to take your peanut butter brownies to the next level, here are a few tips I swear by:
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing will make the brownies tough.
- Test with a Toothpick: The brownies should be soft and gooey in the center. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.
- Chill the Peanut Butter: Before adding the peanut butter to the batter, try chilling it for 10 minutes. It’ll be easier to swirl into the brownie mixture for that signature peanut butter ripple.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The chocolate is a big flavor contributor. Go for a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s original recipe is perfect, you can always make small tweaks to suit your taste:
- Nutty Add-ins: Add chopped peanuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Marbled Effect: For a pretty effect, swirl a little extra peanut butter on top of the brownie batter before baking.
- White Chocolate: Swap out the dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg substitute, and make sure the chocolate is dairy-free for a vegan alternative.
Feel free to play around with the recipe. That’s part of the fun in baking.
Final Words
These peanut butter brownies are the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. It’s the kind of dessert that’ll make people think you spent hours on it, even though it comes together quickly. The peanut butter adds a richness that complements the deep chocolate flavor, while the texture is soft, gooey, and downright delicious.
Once you make them, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to bake them again and again.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies?
Start by melting butter and chocolate, then mix in sugar, eggs, and flour. Add peanut butter and swirl it through before baking.
Can I Substitute The Peanut Butter In Jamie Oliver’s Brownie Recipe?
Yes, you can use almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor, but peanut butter gives the best taste.
How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Peanut Butter Brownies Need To Bake?
Bake the brownies for about 25-30 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Test with a skewer to check if they’re set.