Mar 11 2010
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies.
I seem to have a bit of an issue with brownies lately.
I am not even in love with brownies. When it comes to dessert, I usually opt for something much more elaborate, like a giant piece of tiramisu or a fancy cheesecake slice.
Those kind of desserts fit my dramatic personality.
I just find it amazing how one simple brownie can be transformed with a single topping or addition.
While these brownies may be lacking booze and coffee, I think most would agree that any form of chocolate topped with peanut butter equals comfort food.
And speaking of comfort, these brownies added some padding to my bottom. You’ve been warned.
Mr. How Sweet saw these pictures last night and claimed that he never got to try one of these brownies. He has a terrible memory.
But this time he was correct. For once.
He never got to try one because he was too busy growing a nasty crustache while watching the Daytona 500 and acting like a redneck.
I really wish all of you could see the 600 dyecast car ‘collection’ that has taken over our home.
Last night, I was quizzing Mr. How Sweet on his ‘favorites.’
Wait, you mean we should have known this stuff about each other before we go married? Oh well.
Anyway, I asked him what his favorite beverage was. He replied, ‘I really like water with those Target drink mixes in them.’
I said, ‘I really like water too, it is my favorite thing to drink.’
Five minutes later, I asked him what he thought my favorite beverage was. He responded with ‘I don’t know, that watermelon martini?’
‘I just told you water was my favorite drink 5 minutes ago!’
Obviously, Mr. How Sweet suffers from a short term memory. Otherwise known as being from the male sex.
I forgive him, though – he is an excellent gift-giver – gifts which usually include Godiva and shoes. That more than makes up for it.
I see myself making these brownies again in the near future so Mr. How Sweet gets a taste.
They are so memorable, I don’t think he will forget that he ate them.
And it will also give me an excuse to devour the entire pan and blame it on him and his lack of memory sneak a bite.
Brownies
1 stick unsalted butter
2-3 squares baking chocolate
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350.
Melt butter and baking sqaures in a microwave safe bowl. In the mixing bowl, cream melted butter and chocolate mixture. Add in sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in eggs, beating one at a time. Add flour and stir just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour into greased 9 x 13 baking dish (I used a 10 x 10 square cake pan). Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until just barely done. Cool before frosting.
Peanut Butter Frosting
1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 pound powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 tablespoons milk
Cream butter and peanut butter together. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time. If frosting is too thick, add more milk. If it is too thin, add more sugar.
Frost brownies once they have cooled.
Are you just dying to know why Mr. How Sweet has a stuffed turkey, what meal is his favorite, and why he keeps a crusty moustache when food gets stuck in it?
Ask away. It’s time for a little Mr. How Sweet Q & A.
I haven’t had my oatmeal yet and now all I want is brownies:)
[Reply]
oooh they look so dense and fudgy! There are so many brownie recipes out there, and I think I”ll end up trying all of them!
[Reply]
haha. Unfortunately, I’m the one who has the horrible memory in my relationship. I would have said the same thing! You have all the power with dealing with that mustache! trust me! Battle on!
[Reply]
These look A-MAZING!
[Reply]
mmmm can I just have the frosting?? haha. Your story about you and the Mr. was HILARIOUS. Ohhhh men
[Reply]
Chocolate and peanut butter … food soulmates. Seriously…these look sooo good!
[Reply]
Yum, these look like the perfect brownies! Why is it that men have such short term memories? I can totally to this post.
[Reply]
LOL that the Mr. didn’t even know your favorite drink 5 minutes later. Might as well have been talking about my husband
Or like you said…any male!
These brownies look to die for. Peanut butter and chocolate are definitely a perfect pair.
[Reply]
These look so good! I hope to try them soon!
[Reply]
Wow you can see how moist these are in the picture! Brownies aside, though, I’d like to just eat the pb frosting straight up.
[Reply]
I’m making these tonight and bringing them to work tomorrow. Why? because I feel like baking and these sound phenomenal!
[Reply]
I’m going to have to make these for my dad sometime! He loooves brownies and peanut butter icing! Now I can combine the two for him! Thanks!
[Reply]
in a baking mood today, I just may have to make these!
does he still have the crustache?
[Reply]
fudgy brownies are the best kind…but I’ve never made them from scratch ever. I don’t trust myself making brownies for some reason.
[Reply]
Morgan,
Excellent question. I no longer have the mustache. I’d like to point out that it was never crusty. It just kinda, sorta, maybe looked like a cross between Freddie Mercury’s mustache (think 80′s gay porn if you don’t know who the lead singer of Queen was) and a mangy dog. If those are the two adjectives that pop to mind, then maybe a mustache just isn’t me.
However, I did not shave it because someone stopped cooking for me. I could easily live off ground turkey, pasta and bags of microwavable rice.
I’d just like the facts to show that I am stubborn and do not succumb to strong-armed tactics.
[Reply]
So funny, I quiz my hubby on his favorites too and we’ll have been together for 8 years and married for 2 coming up in July. I always forget that he hates certain things.
[Reply]
mmmmmm…you mentioned these and i couldn’t wait to see them
soooooooooo good! i’m thinking this might be treat day next week!
[Reply]
You always start me off craving sweets before I have even whipped up breakfast!
[Reply]
I tried to make something like this for valentine’s day and it was awful! Round 2 will definitely be with this recipe — awesome!
[Reply]
this is a recipe after my own heart! chocolate + pb = delicious! put a warm one of these on top of ice cream & i’m in heaven!
[Reply]
Haha you bring smiles to my day girl, love this post and these brownies look fantabulous!
Soooo my boyfriend threatened to shave just the beard last night, and “try out” the mustache to which I immediately responded with “you know what my bloggie friend did when her husband grew a ‘stache? stopped cooking for him… ” I also added the “he is already 10 years older than me, and now he looks 20 years older than me” comment you made to which he responded “well babe, since you’re 3 years older than me already that will work perfectly, now I’ll look older than you!” to which I gave him the glare of DEATH.
This morning, post-shower, all facial hair was gone.
I win
Or do I, since now I still look older haha
[Reply]
peanut butter + chocolate = heaven!!!
[Reply]
oooh i wanna play!
1. how many cars are in your collection, and if one of them mysteriously disappeared, would you even notice?
2. if you have a son, will he be allowed to touch them, or will they be like my gram’s glasses from Ireland, “you can look but you can’t touch!”
3. if you have a daughter, and she’s a ginger, will you consider naming her ginger?
4. has dan asked to borrow your turkey? i might pee my pants if i wake up and see that thing in my bedroom
5. what do you like more…jess’ collection of glittery make-up, or her collection of shoes?
6. i’m sad i didn’t get to experience the ‘stache…did you take lots of pics? if you did, why have you not posted one yet?!
[Reply]
I think I’m going to have to be a good daughter and make those for my dad.. poor guy has been making brownies from a box!
[Reply]
These look incredible! My favorite part about making brownies is licking the bowl
YUM!
[Reply]
I love it with the frosting. My fave is PB and choc combined. Add a little banana and I am over the top.
[Reply]
Ugh, my husband has the worst memory! Those brownies look divine! chocolate and peanut butter…a match made in heaven!
[Reply]
LOL…the brownies look/sound great but the post was just awesome. I think you need a TV show.
[Reply]
I LOVE brownies with peanut butter! Especially coconut peanut butter. Mmm!
[Reply]
I was going to say…. he didn’t remember your fav beverage because he’s a MAN hahah! You already said it though. PB never remember anything unless I repeat myself a few times, and then I am called a nag! When can I win? So funny.
These look really awesome, but if you don’t mind I am going to immediately X out of your blog before I try to reach in and grab one.
[Reply]
I always love love reading your posts Jessica! They are so funny and witty, but also contain awesome recipes. Thanks for being such a great blogger!
[Reply]
Your post cracks me up! AND those brownies look delicious!!!
[Reply]
I stopped baking my mediocre brownies lately because they have been finding themselves in my tummy while they were intended for my hubby’s breakfast dessert. I’m so selfish.
Mr How Sweet- do you hate veggies as much as your hot wifey?
[Reply]
I’m not usually a huge fan of brownies…but throw in peanut butter frosting and I’m in!
[Reply]
Mr. How Sweet–
What’s your favorite pie? Favorite burger?
Mrs. How Sweet–Can I eat the frosting out of the bowl? Do you care?
[Reply]
Brownies are my favorite dessert! And with peanut butter frosting?! I wouldn’t be able to eat just one! You make so many wonderful things…I wish I had the willpower to bake so much and not devour it all!
[Reply]
How many more days until Easter?! I want those brownies now!
[Reply]
Lauren loves making brownies as well. Each time she comes home she whips up a batch. I’ll have to get her to try to make these next time. Complete with the peanut butter icing as well!
[Reply]
GOSH Jess, you are such a TEASE!! these posts make my mouth water!
[Reply]
Wow! Girl, you are right…peanut butter atop anything chocolate is heaven on earth! I’m certain you could not have made them look any more appealing:)
[Reply]
Jessica:
Just looking at the pictures was so good it will require me to order more stents for my coronary arteries
Love UC
[Reply]
Can you open a bakery, like, NOW?!? What do you do with all of these treats?? I know you joke about downing them all, but if you’re still that hot and eating all this crap, you should be arrested and locked away
My question to Mr. Sweet: What are you going to do to make it up to your wife after forcing her to live with this ugly ‘stache for weeks?
[Reply]
I am still stuffed from a lunch at Chipotle, yet somehow I am now hungry. They look great!
[Reply]
I finally brought myself to read this against my own advice
and I think I am making these tomorrow to bring to a friends house. yum! did he shave his stache yet??
[Reply]
These brownies look so heavenly!! And yep, I just drooled again!!
Q for Mr. How Sweet: What’s your most favorite thing about Mrs. How Sweet??
[Reply]
OMG. Those pictures…they look soooo good
I can’t eat any because I’m off of sugar for the time being, but I can make them for the kids and sneak a bite 
They’d be ALL OVER those!
[Reply]
Jezzzzzus these look good. Anything with butter, sugar, flour, cocoa, and PB usually tends to be incredible
“nasty crustache while watching the Daytona 500 and acting like a redneck.”–
Did i mention we lived in NC and then SC for 2 yrs each. I know exactly what you mean LOL
Scott had a ‘stache for the first 3 mos of our relationship. Shaved it off 11 yrs ago and never looked back and says it was the best thing he ever did…looks so much younger, and he’s 17 yrs old then me, and i know Mr. Sweeet is older than you, food for stash thought
[Reply]
Oh my gosh, we speak the same language
An on a huge peanut butter and chocolate rampage at the moment. After failed cupcakes yesterday I think these are next. Can’t guarantee I won’t tip any Kahlua or coffee in there 
[Reply]
WOW! Those look amazing ; )
[Reply]
godiva and shoes can make up for anything
Q for mr Sweet: what is your favorite thing that Mrs Sweet makes?
[Reply]
Wow I don’t even like brownies that much, but these looks amazing!!!
[Reply]
Nothing better than pb and chocolate. Also, the crustache is hilarious every time you mention it.
[Reply]
YUM! Looking at delicious brownie pics at 11pm is a bit dangerous and definitley not helping my sweet craving!
http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/
[Reply]
Girl, you should be arrested. Those brownies should be illegal!!! And off I go to make them… haha I seriously will do very soon. I LOVE brownies and i’m a nut-butter addict so you know… what could be better?! Plus, that’s my mom’s favorite combination so I think I just may make them for her to say thank you for all she does for me
[Reply]
I’m not even surprised that you don’t go for brownies as much as say, a Godiva chocolate cheesecake with all the works. You’re a Queen, and you know it!
That said, you sure know how to dramatize a simple brownie, too!
[Reply]
Those brownies look SO moist!!!
[Reply]
Oh husbands and their short term memories! Frustrating and funny at the same time.
[Reply]
I made the brownies yesterday. Must have guessed wrong on a few things because they did not turn out as I had hoped. The directions call for 2 – 3 baking chocolate. I used 2 squares, or 2 oz of unsweetened chocolate. Think this made them too pale and lacked the chocolate flavor. Why the range on ingredients?
Also, how do you cream something when it is melted? I tried, but melted butter and chocolate just didn’t cream together. So when I added the sugar, it just became coarse – think sand texture. Once the eggs were added it came together.
The frosting worked perfectly and saved the somewhat overdone (35 min was way too long in a 9×13 pan) concoction.
Would love to try again.
[Reply]
Jessica Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Hey Sue – sorry this didn’t turn out! I know how frustrating that is when you are excited about baking something. I copied this recipe straight from my mom’s recipe box, and it had 2-3 squares of chocolate. I usually use 2, and I use the Baker’s squares. I melt them in the microwave with the butter, then immediately transfer them to my mixer and let it roll. I probably cream it for 2-3 minutes, and it turns a pale ‘brownish’ color. Did you melt the butter and chocolate together? The only thing I can think of is that maybe the chocolate sat out after it was melted and became firm, or possibly your mixing bowl was really cold and firmed it up??
Here is the initial post I did on these – they included marshmallows. Sorry for the yucky pictures, I did it when I first started blogging. Maybe try the marshmallows with the brownies and see how they come out? http://www.howsweeteats.com/2009/10/07/oooey-gooey-fudgey-brownies/
Please keep me updated!!
[Reply]
I have gained weight just looking at the pictures. Yummy!
[Reply]
[...] creamy and delicious! It’s a good thing that I made a light dinner because I decided to make Jessica’s Peanut Butter frosting for some brownies, and I might have eaten about 1/4 of it. No, I’m not sorry, it was [...]
[...] yes, 3 brownies, and an endless number of crumbs have been consumed today thanks in part to Jessica. Now, I only used the frosting recipe because I found a really great fudgy brownie recipe that [...]
[...] How Sweet’s Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies [...]
[...] And How Sweet’s Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies [...]
[...] us cleaned our plates and went back for more! ‘Twas delicious and a must-try! Dessert was peanut butter fudge brownies because Stef loves peanut butter! Topped with twisty birthday [...]
Jessica,
So this last weekend I had a gethering and decided to make a bunch of mini desserts. One of the things I made was your brownies with PB frosting. I decided the best and easiest way for people to enjoy these were to bake them in a greased muffin tin and then pipe the frosting on top.
Well, the brownies came out ok with an interesting twist… the middle of them actually sank in. Now if I had decided to try these brownies with out the frosting I would have been in a mild version of panic but since I had the frosting I decided to make my own version of a peanut butter cup and fill in the center with the frosting.
The outsides were firm and allowed for this to work out perfectly, i just told people I had done it on purpose
Thanks for the great recipies!
-Nessa
[Reply]
Jessica Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Ohmigosh!!
I am glad the frosting was there to cover everything up.
[Reply]
[...] used my go-to brownie recipe, but am not sure were I went wrong. The brownies turned out lighter in color and just not the [...]
[...] min commute, and I didn’t have any fresh berries on hand to make a cobbler) I decided to make these brownies. I used peanut butter chips as my mix-in. Instead of creaming softened butter and sugar, this [...]
[...] of goat cheese, it had been mixed in the batter. So, I decided to just wing it. I used this recipe, but substituted 4 ounces of goat cheese for one of the [...]