Thursday, June 25, 2009

Ultimate Answer Brownies


I don't know why so many people are consumed with worry over the national debt, global warming, and assorted international crises. The answer to all these problems is evident - peanut butter and chocolate. Who isn't happier when eating peanut butter and chocolate? Well, my sister, but she can take care of her problems with chips and onion dip.

Seriously, if we could convince people around the world to just have one of these brownies per day - ta da - world peace and prosperity! Well, maybe not. But at least we'd have had the brownies to fortify us to face the bad news du jour. Dense, fudgy, deliciously topped with peanut butter cheesecake. What, me worry?



Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
- adapted from Bon Appetite

Brownie layer:

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, diced
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake layer:

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup creamy (smooth) natural peanut butter (made with only peanuts and salt)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped



For brownie layer:
1- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325°F. Spray 9-inch square metal baking pan with 2-inch-high sides with nonstick spray; line bottom with parchment paper.

2- In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir chocolate and butter until smooth; set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

3- Using an electric mixer, beat sugar, eggs, and vanilla in medium bowl until very fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in chocolate mixture on low speed, then beat in flour and salt. Spread batter in pan.

For cheesecake layer:
4- In a medium bowl, using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Beat in cream, then flour. Transfer 1/3 cup cheesecake batter to small bowl and reserve. Spread remaining cheesecake batter over brownie layer.

5- Place chocolate in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low power in 10-second intervals until chocolate begins to melt, then stir until smooth. Mix chocolate into reserved 1/3 cup cheesecake batter. Drop chocolate batter by heaping teaspoonfuls atop cheesecake layer. Using chopstick or wooden skewer, swirl chocolate batter in figure-eight pattern through white cheesecake layer.

6- Bake brownies until edges of cheesecake layer are puffed and center is set, about 36 minutes. Cool brownies in pan on rack. Cover; chill at least 1 hour.

Cut brownies into 25 squares. Serve cold.

27 comments:

Cindy said...

I am a brownie lover, especially if they include peanut butter!These look delish. I will make them soon. TFS

Unknown said...

those look amazing!! will have to try this recipe!

Katrina said...

Whoa! Overload. Delicious!

Aimée said...

Lynn, you should be in a position of power somewhere, I'm totally on board with your idea!

These look incredible, really.

Maria said...

What a brownie! This one has it all!

Justin said...

ha, i think you're onto something...

Anonymous said...

wow these are amazing! i love the peanut butter!

Cookie baker Lynn said...

Cindy - You home will be a happier place for trying them. Trust me.

Sarahe - Thanks!

Katrina - Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Just take smaller pieces.

Aimee - I am in a position of power. I'm The Mother.

Maria - Agreed.

Justin - Try it and see if I'm right.

Dessertobsessed - Peanut butter makes everything better, right?

Unknown said...

Can you believe I don't like PB? But this is the first PB post, EVER, that has made me want to leave a comment! This looks sooo good, and I LOVE brownies, and I love cheesecake!! I'm so making this, omitting the PB ofcourse!

Michelle said...

Oh you are SO, SO right! Three of my favorite things in the world - chocolate, peanut butter, and cheesecake - right there all in one dessert. Can't wait to make these!

Deborah said...

Peanut butter and chocolate solve all of my problems!!

How To Eat A Cupcake said...

Could someone please pass me a paper towel to wipe all this drool from my desk.... peanut butter!! cheesecake!! brownies!! OMG!!!

Anh said...

I think peanut butter and chocolate is very American thing. We don't see the combo at all in Australia. I gotta try to find out for myself!

grace said...

forget "i'd like to buy the world a coke." i'd like to make the world a brownie. great recipe, lynn. :)

Sara said...

that looks like the perfect dessert. i am saving this recipe!

Sarah said...

I'm very rarely tempted by brownies. In fact... I can't remember ever feeling the need to make brownies. But I've got it now! Man... I love the look of these. Were you thinking of me when you made them?

Jann said...

I have not seen this recipe before -this is enchanting!

Talita said...

Oh, My God! How decadent this brownie looks! I have water in my mouth just to see these pics!

Talita said...

Oh, My God! How decadent this brownie looks! I have water in my mouth just to see these pics!

Melinda said...

I agree. I am all for the Brownie Peace Party. Let's take this forum to the United Nations. They must be serving pickled fish there.
Those brownies look powerful.

eatme_delicious said...

Oh yes these look amazing Lynn!! Combining 3 of my favourite things - chocolate, peanut butter and cream cheese. Can't wait to try these out. Interesting that they use natural peanut butter!

Mary said...

Oh boy these look amazing. And yeah peanut butter and chocolate could make it easier for me to deal with any problems!

NKP said...

Anxiety, panic, malaise, apathy... I have them all. Better send me half a dozen.. thanks!

Amy Green said...

Yes, these could bring world peace. They look so moist and flavorful. I was reading over your ingredients and wondered why you added cream & flour to the cream cheese mixture. Wouldn't the cream cheese bake well without these?

Abby said...

They would make MY days happier. For sure.

Debbie said...

Chocolate just makes everything better!

breadchick said...

I got a sugar buzz just looking at these!