Peanut caramel brownies

Brownies with Caramel and Peanuts: A Chocolate Delight

Who doesn’t love a perfect brownie? This recipe for brownies with caramel and peanuts is the ideal combination of soft, chocolatey texture and a crunchy topping, offering an explosion of flavors that will delight any sweet tooth.

A Brief History of Brownies

Brownies emerged in the United States in the early 20th century and quickly gained popularity due to their dense and moist texture. These treats are often associated with indulgent moments, frequently served at parties, picnics, or as quick desserts, thanks to their ease of preparation. Our recipe takes the tradition of brownies to a new level by adding a touch of caramel and roasted peanuts.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours and 40 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 12

Ingredients

- 180 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 135 g butter
- 4 large eggs
- 115 g flour
- 20 g cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g salted roasted peanuts
- 50 g caramel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential for achieving even baking.

2. Prepare the pan: Line a 24x24 cm pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well covered for easier removal of the brownies after baking.

3. Melt the chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine chopped dark chocolate and butter. You can choose to melt them in a double boiler or in the microwave. If you opt for the microwave, use short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between to avoid burning.

4. Add the sugar: Once the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth, add the sugar and mix well. This step will contribute to the sweetness of the dessert and its rich texture.

5. Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition. It’s important for the eggs to be at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture.

6. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This step will not only remove any lumps but will also aerate the ingredients, giving the brownies a fluffier texture.

7. Combine the ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture into the chocolate and egg mixture, gently mixing until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser texture.

8. Add the vanilla extract and peanuts: Fold in the vanilla extract and roughly chopped salted peanuts, mixing gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

9. Pour the mixture into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, leveling it with a spatula.

10. Add the caramel: Use a spoon to drizzle caramel over the brownie mixture, creating a “river of caramel” effect. Don’t worry, the caramel will integrate during baking.

11. Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the oven for 20-25 minutes. If you prefer a moister brownie, you can check the consistency after 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not completely covered in batter.

12. Cooling: This is the hardest step! Allow the brownies to cool at room temperature for at least 3 hours. This waiting period is essential for achieving the perfect texture and an appealing appearance.

13. Serving: Cut the brownies into squares and serve them plain, or for an extra treat, with coconut vanilla ice cream and cranberries. The combination of flavors will create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This will significantly influence the flavor of the brownies.
- Peanuts: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can roast the peanuts at home before adding them to the mix.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts (almonds, pecans) or even dried fruits. You can also add a teaspoon of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of brownies (1/12 of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 4 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, but the brownies will be sweeter and less intense in flavor.

2. How can I store the brownies?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for a longer period.

3. Is it possible to make the recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, just ensure all ingredients are compliant.

Brownies with caramel and peanuts are more than just a dessert; they are a taste experience that combines textures and flavors in a perfect way. So, get ready to indulge in a portion of chocolate goodness!