This delicious brownie is not your typical brownie. It has three delicious layers! Salted peanuts give a kick to the otherwise sweet dessert. You can also make it without the frosting and the ganache.
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup roasted salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Frosting and ganache
1 cup chunky peanut butter (do not use natural or old-fashioned)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided, room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
For brownies:
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325°F.
- Line 13×9×2-inch metal baking pan with foil, leaving long overhang; butter foil.
- Place 3/4 cup butter in heavy large saucepan. Add both chocolates; stir over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in sugar, vanilla, and salt, then eggs, 1 at a time.
- Fold in flour, then nuts. Spread in prepared pan.
- Bake until tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Place pan on rack; cool.
For frosting:
- Using electric mixer, beat peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter in medium bowl to blend.
- Beat in powdered sugar, salt, and nutmeg, then milk and vanilla.
- Spread frosting over brownies.
For ganache:
- Stir chocolate and 1/4 cup butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth.
- Drop ganache all over frosting; spread to cover.
- Chill until set, about 1 1/2 hours. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep chilled.
- Using foil as aid, transfer brownie cake to work surface; cut into squares. Bring to room temperature; serve.
Source: The Kitchen Sink – Dorie Greenspan for Bon Appetit
