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Crispy Brownies with Peanut Butter Pretzel Topping

crispy brownies with peanut butter pretzel topping - featured image

These crispy brownies feature a perfect crunch with a salty-sweet peanut butter pretzel topping, creating a nostalgic and comforting treat that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (120 g) crushed pretzels
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly glossy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes with a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Edges should look set and slightly pulling away from the pan.
  7. While baking, combine peanut butter and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth and thick. Fold in crushed pretzels gently.
  8. Let brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes until slightly firm but still warm. Spread the peanut butter pretzel topping evenly over the brownies, pressing gently to adhere.
  9. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the topping firmly.
  10. Use the parchment overhang to lift brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares with a sharp knife and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Notes

Use melted butter that is cooled slightly to avoid cooking eggs prematurely. Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender. Keep some pretzel pieces chunky for texture contrast. Chill brownies to set the peanut butter topping firmly. If topping is too runny, add more powdered sugar. Parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy brownies, peanut butter pretzel topping, easy brownies, homemade dessert, chocolate brownies, crunchy topping, quick dessert