Recipe: Fudgy Brownies Two Ways: Classic and Peanut Butter

A good friend of mine loves my brownies.  Every time I ask her what I should bake she requests these brownies.  My recipe makes a huge pan full, so I thought I would mix it up and make half of them peanut butter swirl.  These are by no means healthy, but they are definitely healthier than wolfing down brownies made with a cup of butter or a cup of oil.  Its always good to make "better bad choices."  And if you don't like peanut butter and chocolate (don't like peanut butter and chocolate - are you nuts?!?), throw in a cup of chocolate chips once your batter is mixed, mix it up, and pour it into the pan. 

First, preheat the oven and gather your brownie ingredients.  Brownies can be oil-heavy, but I use a secret ingredient, applesauce, instead and just a small amount of oil. 

Mix the dry ingredients.

Mix the wet ingredients.

Combine.  Pour into parchment-lined, greased 9 by 13 inch pan and spread evenly.  Set aside.

Make the peanut butter topping by mixing all ingredients until well combined. 

Dollop peanut butter topping on 1/2 of the brownie batter and swirl with the tip of a chopstick or a knife.

Fudgy Brownies Two Ways: Classic and Peanut Butter
Makes 24

Brownies
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup water
1 cup apple sauce
3 tbsp canola oil
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 9 by 13 inch baking pan with parchment and spray with non-stick spray.
Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt in mixing bowl.  In a separate large mixing bowl combine water, apple sauce, oil and vanila.  Mix well. Add dry ingredients and mix until well combined.  Pour into prepared baking pan and spread evenly.  Set aside.
 

Peanut butter swirl
3 tbsp earth balance, melted (vegan butter)
1/4 powdered sugar
1/3 c smooth peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients until well combined.  Dollop evenly in small spoonfuls onto 1/2 of brownie batter.  Drag tip of a chopstick or knife across the 1/2 of the batter to swirl the peanut butter mixture.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until top is no longer shiny.  Cool completely before serving. Pin It Now!