Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the brownie batter, providing structure and texture.

Cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor to the brownies.

Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a moist texture.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.

Peanut butter: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Crushed pretzels: Provide a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, fudgy brownies.

When folding in the peanut butter and crushed pretzels, make sure to do so gently to maintain the texture of the pretzels. Overmixing can cause the pretzels to break down too much and lose their crunch, which adds a delightful contrast to the fudgy brownies.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour provides a nutty flavor and is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, offering a similar chocolatey flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based alternative that provides a similar texture and richness.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are made from ground flaxseed and water, making them a vegan alternative that also adds fiber.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.

• peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter is a great alternative for those with peanut allergies and provides a similar creamy texture.

• crushed pretzels - Substitute with crushed graham crackers: Crushed graham crackers offer a similar crunch and can add a slightly sweet flavor.

• Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
• Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares. This makes it easier to grab a piece whenever you crave a sweet treat.
• For short-term storage, place the brownies in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store the container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the brownies fresh and chewy.
• For longer storage, wrap each brownie square individually in plastic wrap. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.
• Place the wrapped brownies in a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long they've been stored.
• Freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
• For a quick treat, microwave a frozen brownie for about 20-30 seconds. This gives you a warm, gooey dessert in no time.
• If you prefer a firmer texture, let the brownies thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This method keeps them dense and fudgy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover peanut butter pretzel brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the brownies with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
  5. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a piece of the brownie on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the brownie with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the brownie; if it’s not warm enough, continue heating in 10-second intervals until desired warmth is achieved.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before eating to avoid burning your mouth.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Place the brownie in the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to create a mini-oven effect.
  4. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, checking frequently to avoid burning.
  5. Once warmed through, remove from the skillet and let cool slightly before serving.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the brownies on a toaster oven tray lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the brownies are warmed through.
  5. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the brownies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
  4. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before indulging.

• Oven: Used to bake the brownies at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ingredients like melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Useful for mixing the wet ingredients together smoothly.

• Spatula: Helps in folding in the flour, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and crushed pretzels without overmixing.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and peanut butter.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like vanilla extract.

• Baking pan: The container where the brownie batter is poured and baked.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking pan for easier removal of brownies.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the brownies are done by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.

• Cooling rack: Allows the brownies to cool evenly after baking.

• Knife: Used to cut the cooled brownies into squares.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to save time during the baking process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, making the mixing process faster and more efficient.

Crush pretzels in advance: Crush the pretzels ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to streamline the recipe preparation.

Line the baking pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup.

Microwave peanut butter: Slightly warm the peanut butter in the microwave for easier mixing into the batter.