Description
Indulge in this decadent Brownie Lover’s Peanut Butter Pizza—a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a creamy peanut butter swirl, luscious dark chocolate ganache, crunchy pretzels, cocoa nibs, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for sharing, this dessert pizza combines textures and flavors for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp fine salt
Peanut Butter Swirl
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp peanut flour
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp whole milk
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 4 oz chopped dark chocolate (60–70% cacao)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- ½ cup mini pretzel twists, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp cocoa nibs
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Whisk warm melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until fully smooth to help dissolve the sugars and create a fudgy crumb in the brownie crust.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract carefully to maintain the batter’s texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, baking powder, and fine salt.
- Mix Batter: Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the dense, gooey brownie texture.
- Bake the Brownie Base: Spread the batter evenly in a prepared 12-inch round pizza pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes until the top feels set and edges slightly pull away. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Make Peanut Butter Swirl: Whisk together creamy peanut butter, peanut flour, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Gradually add whole milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is spreadable but not runny. Dollop onto the warm brownie crust and gently swirl with an offset spatula. Let set for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming. Pour over chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool for 3 minutes to thicken for drizzling.
- Assemble Toppings: Drizzle ganache in a spiral pattern over the peanut butter layer. Sprinkle chopped mini pretzels, cocoa nibs, and a dusting of flaky sea salt immediately for crunch and flavor contrast.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes to allow the ganache to set. Cut into 8–10 wedges with a pizza cutter and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain the fudgy texture.
- The instant espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownie taste like coffee.
- If peanut flour is unavailable, you can substitute with an equal amount of powdered peanut butter or finely ground peanuts.
- Allow ganache to cool slightly before drizzling to achieve a thick, elegant swirl.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature or chilled; reheat gently if preferred warm.