The Ultimate Salty-Sweet Indulgence: Brownie Cake with Nutella Peanut Butter Frosting
There’s a certain magic that happens when sweet meets savory, a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate and leaves an unforgettable impression. It’s the irresistible allure of salty-sweet, a combination that has captivated dessert lovers for ages. And for good reason!
Here at Foodie With Family, while I often share an array of delightful desserts, I must confess: I don’t possess an overwhelming sweet tooth. My approach to desserts is quite discerning; when a craving for something sweet strikes, it must be exceptional. It can’t be just any treat; it has to be the best. Call me high-maintenance when it comes to my desserts, but certain elements are almost guaranteed to win my heart: rich dark chocolate, the creamy hazelnut decadence of Nutella, and the comforting richness of peanut butter – or, ideally, any magnificent combination thereof.
A Deep Dive into Deliciousness: Crafting the Perfect Brownie Cake
During a rare, intense craving for something truly spectacular last week, I knew exactly where to turn for swift gratification: brownies. But these weren’t merely “brownies.” Oh no, they were the legendary brownies from my cherished recipe collection. The kind that are fail-safe, fool-proof, and utterly impossible to mess up, a recipe I’ve perfected over many years. Many might classify them simply as brownies, but I consider them more of a “brownie cake” due to their wonderfully tender, cake-like texture. For me, a true brownie often leans into the fudgy side of the spectrum, almost like a soft fudge bar. This particular recipe, however, achieves a beautiful balance, offering a moist and deeply chocolatey experience that’s just a step above a traditional cake.
For countless batches, I’ve enjoyed this brownie cake plain, its intense chocolate flavor speaking for itself. But this time, a powerful urge compelled me to elevate it further. It simply *had* to be frosted. The vision of a luxurious topping took hold, and there was no turning back.
The Luxurious Nutella Peanut Butter Frosting: A Heavenly Combination
Into my trusty stand mixer went softened butter, a generous dollop of Nutella, and a dollop of creamy peanut butter. Why this combination? Perhaps it was intuition, perhaps a spark of culinary daring. Whatever the reason, I am eternally grateful for that impulse. The result was nothing short of miraculous: the fluffiest, most intensely Nutella-infused, and gloriously peanut buttery frosting I have ever had the pleasure of licking from the bowl. Seriously, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful. I swiftly reached for my offset spatula and lovingly applied the entire batch of this divine frosting over the cooled brownie cake, ensuring every inch was covered in its decadent embrace.
The Magic Touch: Why Salt Elevates Chocolate to New Heights
As I admired my handiwork, a sudden realization struck me: “EGADS! That is going to be incredibly sweet.” And with that thought, came the immediate solution: SALT! A light, delicate shower of flaky Maldon sea salt was sprinkled over the rich frosting. This wasn’t just an afterthought; it was a stroke of genius. A moment later, I found myself poised before the cutting board, eager to sample a corner of this now perfectly frosted and salted brownie cake.
Have you ever experienced the transformative power of salt on chocolate? It’s truly a revelation. There’s a scientific reason why this pairing is so incredibly good. Salt acts as a powerful flavor enhancer, awakening your taste buds and making them more receptive to the complex notes in the chocolate. When you add salt to chocolate, it doesn’t just make it “less sweet”; it actually amplifies the chocolate’s inherent bitterness and depth, making it taste even more profoundly chocolatey. The contrast between the intense sweetness of the frosting and the sharp burst of salinity creates an extraordinary flavor profile that is both balanced and incredibly addictive.
An Indulgence Warning (and a Call for Company!)
I do, however, come with a little warning: do not, under any circumstances, make this Brownie Cake with Nutella Peanut Butter Frosting when you are destined to be home alone. Trust me on this. Not that I, myself, consumed an excessive amount of this by my lonesome… but let’s just say, if you happen to be in the neighborhood, perhaps you could roll me out to my pilates mat after indulging? This dessert is dangerously delicious, the kind that demands company for collective enjoyment – or at least for sharing the caloric responsibility!
Tips for Brownie Cake Perfection
- Do Not Overbake: This is the golden rule for moist brownies. Baking for just 20-25 minutes, or until the center is barely set, ensures a tender, cakey texture. Overbaking leads to dry brownies.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to frost a warm brownie cake. Allowing it to cool fully, preferably in the pan, ensures the frosting sets beautifully and doesn’t melt into a gooey mess.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality unsweetened baker’s chocolate and butter makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Raw sugar adds a subtle caramel note, but granulated sugar works too.
- The Salt Matters: Maldon sea salt flakes are ideal for sprinkling on top. Their flaky texture provides bursts of saltiness that perfectly complement the sweet frosting. If you don’t have Maldon, a coarse sea salt will also work, just use sparingly.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This Brownie Cake with Nutella Peanut Butter Frosting is best served at room temperature, allowing the frosting to be perfectly spreadable and the flavors to truly shine. Cut into generous squares and add a sprinkle of fresh Maldon sea salt flakes right before serving to maximize that delightful salty crunch. For storage, cover any leftover brownie cake tightly with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Brownie Cake with Nutella Peanut Butter Frosting
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Rebecca Lindamood
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Ingredients
For the Brownie Cake:
- 4 ounces unsweetened baker’s chocolate (4, 1oz squares), chopped
- 2 sticks (8 ounces or 16 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2 cups raw sugar (can substitute granulated white sugar if necessary)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (approx. 4 1/4 ounces by weight)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Nutella Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 stick (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup Nutella
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 pound powdered sugar (approx. 4 cups)
- 2-4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
Instructions
To Make the Brownie Cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9″x13″ baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
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In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the 2 sticks of butter and the chopped unsweetened chocolate. Place the pan over very low heat and stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and the chocolate is almost entirely melted. Remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir until the residual heat fully melts the chocolate, resulting in a smooth, glossy mixture. Pour this chocolate mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Add the raw sugar and mix on medium speed until well combined.
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Add the large eggs to the chocolate mixture, one at a time. Be sure to mix thoroughly after each egg addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, to ensure a well-emulsified batter.
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In a separate bowl, quickly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer all at once. Mix on low speed just until combined and no dry pockets of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Gently tap the pan on your counter two or three times to settle the batter and release any air bubbles.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or just until the center of the brownie cake is set. The edges should be slightly firm, but a toothpick inserted into the center may still come out with moist crumbs attached (this indicates a perfect, moist interior). It’s crucial not to overbake, as this will result in a dry texture. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownie cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding.
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Once completely cooled, use the foil overhang to carefully lift the brownie cake out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Gently peel the foil away from the bottom and sides of the brownie cake.
To Make the Nutella Peanut Butter Frosting:
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using an electric hand mixer), blend the softened butter, Nutella, and creamy peanut butter on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar to the bowl. To prevent a cloud of powdered sugar from erupting, start the mixer on very low speed, then gradually increase to high once the sugar is incorporated. Blend until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. While the mixer is running on low, gradually pour in 2 tablespoons of the whole milk or heavy cream and the pure vanilla extract. Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl thoroughly. Mix on high again until the frosting is incredibly smooth and wonderfully fluffy, adding additional milk or cream one tablespoon at a time if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
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Generously frost the completely cooled brownie cake with the prepared Nutella Peanut Butter Frosting. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Just before serving, cut the brownie cake into squares and sprinkle with Maldon Sea Salt Flakes, gently grinding them between your fingers over the frosting for that perfect salty crunch.
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Did You Make This Recipe?
We’d love to see your delicious creations! Make sure to tag @foodiewithfam on Instagram and use the hashtag #foodiewithfamily so I can admire your beautiful brownie cakes!
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