One day, as I rummaged through our pantry, I found some leftover candy from Halloween. Inspiration struck, and I decided to breathe new life into our traditional brownie by turning it into a pizza of sorts. The result was a colorful, indulgent treat that quickly became a hit with my family. Even the most discerning sweets critic in the family, my husband, couldn’t resist going for seconds.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the joy it brings to the table. It’s easy enough to whip up on a whim, yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or parties. The process is straightforward—melt, mix, bake, and top with your favorite candies. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the candy and a gooey chocolate center that’s sure to please any sweet tooth.
So, if you’re looking to create a sweet memory with your family or surprise your friends with a delightful twist on a classic, this Brownie Lover’s Peanut Butter Pizza is the way to go. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire, just like it has in ours. Go ahead, grab those ingredients, and let’s get baking!
How to Make Brownie Lover’s Peanut Butter Pizza
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Ingredients:
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate (melted)
- 1/3 cup canola oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped candy (like peanut butter cups, Snickers, or 3 Musketeers)
- 1/4 cup Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s for a pop of color
Directions:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and get a 9-inch springform pan ready by either lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted chocolate and canola oil until smooth. Beat in the eggs and sugar until the mixture is well combined.
- Gently fold in the flour and salt, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake the brownie for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Be careful not to overbake!
- Right after removing the brownie from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Allow them to sit and melt slightly for about 5 minutes before adding the chopped candy.
- Let the brownie pizza cool completely in the pan before slicing it up to enjoy.
Easy Substitutes for Brownie Lover’s Peanut Butter Pizza
If you don’t have unsweetened chocolate on hand, you can substitute with cocoa powder by using 3 tablespoons of cocoa and 1 tablespoon of oil for each ounce of chocolate. Feel free to swap the candy mix with whatever you have available—try crushed Oreos or pretzels for a unique twist!
Best Ways to Store Your Brownie Pizza Leftover
To keep your brownie pizza fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to make it last longer, consider freezing it. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Perfect Pairings for Your Brownie Pizza
Serve your brownie pizza with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce before serving will elevate the flavors to a whole new level. For a fun contrast, pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Brownie Lover’s Pizza
To ensure the perfect texture, avoid overmixing the batter once you’ve added the flour. This helps maintain the brownie’s fudgy consistency. Also, use room temperature eggs to achieve a smoother batter. If you prefer a thicker “crust,” use a smaller pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Adapting the Brownie Pizza for Any Time of Year
For a festive touch during the holidays, swap in seasonal candies like peppermint bark or holiday-themed M&M’s. In the summer, fresh berries can add a refreshing twist. This versatile dessert easily adapts to any season, making it a year-round favorite.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While unsweetened chocolate provides a strong cocoa flavor, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a sweeter taste. Just remember that if you use sweetened chocolate, you might want to reduce the amount of sugar added to the batter.
What can I use instead of a springform pan?
If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular 9-inch round cake pan will work just fine. Just make sure to grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to ensure the brownie pizza releases easily after cooling.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this brownie pizza gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that the blend is designed for baking, as this will help maintain the right texture and consistency in your pizza.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Additionally, use vegan chocolate and candies to keep the entire dish free from animal products.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Certainly! You can bake the brownie pizza a day ahead of serving. Just store it at room temperature in an airtight container. If you’ve added any fresh toppings, like berries, it’s best to add them just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What is the best way to cut the brownie pizza?
For clean, even slices, allow the brownie pizza to cool completely before cutting. A sharp knife works best, and cleaning the blade between cuts helps achieve smooth edges. You can also use a pizza cutter for a fun and easy slicing experience.
Brownie Lover's Peanut Butter Pizza
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate (melted)
- 1/3 cup canola oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped candy (like peanut butter cups, Snickers, or 3 Musketeers)
- 1/4 cup Reese's Pieces or M&M's (for color)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper or greasing it thoroughly.
For Brownie Base:
- In a mixing bowl, blend the melted chocolate with the canola oil until the mixture is smooth. Then, add in the eggs and sugar, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
- Mix in the flour and salt gently until just combined, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, using a toothpick to check if it comes out mostly clean. Avoid overbaking.
- After baking, remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot surface. Allow them to sit for around 5 minutes before adding your chopped candy.
- Let the brownie pizza cool completely before carefully removing it from the pan and cutting it into slices. Enjoy your delightful dessert!
