To celebrate the 4th of July, also known as America's Independence Day, I've teamed up with the SKIPPY® Peanut Butter to bring you a gorgeous fudgy, nutty and deeply chocolatey brownie, decorated with fresh fruit to look like the flag of the United States of America.
It's super easy to make these brownies, which are packed with dark chocolate and SKIPPY® Peanut Butter, which is great to bake with due to an exceptionally smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture made from the sweetest American peanuts. Meanwhile, whipped eggs help make the texture of these brownies both light and fudgy - just utterly perfect.
Have you ever tried SKIPPY® Peanut Butter? Millions of Americans enjoy this gorgeous peanut butter daily. There are 22.1g of protein in every 100g, and each jar is rich in high Oleic acids (good fats).
These brownies are certainly a treat for the whole family. If you'd like to make them, read on for the full 4th July brownie flag recipe.
4th July Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 250 g (8.8 oz) dark chocolate (bittersweet)
- 250 g (8.8 oz) slightly salted butter
- 250 g (8.8 oz) peanut butter
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder (dutch processed)
- 150 g (5.3 oz) plain white flour (all purpose flour)
- 250 g (8.8 oz) soft light brown sugar
- 3 large free range eggs
For the topping
- 100 g (3.5 oz) blueberries
- 400 g (14.1 oz) strawberries cut into thin wedges
- 3 bananas cut diagonally to give long, thin, oval slices
Equipment
- Medium roasting pan 35x25cm (14x10")
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200C (180C) and grease a medium baking tray, then line the base with baking paper.
Put the chocolate and butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds.
Stir, then microwave again in 10-second blasts until the chocolate has just melted.
Add the peanut butter.
Stir through until the mixture is smooth, then allow to cool a little.
Sift in the cocoa and flour.
Gently fold through.
In a separate bowl, add the sugar and eggs.
Whisk until it goes frothy, then silky and pale. This will help to make your brownies fudgy yet light.
Pour the eggs and sugar mix into the chocolate mix.
Gently fold through until just combined.
Pour the mixture your greased and lined baking tin.
Bake for 10 mins, give the tray a shake and see if it only gives the slightest jiggle. If the brownie wiggles a lot, put it in for another 5 minutes and check again. Leave the brownie in the tin to cool completely.
Decorate just before serving by arranging the strawberries and banana slices in stripes, leaving a section in the corner to fill with blueberries. I ran out of space to do the correct number of stripes, but I think the effect is still pretty great!
To keep up with SKIPPY® Brand's celebrations for American Independence Day, follow @skippybrand on Instagram and @Skippy on Twitter.
And don't forget to check out the hashtag #SKIPPY4July across social media and get involved!
SKIPPY® Peanut Butter (RRP £2.40 per 340g jar) is now available in smooth and Extra Crunchy varieties, on sale in major supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Costco, International section of Tesco and Ocado.
For more inspiration and recipes visit www.peanutbutter.uk.com
This is a commissioned post for SKIPPY® Peanut Butter
Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Peanut Butter Brownies
Are 4th July Brownies easy to make?
Yes! This recipe is very straightforward and easy to follow. The hardest part is waiting for the brownies to cool completely before you can tuck in!
First, you'll need to melt the chocolate and butter together. You'll then stir in the peanut butter to create a smooth mixture. Sift in the cocoa and flour, then gently fold through.
In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until frothy, pale and silky. This will help to create light and fudgy brownies. Pour the mixture into the chocolate mix and gently fold through until just combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased and lined baking tin, then bake for 20 minutes. The brownies are ready when the tray gives only a slight jiggle. Allow to cool completely before decorating with fresh fruit to look like the American flag.
As ever, I've included step-by-step pictures with the recipe above. So you can see exactly how to prepare, cook and decorate your brownies. So if you get lost at any stage, just check the photos above.
Or if you need more help, drop me a question in the comments! I check them regularly so I'll get back to you ASAP.
Will I need any special equipment to make Peanut Butter Brownies?
To make your brownies, you'll need:
A baking tin, baking paper, mixing bowls, an electric whisk (or you could use a hand whisk), a spoon or spatula for folding the mixture together, measuring spoons or scales and a microwave-safe bowl.
There's always a complete list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below my recipes if you're in doubt.
I also always include links to example products, to show exactly what I used to make each recipe.
How can I tell if eggs have gone off?
When an egg is spoiled, it will have an unpleasant odour, and the yolk and egg white will look different to a regular egg. If you crack open an egg and it looks or smells bad, it's best to throw it out.
To ensure you don't contaminate a recipe with a bad egg, it's always best to crack your eggs into a separate bowl or cup before adding them to a recipe. This lets you check the egg for any broken shell fragments, but more importantly, it enables you to check that the egg is safe to use.
How do I do a float test on an egg?
If you aren't sure if your eggs are fresh, you can do a float test to check them. A float test involves placing your egg in a cup or bowl of water to see if it sinks or floats.
If an egg sinks to the bottom, it's fresh and can be used. If an egg sinks but stands on its point, it's still okay to use but not as fresh. If an egg floats, it means the egg has gone bad and you shouldn't use it.
Sometimes a bad egg will still sink, so again, it's best to crack eggs into a cup or separate bowl before adding to a recipe.
How can I tell if the butter has gone off?
If you're not sure if your butter has gone bad, give it a sniff and you'll soon find out! If it's off, it will smell rancid or sour. At which point, it's best to throw it out.
You can also do a visual check by looking at the colour and texture of the butter. If it's yellow or has changed colour from its original white or cream colour, it's a sign that it's beginning to go off. If the texture has changed too and it's no longer smooth, it's time to say goodbye!
When it comes to storing butter, always make sure it's in an airtight container and in the fridge where it will stay fresher for longer.
Should I keep butter in the fridge?
The refrigerated butter vs rustic kitchen table butter dish debate still rages on in Britain, despite most of us having had central heating for decades.
While technically you can keep butter at room temperature, if it's hotter than 20C/68F, bacteria will start to grow. This is why in a heated house, or in hot weather, you should store your butter in the fridge.
How can I tell if peanut butter has gone off?
If peanut butter has gone bad, it will have an off smell and taste, and the texture will be dry. If you see any mould growing on the peanut butter, it's best to throw it out as well.
Peanut butter is a mix of peanuts and oil. As it gets older the peanuts and oil split, and the peanuts dry out as they lose water content. If your peanut butter is slightly split don't worry, this is normal. But if your peanut butter is a rock of solid peanut and a little bit of oil on top - find a new jar.
When it comes to storing peanut butter, always make sure the jar is tightly sealed so that air can't get in. Peanut butter will last for several months in the pantry and up to a year in the fridge.
How can I tell if chocolate has gone off?
If chocolate has gone bad, it will have an off smell and taste, and the texture will be dry. If you see any mould growing on the chocolate, it's best to throw it out as well.
The discolouration is also a sign that chocolate has gone bad. Sometimes chocolate has a white layer on top called 'bloom' which is caused by the cocoa butter separating from the chocolate. This isn't harmful and you can still eat the chocolate, but it doesn't taste as good.
However, if chocolate is starting to turn white or has brown spots, it can mean that the fat in the chocolate has gone rancid.
When it comes to storing chocolate, always make sure it's in an airtight container and in a cool, dark place. Chocolate will last for several months in the pantry and up to a year in the fridge.
Can I use a black banana?
A black banana is fine to eat, it just means that it's overripe. Overripe bananas are actually sweeter, so they're perfect for baking with.
However, for this recipe, an overripe banana might be too mushy to use as a topping. So it's best to use a banana which is yellow with a few little black spots at most.
Are these brownies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these brownies are suitable for vegetarians as they do not contain any meat or fish.
However, don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your Peanut Butter Brownies.
Are these brownies suitable for vegans?
No, these brownies are not suitable for vegans as they contain both eggs and butter.
There are a few substitutions you could make to make these brownies vegan-friendly. Instead of butter, you could use a vegan baking block. For the eggs, you could try using a pre-prepared egg replacer, or a homemade flax egg or a chia egg.
Luckily brownie recipes tend to work well with vegan ingredients, as they don't need to achieve a sponge texture like a cake.
For the egg replacer, I would recommend using Orgran Egg Replacer mix (from Amazon). It gives a nice rich egg texture to bakes and makes vegan brownies nice and fudgy.
For the plant-based butter, I tend to use Flora Vegan Block. It has a similar fat content to dairy butter (around 80%), so it behaves similarly in recipes.
If you want to make your own flax or chia egg, mix 1 tbsp of either ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tbsp of water. Leave for 5 minutes to thicken, then use as you would an egg in the recipe.
For the chocolate, you can use 100% cocoa dark chocolate, or vegan dark chocolate. Bear in mind they will be less sweet than dark chocolate containing dairy, so you might want to add an extra spoon of sugar to compensate.
The cooking time and temperature shouldn't be affected by these substitutions, but I haven't tested this recipe as a vegan version. So you might want to keep an eye on the oven for the last 15 minutes to check the brownie sheet doesn't need more or less time.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
No, these brownies are not gluten-free as they contain wheat flour and other ingredients which can contain trace elements of gluten.
If you want to make these brownies gluten-free, you could swap the wheat flour for the same quantity of gluten-free flour.
I would recommend using this gluten-free blend from The Free From Fairy. It contains teff, sorghum and buckwheat with tapioca and potato starch to replicate the behaviour of gluten in bakes. However, sometimes it is sold out, so a good alternative is Doves Farm Gluten-Free Plain Flour. You can usually find it in supermarkets on the baking aisle, or on Amazon.
Sometimes chocolate, peanut butter and cocoa powder can contain trace elements or cross-contamination warnings for gluten. So if you're making this recipe for someone with a severe gluten allergy you should take extra care to check the ingredients are gluten-free.
Double-check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are gluten-free. Don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your Peanut Butter Brownies.
Are these brownies keto-friendly?
No, these brownies are not keto-friendly as they contain sugar and wheat flour. The recipe is almost entirely non-keto ingredients, so unfortunately you wouldn't be able to make any substitutions.
Are Peanut Butter Brownies healthy?
Well, that depends on your definition of healthy. These brownies are made from natural, whole ingredients like peanut butter, eggs and butter. They do contain sugar, but you could always reduce the amount if you wanted to.
So they're full of protein, but probably not great for your teeth. In general, it's fine to enjoy treats in moderation as long as you have a balanced, varied diet and live an active lifestyle. So don't worry too much about a slice of brownie.
Are Peanut Butter Brownies safe to eat while pregnant?
This recipe should be fine for someone who is pregnant as the egg in the brownies should be cooked through.
Though bear in mind that pregnant people tend to be more sensitive to changes in blood sugar, so you might want to avoid eating these brownies if you're prone to pregnancy-related low blood sugar (or hypoglycemia).
The NHS advises that you only need to avoid eating peanuts if you're advised to by a healthcare professional or if you have a nut allergy.
Make sure that all of your ingredients are in good condition and that you prepare this meal safely and hygienically.
A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.
Are these Peanut Butter Brownies suitable for babies and toddlers?
This recipe contains sugar and nuts so it isn't suitable for babies or toddlers. The NHS advises you don't give nuts to babies under 6 months old, and that you avoid feeding sugar to children under 5.
A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a health professional.
The NHS has some fantastic resources on their website on what to feed babies and young children.
What goes well with Peanut Butter Brownies?
There are lots of delicious things you can serve with Peanut Butter Brownies!
If you want to keep it simple, a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream goes really well.
For something a bit more indulgent, you could try serving them with a peanut butter sauce. This is really easy to make - just melt some peanut butter in a saucepan with a little bit of milk and sugar to taste.
How should I melt chocolate?
For this recipe, you can melt your chocolate in the microwave in 15-second bursts, opening the door to stir it between each burst. Make sure you don't leave it any longer, or areas of the chocolate might burn.
In general, the best way to have total control when melting chocolate is to do it in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. The bowl should be resting on the pan at least an inch above the water. So make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water, as this can cause the chocolate to seize up.
Stir the chocolate occasionally until it's melted, then take it off the heat and leave it to cool slightly before using.
So if you don't have a microwave, you can melt your chocolate using a pan on the hob.
Can I add extra chocolate to this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely add extra chocolate to this recipe if you want to! Just add 50g of chocolate chips to the batter. This shouldn't affect the cooking time of the brownie and will give you some extra bursts of chocolate.
Or, you could use some melted white chocolate, or white chocolate buttons, instead of bananas to make the white stripes on your flag top.
How should I store my 4th July brownies?
It's best to store these brownies in an airtight container in a cool place, like the fridge. They'll last for up to 7, but they're so delicious that they probably won't last that long!
Keeping them in the fridge will make them fudgier as refrigeration affects the way moisture behaves. You can keep the container in a cool cupboard, but I find it safer to keep food in the fridge where possible. Especially for brownies which contain butter, as it can become rancid in warmer temperatures.
How long will Peanut Butter Brownies keep?
Your brownies will be at their best for up to a week, but brownies are generally safe to eat for up to 2 weeks. This is because they contain sugar, which acts as a natural preservative.
However, if your brownies look or smell different or have mould growing on them, you should discard them.
Can I leave Peanut Butter Brownies out on the counter?
You should avoid leaving brownies out on the counter as they can dry out quickly. If you want to enjoy your brownies at room temperature, take them out of the fridge about half an hour before you want to eat them.
Can I make Peanut Butter Brownies ahead?
Yes, you can make your brownies a couple of days ahead and store them as above. Or you can make them weeks in advance and freeze them. Just make sure they're well wrapped so they don't dry out. Frozen brownies will last for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat them, defrost the brownies overnight in the fridge before enjoying them.
Can I freeze these peanut butter brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they're well wrapped in baking parchment or cling film to protect them from freezer burn.
Freezer burn is when food dries out in the freezer and can make it tough and unappetising. It occurs when food isn't properly sealed and moisture is drawn into the air around it and freezes into a frosty later, making the food dry. It's sort of like cold evaporation.
Properly wrapping brownies will help protect them from freezer burn and keep them in good condition for up to 3 months.
You can freeze your brownies for up to 3 months, but they'll be at their best eaten within 2.
What is the best way to defrost Peanut Butter Brownies?
When you're ready to eat them, just defrost them overnight in the fridge before serving. If you want to eat them sooner, you can defrost them in a microwave. Just make sure you don't overcook them or they'll dry out.
To defrost in the fridge, just take them out of the freezer and leave them on the kitchen counter overnight. They should be thawed by morning and you can then pop them in the fridge until you're ready to eat
Can I make these Peanut Butter Brownies in a different quantity?
Yes, you can easily make more or fewer brownies using this recipe. You could use a recipe converter calculator to change the number of brownies your recipe makes. Though if you change the size of the recipe, you should also change the tin or tray you use to match the new size.
If you use a baking tin corresponding to the relative size of the original tin, the cooking time shouldn't be affected too much. But you should keep an eye on the brownies if you make less so that they don't burn. Or add some extra time if you increase the number of brownies.
I've detailed a few things to consider about this in the answer below.
Can I Use A Cake Tin For Baking Brownies?
As long as the sides of your cake tin are high enough, it should work just as well as a brownie tray.
However, bear in mind the depth of your cake tin will affect the cooking time. The brownies won't bake through to the centre if the cake tin is too deep. But don't worry, as long as the depth of your cake tin isn't more than a couple of inches, then only a little more cooking time should do the trick.
Equally, it would be best not to use a very shallow or wide tin. Otherwise, the brownies will turn thin, hard, cake-like or burnt.
Can I Bake My Brownies In Individual Portions?
If you make an individual brownie, it will be considerably drier. So it will most likely turn out dry and crispy on the edges and cake-like in the middle.
So if you don't mind a change in texture and an increased risk of dried-out brownies, go ahead. But personally, I would stick to making at least 3 portions in the same container to retain the moist and soft texture.
Can I make this recipe in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?
If you have a stand mixer, you can use it for this recipe. I suggest mixing the egg and sugar until they become light and fluffy. This helps give the brownies a bit of a lift, as they don't contain any other raising agents.
You can then mix the rest of the ingredients in by hand, using a spatula or spoon. Make sure you don't overmix the batter once you add the flour, or you'll end up with tough, bread-like brownies.
Overmixing flour causes the gluten molecules to develop bonds and form an elastic texture, which is why bread is chewy. Brownies, on the other hand, are meant to be soft and fudgy. So you want to avoid overmixing once the flour is added in.
Can I make Peanut Butter Brownies with a food processor?
I wouldn't recommend using a food processor to make this recipe.
You could also make the peanut butter brownie batter by hand using a bowl and spoon. This would take a bit more elbow grease, but it would still work.
How can I make sure my Peanut Butter Brownies turn out perfectly?
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect peanut butter brownies:
- Use good quality chocolate. This will make a big difference to the taste and texture of your brownies. Look for bittersweet dark chocolate with a high amount of cocoa solids and cocoa butter for the best flavour and texture.
- If you're using peanut butter that's quite stiff, microwave it for 20-30 seconds before adding it to the batter. This will make it easier to mix in and will result in a more even distribution of peanut butter throughout the brownies.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, mix just until it's combined. Overmixing will make the brownies tough and bread-like.
- Use a light hand when adding the peanut butter. Too much peanut butter will make the brownies dense and dry.
- Bake the brownies until they're just set. They should be firm to the touch but still a little undercooked and wobbly in the centre. This will ensure they're moist and fudgy.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into them. This will help them firm up and will make them easier to cut.
- For perfectly clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
- If you want to reheat the brownies, do so gently in the microwave. Brownies are best served warm and gooey.
Why did my Peanut Butter Brownies turn out dry/crumbly?
There are a few reasons why your peanut butter brownies might have turned out dry or crumbly.
One possibility is that you overcooked them. Brownies should be just set in the centre, with a little wobble. If they're cooked through until completely set, they'll be dry.
Another possibility is that you overmixed the batter. Once you add the flour, mix just until it's combined. Overmixing will make the brownies tough and bread-like.
Finally, are you sure you added the right quantity of ingredients? Make sure you measure the peanut butter and chocolate carefully. Too much of either one will make the brownies dry.
(If you made a vegan version of these brownies, the egg replacer might have used less liquid or the chia/flax seeds may have absorbed liquid from the mixture.)
Why did my Peanut Butter Brownies turn out wet/soft/dense?
Your sheet of brownies should still be a little wobbly and soft when it comes out of the oven. It will firm up into a more dense, gooey brownie in the fridge as it cools. So don't worry if the centre is wobbly - the wobble is right.
However, if your brownie mix is still liquid, you have a problem.
Undercooking is the obvious cause of wet brownies. So, first, was your oven hot enough when you put the brownies in? Your oven needs to be at the cooking temperature before you put the brownies in or they won't cook properly.
If you're sure your oven was set at the right temperature, it may be that your oven has an incorrect temperature dial. This is common in domestic ovens. Luckily, you can use an oven thermometer to check if this is the case. You can buy an oven thermometer from Amazon or large kitchenware/ department stores.
Why didn’t my 4th July brownies rise?
These brownies contain no raising agent, so they won't rise. They might slightly expand or puff up when cooked, but they don't need to rise - so don't worry!
How can I add/change the flavours in my brownies?
There are lots of ways you can change the flavours in peanut butter brownies. Here are a few ideas:
- Use a different type of chocolate. You could try milk chocolate, white chocolate or even flavoured chocolate.
- Add some chopped nuts, dried fruit or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Top the brownies with a layer of chocolate frosting under the decoration.
- For a more grown-up flavour, you could add a splash of bourbon, rum or whiskey to the batter.
Who invented brownies?
The origin of brownies is a little bit of a mystery. There are many different stories and theories about who invented them and where they came from.
One popular theory is that brownies were first made in the USA in the late 19th or early 20th century. According to this theory, the owner of the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago created them for a fair.
Another theory is that brownies were actually invented in England. This theory says that they were first made in the late 1800s by Scottish author, Mrs Beeton.
Whatever the truth is, I'm glad brownies exist! Thank you, whoever you are!
Why do we celebrate 4th July?
4th of July is Independence Day in the United States of America. It marks the day when the country declared its independence from Britain in 1776.
Every year on the 4th July, Americans celebrate their independence with parades, fireworks and barbecues.
What are some other traditional 4th July foods?
As well as enjoying these 4th July peanut butter brownies, there are plenty of other traditional 4th July foods.
Most popular 4th July dishes are BBQ based, so fire up the grill and enjoy some of these classic 4th July foods:
- Hamburgers
- Hot dogs
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Watermelon
- Apple pie and ice cream
Print this 4th July Peanut Butter Brownie Flag recipe for later
If you'd like to print this recipe to try later, simply hit PRINT on the recipe card below.
4th July Peanut Butter Brownie Flag Recipe
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 250 g (8.8 oz) dark chocolate (bittersweet)
- 250 g (8.8 oz) slightly salted butter
- 250 g (8.8 oz) peanut butter
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder (dutch processed)
- 150 g (5.3 oz) plain white flour (all purpose flour)
- 250 g (8.8 oz) soft light brown sugar
- 3 large free range eggs
For the topping
- 100 g (3.5 oz) blueberries
- 400 g (14.1 oz) strawberries cut into thin wedges
- 3 bananas cut diagonally to give long, thin, oval slices
Equipment
- Medium roasting pan 35x25cm (14x10")
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C (180C) and grease a medium baking tray, then line the base with baking paper.
- Put the chocolate and butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Stir, then microwave again in 10-second blasts until the chocolate has just melted.
- Add the peanut butter.
- Stir through until the mixture is smooth, then allow to cool a little.
- Sift in the cocoa and flour.
- Gently fold through.
- In a separate bowl, add the sugar and eggs.
- Whisk until it goes frothy, then silky and pale. This will help to make your brownies fudgy yet light.
- Pour the eggs and sugar mix into the chocolate mix.
- Gently fold through until just combined.
- Pour the mixture your greased and lined baking tin.
- Bake for 20 mins, give the tray a shake and see if it only gives the slightest jiggle. If the brownie wiggles a lot, put it in for another 5 minutes and check again. Leave the brownie in the tin to cool completely.
- Decorate just before serving by arranging the strawberries and banana slices in stripes, leaving a section in the corner to fill with blueberries.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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