Next, while the brownie cools, let’s whip up that luscious peanut butter frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add in the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until it’s creamy and well combined. If you find it’s a little thick, add a splash of heavy cream to loosen it up. Once the brownie is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting generously over the top. I love to make it a little thicker because, let’s be honest, more peanut butter is always a good idea!
For the final touch, it’s time to make the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream and chocolate chips. Stir gently until everything is melted and you have a silky-smooth ganache. Once it’s ready, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the frosted brownie. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every slice gets that rich chocolaty goodness. Finally, pop the pizza in the fridge for about an hour to set the ganache.
Once it’s chilled, you can take it out, slice it like a pizza, and feel free to top it with crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt. The combination of flavors is truly heavenly!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways: using homemade brownie batter, a box mix, and even gluten-free brownies. To my surprise, the box mix won! It created a perfectly chewy base that balanced out the toppings beautifully. However, if you prefer the homemade version, just make sure to not overbake it for that optimal fudginess.
Another tip is to let the ganache cool before pouring it over the frosting. If it’s too hot, it can melt the peanut butter layer and create a gooey mess. Nobody wants that! Trust me, I learned the hard way during my first attempt.
Don’t skip the chilling step! It might feel tempting to dive right in, but allowing the pizza to set helps all those flavors meld together and makes slicing much easier. Plus, it tastes divine when cold!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in my brownie adventures is not letting the brownie cool completely before adding the frosting. This caused my frosting to melt, turning it into a thick, impossible-to-slice mass. Allowing it to cool all the way gives you that beautiful layer contrast that makes this dessert special. (See the next page below to continue…)