Description
These spicy jalapeño peanut butter brownies are a bold twist on a classic dessert, combining rich, fudgy chocolate with creamy peanut butter and a surprising kick of heat from jalapeños and optional cayenne. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, they're an exciting treat for adventurous dessert lovers.
Ingredients
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp oat flour or almond flour
1/3 cup finely chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and finely minced
Optional: a pinch of cayenne for extra heat
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and flour until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in the chopped chocolate and finely minced jalapeño. Add cayenne if desired for extra heat.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing to allow them to firm up.
Notes
Swap peanut butter for almond butter for a different flavor.
Add 1 tbsp coconut sugar for a sweeter brownie.
Use crunchy peanut butter or add chopped roasted peanuts for added texture.
Try serrano peppers for a spicier version.
Top with extra chocolate chips before baking for more chocolate intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
