From savoury flapjacks to a traybake take on a classic sticky date pudding, simplicity is the key to these recipes
Caramel peanut brownies
MAKES 12 HANDS-ON TIME 20 MINS TOTAL TIME 1 HR 25 MINS, PLUS COOLING AND SETTING
If you’re a fan of a certain chocolate bar that’s packed with nougat, peanut and caramel, give these oozy, squishy brownies a go.
225g plain flour, plus extra to dust ¾ tsp baking powder ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp fine sea salt 175g smooth or chunky peanut butter 125g soft unsalted butter, plus extra to dust 225g granulated sugar 225g light brown sugar 3 large eggs ¾ tsp vanilla extract 200g dark chocolate chips 50g mini marshmallows 200g salted peanuts
For the topping 100g granulated sugar ½ tsp fine sea salt 100ml double cream 25g unsalted butter
RECIPE: DAVID LESNIAK AND DAVID MUNIZ.
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Butter a 5cm-deep 20cm x 30cm baking tin, line the base with nonstick baking paper, then dust the sides with flour – tap out any excess.
2 Mix the flour, baking powder, bicarb and salt together in a bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar on a medium speed until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3 On a low speed, gradually add the flour mixture, then the chocolate chips, marshmallows and most of the peanuts. Let the mixer start to fold these into the mixture, then stop – you don’t want them to be fully incorporated. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared tin.
4 Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the brownie is golden and a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool, then chill for at least 4 hours.
5 Loosen the brownie with a knife and turn it out of the tin. For the topping, combine the sugar, salt and 100ml water in a medium pan. Whisk it a bit to help dissolve the sugar, then bring to a simmer. As the mixture heats, brush the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to remove any crystals that form. Don’t stir, swirl the pan instead to mix it a little. Once the bubbling syrup starts to take on a caramel colour, watch the pan closely – it’ll go from golden caramel to burnt mess in no time. You’re aiming for a deep amber colour – this can take up to 20 minutes.
6 Remove the pan from the heat. Slowly and gradually pour in the cream, whisking the mixture after each addition to stop it from boiling over. Whisk in the butter until the caramel is creamy and smooth, then leave to cool slightly before pouring it evenly over the brownie, spreading it with a small spatula if necessary. Scatter the browni
