Add some booze to your brownies with hard root beer, then top them off with peanut butter frosting and a syrupy hard root beer reduction. For the win!

It’s time to play Duck Hunt! Seriously, click that link and you can play Duck Hunt. But what I am really trying to say is…

GO BUCKEYES!!!

Tonight the Bucks take on the Ducks in the first College Football Playoff championship game, so of course I couldn’t resist the opportunity to break in the new kitchen with some peanut butter and chocolate goodness. While out shopping for things for the house I stumbled upon Sprecher hard root beer, so why not throw it in there too? These hard root beer brownies are super thick, dense, and rich. After getting topped off with peanut butter frosting and hard root beer syrup, these brownies are game-time ready!

One year ago: Meyer Lemon Curd Cupcakes for Two

Three years ago: Broccoli Quiche

Four years ago: Pizza Dough

HARD ROOT BEER BROWNIES WITH PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING

Makes 16 brownies

Ingredients:

1 bottle (12 oz.) hard or regular root beer

12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips

1-1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature and divided

3/4 cups granulated sugar

3 eggs, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on each side. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add root beer and bring to a boil. Stir frequently until reduced by half. Remove 1/4 cup and set aside to cool. Continue cooking the rest until syrupy, then remove from stove top and allow to cool.
3. Place a medium heat-safe mixing bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Add chocolate and 1/2 cup of butter to the bowl. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly whisk in the chocolate mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in the reserved 1/4 cup of the reduced root beer. Gently fold in flour and salt until just combined. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 45-60 minutes until a tooth pick comes out with a few crumbs. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely before removing from pan, using the overhang to lift.
5. When the brownies are cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl add remaining 4 Tbsp of butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Mix together on low speed until blended. Add more powdered sugar or a tablespoon of milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Generously spread across the top of the brownies, drizzle with root beer syrup, slice and serve.

Source: Adapted from The Food Bitch.

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