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Brown Butter Peach Brownies

These Brown Butter Peach Brownies start with a simple box of yellow cake mix, but you'd never know it after they're finished. A touch of cinnamon gives the brownies a warm, cozy flavor, while a silky brown butter cream cheese frosting adds rich, nutty goodness. Then comes the star of the show: a quick peach compote spooned over the top just before serving. Sweet, juicy peaches and brown butter are a match made in dessert heaven, and this easy recipe makes the whole thing taste much more complicated than it really is.
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Cooling Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 8 x 8", cake mix, comfort food, cream cheese frosting
Yield: 18
Calories: 205kcal
Author: Sweet Ordeal

Materials

Brownies:

  • 1/3 cup canola oil (or vegetable)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 15.25 oz. box yellow cake mix

Peach Compote:

  • 2/3 cup fresh peaches, diced
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/8 tsp. salt

Frosting:

  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to use as handles. Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.

Brownies:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil, eggs, and cinnamon until well combined. Add the yellow cake mix and stir with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until a thick batter forms. Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan using your hand or the back of a spoon, smoothing it into the corners. Bake for 20 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool the brownies completely before frosting.

Peach Compote:

  • While the brownies bake, combine the diced peaches, brown sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Cook only until the juices begin to thicken into a light syrup, then remove from the heat. Allow the compote to cool completely before refrigerating until ready to serve.

Frosting:

  • Melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, stirring or swirling the pan continuously. The butter will melt, foam, and crackle before the milk solids begin turning golden brown. As soon as you see tiny amber flecks on the bottom of the pan and smell a rich, nutty aroma, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Let the brown butter cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and salt and mix until combined. Stir in the cooled brown butter. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Once incorporated, increase the speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for clean, bakery-style squares. Serve each brownie with a generous spoonful of the chilled peach compote. Enjoy!

Notes

Store brownies in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg