Gluten Free Peanut Butter Paisley Brownie

Before I was Gluten Free I used to bake these brownies on a weekly basis and eat half the tray myself. Once I realized I could no longer eat Gluten (and feel well enough to talk about it the next day) I was devastated to think about loosing my favorite treat. But with some experimenting I have made it into a delicious Gluten Free treat that even Gluten lovers can't resist :)

(The original recipe was adapted from: http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/32/Double-Peanut-Butter-Paisley-Brownies.aspx)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Earth Balance (or other Dairy Free butter)
• 1/4 cup Peanut Butter (it calls for creamy, but I prefer Crunchy)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups Brown Rice flour 
• 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
• 2 teaspoons Gluten Free baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) Peanut Butter Chips (you can substitute with any other baking chip, Peanut Butter or Chocolate work the best I find)
• 1/2 cup Chocolate Syrup (you can substitute with Caramel or Butterscotch syrup)

(Be sure all ingredients you use are Gluten Free and/or Dairy Free)

Directions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with Parchment Paper (this makes clean up MUCH easier).
2. Mix butter and peanut butter in large bowl. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; cream together well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla.
3. Stir together flour, Xanthan gum, baking powder and salt; pour into peanut butter mixture, mixing well. Stir in peanut butter chips. Spread half of batter in prepared pan; spoon or drizzle syrup over top. Carefully top with remaining batter; the batter will be very think and sticky (due to the Xanthan gum); swirl and evenly distribute the batter with metal spatula or knife to create a marbled effect.
4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares. If you are using Parchment Paper you can simply lift the cut brownies out by the paper.

Yield: Approximately 36 brownies.

Enjoy! Please let me know how it works for you and what you favorite varation is!

Be Well and Happy Eating!