Name: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Cut into chunks (1/2 cup)); ¼ cup Cocoa powder; 1 ½ tablespoons Instant espresso powder; 3 large Eggs; 1 ¼ cups Granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract; ⅓ cup Creamy peanut butter; ½ teaspoon Salt; 1 cup All-purpose flour; 8 regular size Reese’s peanut butter cups (Coarsely chopped)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something utterly irresistible about Peanut Butter Cup Brownies. Just the thought of them makes my mouth water! I remember the first time I tried this delightful dessert; it was at a friend’s birthday party. The moment I took a bite, my taste buds were hit with the rich chocolate flavor combined with the creamy goodness of peanut butter. It felt like a match made in dessert heaven! As I watched friends eagerly reach for seconds, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Now, every time I bake these brownies, I’m reminded of that joyful gathering filled with laughter and sweet indulgence. They’re perfect for any occasion, or even just to satisfy a late-night craving. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you won’t be able to resist making them over and over again!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
35 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
8×8-inch Pan

The Beauty of This Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Decadent Chocolate Bliss

There’s no denying that chocolate is one of the most beloved ingredients in the world, and these brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream! The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter creates a rich, fudgy base that melts in your mouth. This recipe showcases the beauty of chocolate, making it the star of the show.

Perfectly Balanced Sweetness

One of the reasons I cherish Peanut Butter Cup Brownies is their balanced sweetness. The sweetness from granulated sugar harmonizes perfectly with the slightly salty notes of creamy peanut butter and salt. This delightful contrast elevates the flavors, ensuring every bite is both sweet and savory.

Easy to Make

If you’re someone who enjoys baking but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. In less than an hour, you can have a batch of warm, gooey brownies ready to impress your family and friends.

Endless Variations

Another lovely aspect of brownies is their versatility. While this recipe highlights the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you can easily add your twist! Consider tossing in some chopped nuts for crunch or a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the flavors. The possibilities are endless!

Great for Sharing

These brownies are perfect for gatherings, parties, or even cozy movie nights. The recipe yields a generous batch, so it’s the ideal treat to share with others. Watching friends and family enjoy something you baked brings a warm, joyful feeling that every home cook cherishes.

What Goes Into Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

When it comes to baking, the choice of ingredients can make or break a dish. For Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect blend of flavors and textures. The star ingredients like semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter come together to form a rich, fudgy brownie that’s both decadent and satisfying.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 8 ounces
These chips bring a rich chocolate flavor, ensuring the brownies are fudgy and delicious.
Unsalted butter: 8 tablespoons
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in your recipe, creating a well-balanced brownie.
Cocoa powder: ¼ cup
Cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor, providing a rich base for this dessert.
Instant espresso powder: 1 ½ tablespoons
This ingredient enhances the chocolate flavor, giving it a more robust and complex taste.
Large eggs: 3
Eggs contribute to the structure and moisture of the brownies, providing that perfect fudgy texture.
Granulated sugar: 1 ¼ cups
Sugar adds sweetness and helps with the browning process, creating a nice crust on the brownies.
Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor profile and complements the chocolate beautifully.
Creamy peanut butter: ⅓ cup
This ingredient is the star of the show, providing that rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Salt: ½ teaspoon
A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
All-purpose flour: 1 cup
Flour gives structure to the brownies, making them less gooey and more cake-like.
Reese’s peanut butter cups: 8, coarsely chopped
These delightful candies contribute to the overall peanut butter experience, adding bursts of flavor throughout the brownies.

How to Cook Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Baking Peanut Butter Cup Brownies is an enjoyable and straightforward process. You’ll love how easy it is to create this decadent treat. Let’s get started with the detailed steps to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While the oven is heating up, grab an 8-inch square baking pan and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave for about 45 seconds, then give it a good stir. If the mixture isn’t mostly melted, microwave it for an additional 20 seconds. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth.
Once your chocolate and butter mixture is ready, whisk in the cocoa powder and instant espresso powder. Mixing these dry ingredients into the warm chocolate will help them dissolve better, enhancing the flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and salt. You want everything to be well combined; this will create a smooth batter.
Now, gradually whisk the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. The warmth of the chocolate will help to temper the eggs, preventing them from scrambling.
With your chocolate and egg mixtures combined, gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies.
Finally, fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. This is where the magic happens! The pieces will melt slightly during baking, providing delightful pockets of peanut butter goodness.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Use a rubber spatula to level the surface, ensuring even baking.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. The brownies will puff slightly, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 2 hours at room temperature. This cooling time is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
Once cooled, cut the brownies into 1-inch squares and serve. Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Things Worth Knowing

Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your brownies will be influenced by the quality of the chocolate you use. Opt for good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Check for doneness: The toothpick test is essential. You want the brownies to be set but still fudgy, so they should not be overbaked.
Let them cool: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting helps them maintain their shape and texture.
Experiment with toppings: Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost!

Ways to Customize

If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, here are some fantastic ways to customize this recipe!

Add nuts: For a delightful crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Use different chocolate: Experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Mix in more candies: Try adding mini chocolate chips or even M&M’s for extra sweetness and color.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Make it vegan: Swap the eggs with flaxseed meal and use dairy-free chocolate and peanut butter.
Try different nut butters: While creamy peanut butter is delicious, consider using almond butter or cashew butter for a unique twist.
Serve warm: For an indulgent treat, serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Serving This Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

When it comes to serving Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, there are countless delightful ways to enjoy them! Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Chocolate drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Pair with ice cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly combination.
Great for gatherings: These brownies are excellent for parties, potlucks, or dessert tables.
Perfect for snacking: Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy as a quick afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.
Seasonal treats: They make great gifts during holidays or special occasions, beautifully wrapped for a thoughtful present.
Storage tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the Peanut Butter Cup Brownies a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container once they are fully cooled. This will help retain their moisture and keep them fresh. Plus, allowing them to sit for a day can enhance the flavors even more!

To achieve clean cuts for your Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, it’s best to use a sharp knife. You can also warm the knife slightly under hot water, then dry it before slicing. This prevents the brownies from crumbling and gives you those perfect squares. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for the best results.

Yes, you can certainly experiment with various types of peanut butter! While creamy peanut butter is traditionally used in Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, you might want to try crunchy peanut butter for added texture or even almond butter for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

To keep your Peanut Butter Cup Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap the individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer!

Conclusion

The Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite. Their rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter combination will surely be a hit with your family and friends. So why not try making these delightful brownies today? You won’t regret indulging in this delicious treat!