Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are a decadent twist on a classic treat, combining rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter in every bite. Perfectly fudgy and studded with peanut butter cups, they make an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup peanut butter cups (chopped)
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (melted, for swirling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir in vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in chopped peanut butter cups, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle melted peanut butter over the top and use a knife to swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Step 8: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra fudge-like brownies, slightly underbake and allow them to set as they cool.
• Swap peanut butter cups for chopped peanuts or your favorite nut butter for a different texture.
• Use crunchy peanut butter for a bit of added bite in the swirl.
• For a richer chocolate flavor, add a handful of chocolate chips into the batter along with the peanut butter cups.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce any added salt in the recipe since salted butter contains sodium, which can affect the balance of flavors.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures the brownies stay fudgy without being undercooked.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

These Peanut Butter Cup Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with swirls of creamy peanut butter and chunks of peanut butter cups for a decadent treat. Moist and flavorful, they are perfect for any chocolate and peanut butter lover looking for a homemade dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup peanut butter cups (chopped)

Peanut Butter Swirl

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies once baked.
2. Melt Butter and Mix with Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold the chopped peanut butter cups into the brownie batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
6. Pour Batter and Add Peanut Butter Swirl: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the melted creamy peanut butter over the top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy your rich peanut butter cup brownies!

Notes

• For extra fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking; remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
• Use parchment paper with overhang for easy lifting and removal from the pan.
• You can substitute peanut butter cups with chopped peanut butter chocolates or Reese’s candies if preferred.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, Fudgy Brownies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert, Homemade Brownies, Easy Brownie Recipe