Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with these Peanut Butter Cup Brownies. This delightful treat pairs fudgy brownies with whole peanut butter cups for an irresistible dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• ½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 24 full-size chocolate peanut butter cups

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth mixture.
4. Step 4: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Step 5: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Since it will be thick, take your time to cover the entire surface carefully.
6. Step 6: Arrange the chocolate peanut butter cups in neat rows over the batter layer, pressing them gently to set in place.
7. Step 7: Spread the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter cups, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. The brownies are done when they are set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely before lifting them out using the parchment paper edges.
10. Step 10: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your rich and gooey peanut butter cup brownies!

Tips & Variations

• For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies by removing them a few minutes earlier.
• Try swapping salted butter for unsalted and adjust salt accordingly to control the saltiness.
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
• If you prefer smaller bites, use mini peanut butter cups instead of full-size ones.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and enhance the gooey texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter cups instead of chocolate peanut butter cups?

Natural peanut butter cups may vary in consistency and sweetness, but you can certainly use them. Just be mindful that texture and flavor might differ slightly from the traditional combination.

Do I need to line the baking pan with parchment paper?

While not absolutely necessary, lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the brownies out and prevents sticking, resulting in cleaner cuts and easier serving.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 129 reviews

These Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are a decadent treat combining rich chocolate brownie batter with hidden layers of creamy peanut butter cups. The result is a gooey, fudgy dessert with a delightful surprise in every bite, perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• ½ cup salted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Filling

• 24 full-size chocolate peanut butter cups

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies.
2. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or standing mixer, beat together the melted and cooled butter with granulated sugar until creamy and combined.
4. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth mixture.
5. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to avoid lumps and promote even mixing.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet butter and sugar mixture. Beat until the batter is fully combined and thick.
7. First Layer of Batter: Spread half of the thick brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, using a spatula to cover the entire surface carefully.
8. Add Peanut Butter Cups: Arrange the 24 full-size chocolate peanut butter cups neatly in rows on top of the batter to create a hidden filling layer.
9. Top Layer of Batter: Spread the remaining half of the brownie batter evenly over the peanut butter cups, smoothing the surface to ensure complete coverage.
10. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The brownies should be set in the middle, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to set properly.
12. Serve: Lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into pieces and serve your delicious peanut butter cup brownies.

Notes

• Make sure the melted butter is cooled before mixing with sugar to prevent cooking the eggs.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal of brownies from the pan.
• For cleaner cuts, chill the baked brownies before slicing.
• You can substitute salted butter with unsalted if preferred, adjusting salt accordingly.
• Check the brownies early if your oven runs hot to avoid overbaking.

Keywords: Peanut butter cup brownies, chocolate brownies, peanut butter brownies, fudgy brownies, baked dessert