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Say yes to chocolate brownies stuffed with mini peanut butter cup candies, topped with peanut butter frosting! The Reese’s peanut butter cups are added to the brownie batter before baking for an extra indulgent peanut butter-chocolate mashup—a classic flavor combination that can’t be beat! Recipe makes 16 brownies.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of baking with peanut butter! These chewy peanut butter blondies and these peanut butter-chocolate rice krispie bars are some of my favorite peanut butter desserts.
Brownies with peanut butter cup candies are a natural next step! These homemade brownies are baked in an 8×8 pan and come together in under an hour, making them the perfect anytime treat.
Topped with mini peanut butter cups and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, I’m convinced these fudgy brownies with peanut butter frosting are the ultimate indulgence for peanut butter lovers (milk is a must!).
More favorite homemade brownie recipes: everyday cocoa powder brownies and reader-favorite ultimate crinkle brownies!
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Prep ahead – Line the baking pan and measure out all of the ingredients in advance so you can work quickly. The batter should be warm all the way through the process of making this recipe for the classic shiny crinkle top!
Baking pan – Use an 8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment. Light-colored metal pans conduct heat evenly, and I recommend them for all brownies and bar recipes.
Chocolate – The brownie batter includes 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate (finely chopped) and unsweetened cocoa powder. Use the best quality semisweet chocolate you can in this recipe (I like Ghirardelli baking bars).
Add peanut butter cups – Once the batter is mixed together, pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the batter with an offset spatula and top with 1 cup of mini peanut butter cups (I use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups).
Don’t overbake – Bake these brownies until just set, about 25 to 26 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, remove brownies from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Assemble brownies – Use an offset spatula to swirl peanut butter frosting over the cooled brownies. Top with mini peanut butter cups and flaky salt. Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares and enjoy with a glass of milk!
Peanut Butter Frosting for Brownies
The frosting is a delicious blend of creamy peanut butter, softened butter, a touch of salt, powdered sugar, and heavy cream.
- To make the frosting, beat butter, peanut butter, and salt in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until combined and creamy.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar on low speed until completely incorporated.
- Add heavy cream and beat until combined, then increase mixer speed to medium and beat frosting for 1 to 2 minutes, until soft and creamy.
More favorite fudgy brownie recipes:
Did you try these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies? Let me know by leaving a comment and rating below!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Chocolate Brownies
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Say yes to chocolate brownies stuffed with mini peanut butter cup candies, topped with peanut butter frosting! The Reese’s peanut butter cups are added to the brownie batter before baking for an extra indulgent peanut butter-chocolate mashup—a classic flavor combination that can’t be beat!
Ingredients
Brownies
- 3/4 cup (105 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (24 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
- 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 6 oz (168 g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (92 g) lightly packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (100 g), at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk (17 g), at room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp (6 g) vanilla extract
- 1 cup (140 g) mini peanut butter cups
Frosting
- 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (64 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp (30 g) heavy cream
Topping
- mini peanut butter cups
- flaky salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, cocoa, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Place butter and chopped chocolate in a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Gradually melt the butter and chocolate, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove chocolate mixture from the heat and whisk in sugars until smooth. Whisk in eggs and egg yolk one at a time, until combined. Whisk in vanilla. Add flour mixture and fold in just until no streaks remain.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Gently tap pan once to remove air bubbles. Top the batter with mini peanut butter cups.
- Bake brownies for 25 to 26 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter, peanut butter, and salt in a large mixer bowl on medium speed until combined. Gradually mix in powdered sugar on low speed until incorporated. Add heavy cream and beat until combined, then increase mixer speed to medium and beat frosting for 1 to 2 minutes, until soft and creamy.
- Use an offset spatula to swirl peanut butter frosting over the cooled brownies. Top with mini peanut butter cups and flaky salt. Chill for 15 minutes to set frosting, then use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature overnight.
Notes
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use Dutch process cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. I use and recommend Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa.
Mini peanut butter cups: I like Reese’s brand. You can also find mini peanut butter cups at Trader Joe’s.
