Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

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Peanut butter cup brownies are the best rich and fudgy homemade brownies! So simple and delicious, these perfect crinkle brownies studded with mini peanut butter cups make the best dessert or anytime treat.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Topped with swirls of creamy peanut butter frosting, mini peanut butter cups, and flaky salt, these brownies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate-peanut butter lovers (milk is a must!).

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

The Best Peanut Butter Cup 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). Once the batter is mixed together, pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top with an offset spatula, and top with mini peanut butter cups.

Bake – Bake these brownies until just set, 26 to 28 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few crumbs attached. Once baked, remove brownies from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Peanut Butter Frosting – 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 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.

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 Cup Brownies
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Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

  • Author: Laura Kasavan
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Peanut butter cup brownies topped with swirls of creamy peanut butter frosting and mini peanut butter cups! You’ll love these rich and fudgy homemade brownies!


Ingredients

Brownies

  • 3/4 cup (105 g) 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) 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Bake brownies for 25 to 28 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.


Keywords: Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Brownies, Crinkle Brownies

More easy brownie recipes to try:

Ultimate Crinkle Brownies
Fudgy Homemade Turtle Brownies
Brown Butter Brownies

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2 Comments

  1. We tried these brownies with our leftover PB cups from Halloween, and they are so good! Rich, delicious, the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate. Loved them with milk!

    ★★★★★