Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are a decadent twist on a classic favorite, combining rich chocolate brownie with creamy peanut butter cups. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike, they offer a delightful treat that’s easy to make at home.

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).
2. Step 2: Line a 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Step 3: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth mixture.
5. Step 5: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Step 6: Beat everything together until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
7. Step 7: Spread half of the thick brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Take your time to cover the entire surface.
8. Step 8: Arrange the chocolate peanut butter cups in neat rows over the layer of batter.
9. Step 9: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the peanut butter cups, smoothing the top evenly.
10. Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the batter is set in the middle and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Step 11: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely.
12. Step 12: Lift the brownies out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into pieces and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking and check for doneness a few minutes early.
• Swap peanut butter cups for other filled chocolates if you prefer different flavors.
• Add chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and crunch.
• Use a dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze airtight for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave to soften the chocolate before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

This recipe is designed for peanut butter cups which provide a creamy, chocolaty center. Using natural peanut butter will alter the texture and flavor but you can swirl it into the batter as an alternative.

How do I make sure the brownies don’t dry out?

Do not overbake; take them out as soon as a toothpick shows moist crumbs. Cooling completely in the pan helps retain moisture as well.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownies combine rich chocolate brownie batter with whole chocolate peanut butter cups baked inside. These brownies are fudgy, indulgent, and perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, featuring a moist, dense texture with bursts of peanut butter candy centers. Ideal for dessert or special occasions, they offer a delightful twist on classic brownies.

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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

Fillings

• 24 full-size chocolate peanut butter cups

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the batter is prepared.
2. Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
3. Mix Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the melted and cooled butter together with the granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
4. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Incorporate the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth batter.
5. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to avoid lumps and help blend evenly into the batter.
6. Combine Batter: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and beat until fully combined, forming a thick brownie batter.
7. Layer Batter: Spread half of the thick brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan with care to cover the surface.
8. Add Peanut Butter Cups: Arrange the 24 full-size chocolate peanut butter cups neatly in rows over the first layer of batter, pressing slightly to nestle them in.
9. Top with Remaining Batter: Gently spread the remaining batter over the peanut butter cups, smoothing evenly to encase them within the brownie layers.
10. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the brownie batter is set in the center and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan to allow the batter to set fully around the peanut butter cups.
12. Serve: Lift the cooled brownies out by the parchment paper edges, cut into pieces, and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is cooled before mixing with eggs to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
• Using parchment paper for lining the pan helps in easy removal and clean-up.
• Do not overbake to maintain fudgy brownie texture; check doneness starting at 28 minutes if your oven runs hot.
• You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt if preferred.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, chocolate brownies, peanut butter desserts, fudgy brownies, baked brownies, chocolate peanut butter recipe