These Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich, fudgy chocolate with the irresistible creaminess of peanut butter. The marbled swirl of melted peanut butter on top, paired with chunks of peanut butter cups throughout, creates a treat that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. Perfect for dessert or a special snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Fudgy Texture: The perfect balance of moist, dense brownies and creamy peanut butter swirls.
Peanut Butter Heaven: With chopped peanut butter cups baked inside and peanut butter on top, every bite is packed with flavor.
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in a single saucepan and a bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
Crowd-Pleaser: These brownies disappear fast at gatherings—they’re a hit with both kids and adults!
Customizable: Add more mix-ins or adjust the sweetness to suit your preferences.
Key Ingredients
Unsalted Butter: Melts smoothly to create the rich, velvety base for these fudgy brownies.
Cocoa Powder: Adds deep, chocolatey richness to the brownies. Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa for the best flavor.
Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped candy pieces bring a delightful burst of peanut butter flavor and texture.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Melted and swirled on top, this creates a gorgeous marbled effect and an extra layer of indulgence.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix with Sugar
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter over medium heat.
Add Sugar and Cocoa Powder: Remove from heat and stir in:
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Stir in Vanilla: Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix well.
Incorporate Eggs: Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition to fully incorporate them.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk Together: In a separate bowl, combine:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in Peanut Butter Cups
Add the Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Add Peanut Butter Swirl
Pour the Batter: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Swirl the Peanut Butter:
Drizzle 1/3 cup melted peanut butter over the top of the batter.
Use a knife to swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Check Doneness: The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to firm up and make cutting easier.
Cut into Squares: Slice into squares and serve.
Serving Suggestions
With Ice Cream: Warm a brownie and serve it à la mode with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle additional melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce over the brownies for a bakery-style finish.
Holiday Treats: Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a dessert platter for festive occasions.
Coffee Pairing: These brownies pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a frothy cappuccino.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: To extend freshness, refrigerate the brownies for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing:
Whole Pan: Wrap the entire brownie slab tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cutting.
Individual Pieces: Freeze pre-cut squares in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
Variations
Extra Chocolate: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for even more chocolatey goodness.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder and dark chocolate peanut butter cups for a more intense flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Holiday Theme: Replace regular peanut butter cups with holiday-themed versions for a festive touch.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are everything you love about a classic brownie but with an indulgent peanut butter twist. The rich chocolate flavor, creamy swirls, and chunks of peanut butter cups make every bite a delight. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a decadent dessert, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ready to elevate your brownie game? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter experience.
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in chopped peanut butter cups, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- 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.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
