Reeses Brownies with Peanut Butter Cup Topping : The Ultimate Indulgence!

Introduction

Reeses Brownies with Peanut Butter Cup Topping are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. These decadent treats combine rich, fudgy brownies with a generous layer of peanut butter and are crowned with chopped Reese’s cups for a dessert that’s impossible to resist. If you’re a fan of Reese’s Pieces Cookies, you’ll absolutely fall in love with these brownies that take the classic chocolate-peanut butter combination to new heights. The contrast between the dense chocolate brownie base and the creamy peanut butter layer creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Nutritional Benefits

While these brownies are definitely a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits from their main ingredients. Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, while dark chocolate contains antioxidants. Moderation is key, but knowing what’s in your indulgence helps you make informed choices.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	375
Carbohydrates	42g
Protein	7g
Fat	22g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	28g
Iron	2mg
Calcium	40mg

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient	Role	Possible Substitutions
1 cup unsalted butter	Creates richness and moisture	Coconut oil or margarine (for dairy-free)
2 cups granulated sugar	Provides sweetness	Brown sugar or coconut sugar
4 large eggs	Structure and binding	Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg)
1 tsp vanilla extract	Flavor enhancer	Almond extract or maple extract
1 cup all-purpose flour	Structure	Gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio)
1 cup cocoa powder	Chocolate flavor and color	Dutch-process cocoa for deeper flavor
½ tsp salt	Flavor enhancer	Sea salt or kosher salt
1 cup creamy peanut butter	Creates peanut butter layer	Almond butter or sunflower seed butter (for allergies)
¼ cup powdered sugar	Sweetens peanut butter layer	Powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
2 cups chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups	Topping	Homemade peanut butter cups or peanut butter chips and chocolate chips
¼ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional)	Decorative topping	M&Ms or chocolate chips

Equipment Needed

– 9×13 inch baking pan
– Parchment paper
– Mixing bowls (large and medium)
– Electric mixer or stand mixer
– Rubber spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
– Wire cooling rack
– Sharp knife for cutting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2. Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add sugar and whisk until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix!

4. Bake the Base: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake these Reeses Brownies with Peanut Butter Cup Topping, as they should remain fudgy.

5. Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: While the brownies are cooling (but still warm), mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until smooth.

6. Add Peanut Butter Layer: Dollop the peanut butter mixture over the warm brownies, then gently spread it into an even layer. The residual heat will help the peanut butter soften and spread easily.

7. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s cups over the peanut butter layer. If using, add some Reese’s Pieces Cookies crumbles or whole Reese’s Pieces on top for extra decoration and texture.

8. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help set the layers.

9. Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into squares and enjoy!

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

– Brownies too cakey? You likely overbaked them or added too much flour. For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them.

– Peanut butter layer too runny? If your peanut butter is natural or very oily, add extra powdered sugar to thicken it.

– For clean cuts: Use a warm knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the brownies first also helps achieve neat slices.

– Prevent brownie edges from hardening: Cover the pan with foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking if the edges are cooking faster than the center.

– Enhance chocolate flavor: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra richness.

– Create a marbled effect: Instead of spreading the peanut butter as a separate layer, swirl it into the brownie batter before baking.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

– Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

– Refrigerator: Keep fresh for up to a week. The cold temperature also creates a firmer, fudgier texture many people enjoy.

– Freezer: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

– Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the brownie base up to 2 days ahead, then add the peanut butter layer and toppings before serving.

– Gifting: These brownies make wonderful gifts! Stack them in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers.

Conclusion

These Reeses Brownies with Peanut Butter Cup Topping are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply enjoying them with your family, they’re guaranteed to impress. The combination of a fudgy brownie base with the smooth peanut butter layer and the crunch of Reese’s cups creates an irresistible dessert experience. If you’ve enjoyed making these brownies, you might also want to explore other peanut butter and chocolate combinations like Reese’s Pieces Cookies or homemade peanut butter cups. The versatility of this classic flavor pairing is endless!

FAQ

Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of making the brownie base from scratch?
Absolutely! Use your favorite boxed mix according to package directions, then follow the recipe from step 5 onward.

How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The edges will start to pull away from the sides of the pan slightly.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients like cocoa powder are certified gluten-free.

What if I have a peanut allergy?
You can substitute almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cookie butter for the peanut butter, and use alternative chocolate candies for the topping.

Why did my peanut butter layer sink into the brownies?
If you added the peanut butter layer while the brownies were too hot, it might have melted and sunk in. Let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes before adding the peanut butter.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use two 9×13 pans rather than trying to fit everything in one deeper pan for even baking.

How do I get clean-cut brownies?
Chill the brownies completely before cutting, use a warm, sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean between cuts.

Can I add other mix-ins to the brownie batter?
Certainly! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even small pieces of Reese’s Pieces Cookies would be delicious additions.

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