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To create the best Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, you’ll need the following simple ingredients: - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chocolate chips - 1/2 cup mini peanut butter cups, halved These ingredients work together to make your brownies rich and full of flavor. The creamy peanut butter gives them a smooth texture, while the chocolate chips add extra delight. Don’t skip the mini peanut butter cups; they create a sweet surprise in every bite! Each ingredient plays a role, so be sure to measure carefully for the best results. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. 3. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until smooth and combined. 1. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the peanut butter mix. Blend until fully incorporated. 2. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix again. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. 2. Gently fold the dry mix into the wet mix until no dry spots remain. 3. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed. 1. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly. 2. Place the halved mini peanut butter cups on top of the batter, spacing them out. 3. Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the mini peanut butter cups and smooth the top. 4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. It should come out mostly clean. 5. Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting. - Mix the peanut butter and melted butter well. This step helps create a smooth batter. - Always add sugar slowly. This ensures it's fully blended for a rich taste. - When adding eggs, beat each one in separately. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. - Measure the flour and cocoa powder carefully. Too much can make brownies dry. - Fold the dry mix into the wet mix gently. This keeps the brownies fudgy and soft. - Do not overbake. Check for doneness at 25 minutes. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick means they are perfect. - Cut the brownies into neat squares using a sharp knife. This makes them look nice and tidy. - Arrange the squares on a colorful platter for a festive touch. - Drizzle melted chocolate over the top. This adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor. - Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for crunch and decoration. - Serve with a glass of cold milk or creamy vanilla ice cream. This makes for a delightful experience. Pro Tips Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate chips and peanut butter for a richer flavor. Natural, organic peanut butter can elevate the taste significantly. Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly, making them easier to slice into clean squares. Storage Tips: Store cut brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with additional mix-ins such as chopped nuts, caramel swirls, or even a layer of brownie batter for extra decadence. {{image_4}} You can make this recipe fit different diets. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This works well and keeps the brownies tasty. Always check the labels to ensure the flour is safe for gluten-free diets. If you want a vegan adaptation, use a plant-based butter instead of the unsalted butter. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind your ingredients together just like eggs would. You can easily change the flavor of your brownies. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives them a nice crunch. You could also sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet and salty mix. If you want to switch up the chocolate, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also mix in white chocolate chips for a fun twist. This allows you to create your own unique version of peanut butter cup brownies. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! After you bake your peanut butter cup brownies, you might have some left. To keep them fresh and tasty, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to freeze brownies, it's easy! First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. This way, you can enjoy them later. Brownies can last a week in the fridge. They may stay fresh for about three months in the freezer. Just remember to keep an eye on them. Look for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it’s best to toss them out. Enjoy your delicious brownies while they are still fresh! Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. It adds a nice flavor. Just make sure to stir it well, as it can be oily. How do I store brownies to keep them fresh? Store brownies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. Can I replace the eggs with a substitute? Yes, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute. Use 1/4 cup of either per egg. This will keep them moist. What’s the best way to reheat brownies? To reheat, use a microwave. Warm them for 10-15 seconds. This keeps them soft and gooey. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This blog post covered all you need for delicious brownies. You learned about key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. We also explored fun variations for different diets and flavors. Plus, I shared smart storage practices to keep your brownies fresh. Take these ideas and make your next batch. With a little effort, you can enjoy treats that everyone will love. Happy baking!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies infused with creamy peanut butter and chocolate, topped with mini peanut butter cups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 2 cup mini peanut butter cups, halved

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until smooth.
  • Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the peanut butter blend and mix thoroughly.
  • Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  • Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients gently until no dry spots remain.
  • Incorporate 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter evenly.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  • Arrange the halved mini peanut butter cups over the brownie batter in the pan.
  • Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the mini peanut butter cups and smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick.
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an elegant touch, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, peanut butter