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To make these tasty peanut butter cup brownies, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped - 1/2 cup chocolate chips You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. - If you want gluten-free brownies, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. - You can use natural peanut butter, but it may change the texture slightly. - Want a nut-free version? Use sun butter in place of peanut butter. Quality matters in baking. Here are some tips to ensure the best results: - Use fresh eggs for better rise and texture. - Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor. - Choose creamy peanut butter that has no added sugar for a pure taste. - Buy mini peanut butter cups that are fresh and soft for easy mixing. - Check the expiration date on your ingredients to ensure freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you'll want to prepare your baking pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the brownies later. In a large bowl, add the melted butter. Mix in both the granulated and brown sugar. Whisk these together until smooth. Then, add the eggs one by one. Beat well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds great flavor to your brownies. Now, take another bowl. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into your wet mix. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This step is key for soft, chewy brownies. Next, gently fold in the creamy peanut butter. Ensure it mixes well without overdoing it. After that, add the chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. Fold them in carefully to keep your brownie batter chunky and delicious. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if they are done. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time helps them set perfectly before slicing. To get the best brownie texture, focus on mixing. First, mix the wet ingredients well. Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Then, add eggs one by one. Beat each egg in before adding the next. This step helps create a rich and fluffy base. When mixing the dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Fold in the flour and cocoa until just combined. The batter should be thick but not dry. If your brownies turn out too dry, you may have baked them too long. Keep a close eye on them. The toothpick test is key. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If brownies are too gooey, they need more baking time. Always let them cool before cutting. This helps them set. If brownies stick to the pan, try using parchment paper. It makes removal easy and keeps them intact. To make your brownies look extra special, serve them on a nice platter. After slicing, sprinkle extra mini peanut butter cups on top. A drizzle of melted chocolate adds a fancy touch. For a bit of flair, sprinkle sea salt on top. This contrast enhances the flavors. Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It pairs well and adds a creamy element. These simple tips elevate your brownie game! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensuring your eggs are at room temperature can help create a smoother batter and improve the texture of your brownies. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined to keep the brownies fudgy and dense. Check for Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, for perfectly baked brownies. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream on top for a delicious twist. {{image_2}} You can make gluten-free peanut butter cup brownies easily. Just swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum to help with texture. This change keeps the brownies rich and tasty without gluten. They will still have that gooey center and rich peanut butter flavor you love. To make vegan peanut butter cup brownies, replace eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for five minutes. Use a vegan butter substitute instead of regular butter. Also, choose dairy-free chocolate chips and peanut butter cups. This way, you get all the flavor without animal products. You can get creative with mix-ins in these brownies. Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Or, mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist. If you want a mint flavor, add mint chocolate chips. You can even swirl in caramel or fudge for extra indulgence. Experiment and find your favorite combination! To keep your peanut butter cup brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These brownies stay good at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. This can keep them fresh for up to a week. Just let them come to room temp before enjoying. Freezing brownies is a great option. First, let the brownies cool completely. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw on the counter. To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the brownies on an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy the gooey goodness! You can check your brownies by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If there is wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. However, it may change the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter is thinner and may make your brownies less rich. Creamy peanut butter gives a smoother and more consistent flavor. If you need an egg substitute, try using applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. You can also use mashed banana or a flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. They store well for a few days. Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to three months for longer storage. To cut brownies nicely, first cool them for at least 15 minutes. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to keep the edges neat. This way, your brownies will look great on the plate! You now have everything needed to make delicious peanut butter cup brownies. We covered the key ingredients and how to choose the best ones. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking. I shared tips for the perfect texture and ways to present your brownies nicely. We explored variations to suit different diets and provided storage tips for freshness. With this knowledge, you can bake tasty brownies with ease. Enjoy the process and the treats that follow!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies filled with creamy peanut butter and 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 20
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated. Take care not to overmix.
  • Add the chopped mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips to the batter, and fold them in carefully.
  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Serve the brownies on a platter sprinkled with extra mini peanut butter cups on top. Drizzle with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt for an added touch!
Keyword brownies, dessert, peanut butter