If you are on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly marries rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, this Reese’s Brownies Recipe is sure to become your new obsession. It’s a delightful treat where fudgy brownie layers embrace the iconic peanut butter cups and a luscious peanut butter swirl, creating a mouthwatering balance of sweet and salty in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, these brownies deliver a gooey, decadent experience that feels truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Reese’s Brownies Recipe calls for surprisingly simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of taste and texture. From silky melted butter that enriches the base to the touch of sea salt that perfectly balances the sweetness, every component is essential for that unforgettable flavor.
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps achieve that fudgy brownie texture.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: Melts smoothly into the batter to form a deep, chocolatey foundation.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar): Sweetens the brownies while contributing to their fudgy crumb.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the brownies structure and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and deepens the color.
- ¼ cup gluten free flour: Keeps the brownies tender while catering to gluten-free needs.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 9 peanut butter cups: The star ingredient, providing gooey peanut butter pockets inside every bite.
- ⅔ cup all natural creamy peanut butter: Adds creaminess and peanutty richness for the swirl topping.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the peanut butter swirl for a luscious finish.
How to Make Reese’s Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your brownies won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped, making them easy to slice and serve.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a bowl, combine the melted butter and dark chocolate chips. Stir until fully melted and smooth. If it needs a little help, pop the mixture into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Set this luscious chocolate mixture aside—it’s the heart of your brownie base.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the granulated sugar and eggs for 2 to 3 minutes until the mix turns light and frothy. This step adds air that will help give the brownies a lovely texture. Add in the vanilla extract and stir to combine beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar bowl, stirring gently to blend everything delightfully together. Then sift in your cocoa powder, gluten free flour, and sea salt. Fold these dry ingredients in carefully until just combined to keep your brownies tender and fudgy.
Step 5: Layer the Brownie Batter
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Now comes the fun part—arrange your peanut butter cups right on the batter. This creates pockets of peanut buttery goodness that will surprise with each bite.
Step 6: Add the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread this sweet, creamy mixture evenly over the peanut butter cups. This luscious swirl adds an extra peanut butter punch and gorgeous visual appeal.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Finish by pouring the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer, smoothing the surface gently. Bake for 33 to 36 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, keeping them fudgy but cooked through.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow your baked Reese’s brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This cooling lets all those layers set perfectly, making each square hold together beautifully while revealing that irresistible peanut butter surprise inside.
How to Serve Reese’s Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up presentation and flavor, dust your brownies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or powdered sugar right before serving. For an extra decadent touch, drizzle some warm melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce on top. Fresh berries also add a burst of brightness that pairs wonderfully with the richness.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates them to dessert perfection. A cup of robust coffee or creamy hot chocolate complements the chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the brownies in mini glass jars layered with whipped cream and crushed peanuts or alongside salted caramel drizzle for a gourmet twist. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares and thread a toothpick through each for easy party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Reese’s Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them nice and fudgy. For longer freshness, move them to the fridge, where they’ll keep well for about a week but might firm up slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months to enjoy anytime. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving to restore their soft, indulgent texture.
Reheating
If enjoying after refrigeration or freezing, gently warm the brownies in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This helps revive the gooey peanut butter layers and melty chocolate, bringing back that freshly baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?
Absolutely! Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly in this Reese’s Brownies Recipe and will yield a classic brownie texture if you’re not restricted by gluten.
What type of peanut butter is best for the swirl?
All natural, creamy peanut butter is ideal because it’s smooth and not too sweet, allowing the powdered sugar to balance the flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
Do I have to use peanut butter cups, or can I substitute?
Peanut butter cups add that iconic Reese’s flavor, but chunks of peanut butter candies or even dollops of peanut butter could work if you want to experiment or have dietary preferences.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
This recipe as-is uses eggs and butter, but you can try vegan substitutes for eggs and dairy-free butter to make a vegan version. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean but may have a few moist crumbs; this ensures they stay fudgy rather than dry.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, and this Reese’s Brownies Recipe captures it perfectly in every bite. These brownies are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious, making them a must-try for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. So grab your ingredients, bake a batch, and get ready to savor some of the most decadent brownies you’ll ever enjoy!
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Reese’s Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Reese’s Brownies are a decadent treat combining rich dark chocolate brownie layers with creamy peanut butter and whole peanut butter cups. Perfectly fudgy and topped with a smooth peanut butter swirl, they make an irresistible dessert for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. Made with gluten-free flour and real chocolate, these brownies offer a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ cup gluten free flour
- ½ tsp sea salt
Peanut Butter Layer
- 9 peanut butter cups
- ⅔ cup all natural creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line an 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and dark chocolate chips. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth. Use brief 10 to 15-second intervals in the microwave if needed to help melt evenly. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Sugar and Eggs: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and frothy. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar bowl. Stir until fully blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, gluten free flour, and sea salt into the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain fudgy texture.
- Layer Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly to cover the bottom.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups: Arrange the 9 peanut butter cups evenly on top of the brownie batter layer in the pan.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: In a small bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the peanut butter cups layer, smoothing it out carefully.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining half of the brownie batter over the peanut butter layer. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 33 to 36 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out mostly clean with some moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and perfect texture.
Notes
- Use gluten free flour to keep these brownies gluten free.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate chips.
- Let the brownies cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Peanut butter cups add an extra layer of texture and flavor – do not skip!
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
