Are you a peanut butter lover? Do you adore the rich, fudgy texture of brownies? Then prepare yourself for a flavor explosion! This Reese's Peanut Butter Brownie recipe is the ultimate combination of two beloved treats, creating a dessert that's unbelievably decadent and surprisingly easy to make. Forget store-bought – this homemade version is far superior, offering a customizable experience and a taste that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a quick dessert, a special occasion, or just a Tuesday night treat, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients:
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup milk (any kind)
- For the Reese's Topping:
- 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies release easily and prevents sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
- Create the Peanut Butter Swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and milk until smooth.
- Layer & Swirl: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the batter and gently swirl it in using a knife or toothpick. Top with the remaining brownie batter.
- Add Reese's: Sprinkle the chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the top of the batter. Press them gently into the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake! Overbaked brownies will be dry.
- Cool & Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to cut.
Tips for the Best Reese's Peanut Butter Brownies:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: This will make a huge difference in the flavor of your brownies.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Let them cool completely: This prevents crumbling and makes for neater slices.
- Get creative with toppings: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast.
Variations:
- Mini Reese's: Use mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for a fun, bite-sized variation.
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey kick.
- Different Nut Butters: Experiment with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 30-35g
These Reese's Peanut Butter Brownies are the perfect indulgence. Enjoy the delicious combination of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter, and the unmistakable crunch of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. They’re a simple, satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!