There’s something absolutely magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter that just makes my heart sing! I mean, who can resist that rich, velvety chocolate paired with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter? When I whip up a batch of peanut butter cup brownies, the whole house fills with that enticing aroma, and it instantly brings back sweet memories of baking with my grandma. We’d stand side by side, mixing up thick batters and sneaking bites of chocolate along the way—those were the days! Trust me, you’re going to want to dive into this recipe. These brownies are so fudgy, so packed with peanut butter cups, and so darn delicious that they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for every occasion. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need for these scrumptious peanut butter cup brownies! Trust me, the ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that you won’t forget. Here’s the scoop:
- 1 cup unsalted butter – This rich butter is going to be the foundation of our fudgy goodness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Because brownies should be sweet, right? This sugar helps give them that lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 4 large eggs – These beauties are essential for binding everything together and adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is what makes our brownies come together. It gives them structure while keeping them soft.
- 1 cup cocoa powder – The star of the show! This gives our brownies that rich chocolate flavor we all crave.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped – These little treasures will be mixed into the batter, giving each bite a burst of peanut butter and chocolate heaven!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious brownies ever! I promise, you won’t regret it.
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making these peanut butter cup brownies! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you, the end result is absolutely worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to brownie bliss!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those brownies perfectly baked. While the oven is warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use butter or cooking spray—whatever works best for you. This will ensure our brownies come out smoothly without any sticky surprises!
Melt the Butter and Mix Ingredients
Next, let’s melt that luscious butter! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s completely liquid. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Then, crack in those four large eggs, and add the vanilla extract. Give it a good mix until everything is smooth and creamy. The aroma will be amazing, trust me! This step is all about creating a rich base for our brownies, so don’t rush it—take a moment to enjoy the smell!
Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Peanut Butter Cups
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps to avoid any lumps and ensures a smooth brownie batter. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—don’t overmix! Now for the exciting part! Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. You’ll want to ensure each bite has that delightful peanut butter flavor mixed with the chocolatey goodness!
Bake and Cool the Brownies
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares. This cooling time is essential for the perfect texture—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! While I believe that a delicious dessert like these peanut butter cup brownies should be enjoyed without too much guilt, it’s still nice to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (that’s one brownie, by the way):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
Keep in mind that these are estimates, and depending on how you customize your brownies, the numbers might vary a bit. But hey, a little chocolate and peanut butter heaven is always worth it, right?
Tips for Success with Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Alright, my friends, let’s make sure those peanut butter cup brownies turn out perfectly every single time! Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them fudgy!
- Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer your brownies will taste. Go for good cocoa powder and top-notch peanut butter cups.
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can be tricky! If you have an oven thermometer, use it to ensure it’s at the right temperature. This is key for perfectly baked brownies.
- Cool before cutting: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting them cool for at least 15 minutes helps them set and makes cutting easier!
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Just remember to keep the overall volume the same so the brownies bake evenly.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up some incredible brownies that everyone will love!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got those delectable peanut butter cup brownies ready to go, let’s talk about how to serve them up for maximum enjoyment! One of my all-time favorite ways is to warm them slightly in the microwave and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm brownie with the cold ice cream is heavenly! You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top for that extra touch of indulgence.
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic combo. Trust me, no one will be able to resist these treats when they’re presented like this!
Storage Instructions
Alright, let’s make sure those delicious peanut butter cup brownies stay fresh for as long as possible! To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
If you’re craving a warm brownie later on, just pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It’ll be like having a fresh-baked treat all over again! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ about Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Got questions about these scrumptious peanut butter cup brownies? I’ve got you covered! Let’s tackle some common queries:
Can I use other types of chocolate? Absolutely! You can swap out the cocoa powder for melted chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free? No problem! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for that perfect chewy texture.
What can I substitute for peanut butter cups? If peanut butter cups aren’t your thing, you can use chocolate chips mixed with dollops of peanut butter, or even try chopped nuts for a different crunch. The possibilities are endless, and you can still achieve that delicious chocolate-peanut butter combo!
For more delicious recipes, check out this brownie collection!
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Peanut Butter Cup Brownies: 5 Nostalgic Comfort Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate brownies with peanut butter cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt; mix until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: peanut butter cup brownies, brownies, dessert, chocolate