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Peanut Butter Cup Brownies with a Mix

Peanut butter cup brownies are delicious fudgy brownies with just the right amount of peanut butter. If you like the blend of peanut butter and chocolate, these are perfect for you. I used regular Reese’s peanut butter cups. But you can use a different brand if you prefer. Or you can use miniature peanut butter cups.

peanut butter cup brownies on a cooling rack

Peanut butter brownies are so delicious you’ll want to make them for any special occasion. You’ll appreciate the fact that this is such an easy recipe. In fact, if you like peanut butter, it might become your absolute favorite brownie recipe.

One of the things I love about them is that they’re easy to make, and so many people love them. This is the perfect dessert to serve after a meal of your favorite comfort food. 

plate of peanut butter cup brownies

Reese’s Cup Brownies

Peanut butter lovers will appreciate these delicious Reese’s cup brownies. In fact, they are some of the best brownies I make. You can make them from scratch, but I prefer using a box of brownie mix.

I also make this chocolate peanut butter moose munch with some Reese’s cups in the mix. It’s so fun to eat, and it’s always a hit at parties!

bowls of peanut butter chocolate moose munch
Chocolate Peanut Butter Moose Munch

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

You can either start with your own homemade brownie batter or use a mix. Since this is so doctored up, I used a boxed brownie mix.

Reese's peanut butter cups and brownie mix

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious specialty brownies:

  • Box of brownie mix (regular or gluten-free)
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Water
  • Peanut butter cups

Since I have to be gluten-free, I take whatever is on the shelf. However, if you can eat the regular brownies, pick your favorite mix. Mine would be fudge brownie mix or dark chocolate brownie mix.

butter, eggs, and water

Keep in mind that my brownie mix requires melted butter, eggs, and water. Yours may have something else listed, such as vegetable oil. Use whatever the mix calls for.

I used salted butter. However, you can use unsalted butter and get great results.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions for the mix I use, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

Preparation

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. That way, Doing this gives it time to get hot enough to bake the brownies.

Spray your baking pan with nonstick spray. Choose a pan based on how thick or thin you want your brownies. I like them average thickness, so I used a 7” x 11” rectangular baking pan. You can also use an 8” x 8” square baking pan. For thicker brownies, try a loaf pan.

You can also make peanut butter cup brownies in a muffin tin. Since the muffin cups are much smaller, you’ll need to decrease the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes. Check the recommendations on your box of mix.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

In a large bowl, prepare the brownie batter as directed on the back of the package. Stir all of the ingredients until the batter is smooth and silky.

brownie batter in a bowl

Pour 1/3 of the brownie batter into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Smooth it out as much as you can.

brownie batter in a a pan

Place 12 of the whole peanut butter cups into the batter in a single layer. Space them out as evenly as possible.

They don’t have to be perfect, but you want all of the brownies to have some of the peanut butter cup in them.

Reese's cups in the batter

Next, pour the remaining batter over the top. Smooth it out, being careful to keep the peanut butter cups in place.

They have a tendency to move around, so keep nudging them back into position. Cover the tops of the peanut butter cups.

pouring batter over the peanut butter cups

In a small bowl or plate, chop the remaining 4 peanut butter cups into small pieces.

Scatter all of them over the top of the batter. Gently press them down.

chopped peanut butter cups on top of batter

Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. To test them, stick a toothpick into the brownies and pull it out. They’re done when there’s no wet batter on the toothpick … only moist crumbs.

Set the pan on a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool for 30 to 45 minutes. They’re best at room temperature. Cut them into squares or rectangles.

baked peanut butter cup brownies in a pan on a cooling rack

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Add-Ons

These brownies are delicious as-is. The blend of melted chocolate and peanut butter from the candy inside and on top of the traditional brownies will satisfy any sweet tooth.

pan and plates of peanut butter cup brownies

However, if you want to kick up your brownie game another notch, try a few of these add-ons to make them even better:

  • Chocolate chips
  • Vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • Brown sugar
  • Peanut butter frosting
  • Marshmallows
  • Extra peanut butter cups

You can also finish off these brownies by drizzling some melted peanut butter over the top and running your knife through it to make a peanut butter swirl.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

These brownies are good for a couple of days at room temperature as long as you store them in an airtight container. 

You can also cover them in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Whenever you’re in the mood for a chocolate treat, remove one or two brownies from the freezer and let it thaw.

pan and plate of peanut butter cup brownies

See this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck.

More Peanut Butter Recipes

As a peanut butter lover, I use it as an ingredient in as many things as I can. Here are some of my favorites:

Peanut Butter Cookies – These cookies are flourless, so they literally melt in your mouth! It’s all about next level goodness!

2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge – You’ll feel like you’re cheating twice when you make this fudge—once when you see how easy it is to make and then again when you taste them.

Peanut Butter Mug Cake – A peanut butter mug cake is the perfect dessert when you’re making dessert for one … or you simply need portion control.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge – Creamy and smooth, this easy peanut butter fudge is absolutely delicious!

Scotcheroos – Make this yummy treat in the microwave. It’s super easy and oh-so fabulous!

Peanut Butter Frito Bars – If you enjoy the blend of sweet and salty, you’ll love these dessert bars from Call Me PMc.

Coffee Smoothie – Start the day right with a mug or tumbler of your favorite flavors!

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars – This no-bake dessert will have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re fun and fabulous!

Peanut Butter Fudge Bars – I consider this the ultimate dessert bar. It has peanut butter and chocolate. And it gives you just the right amount of crumble to make you want more.

Yield: 12

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

plate of peanut butter cup brownies

This dessert is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate! And they're super easy to make!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 box (16 ounce box) of brownie mix (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 16 standard size peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Spray a 7” x 11” baking pan with nonstick spray.
  2. Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the back of the package.
  3. Pour 1/3 of the batter into the pan and smooth it out.
  4. Place 12 of the peanut butter cups into the batter in a single layer.
  5. Pour the remaining batter over the peanut butter cups. Smooth out the batter, making sure the peanut butter cups are covered.
  6. Chop the remaining 4 peanut butter cups into small pieces. Scatter them over the batter and gently press them down.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs but not covered in wet batter.

Notes

The ingredients listed are the items required for the nix I used. Please follow the instructions on your box of brownie mix.

Instead of using chopped peanut butter cups for the topping, you can use peanut butter chips. They’re just as good.

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 206Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 53mgSodium 160mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 11gProtein 4g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

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Easy but Delicious Dessert

Next time you want an easy but delicious dessert, make these yummy peanut butter cup brownies. They’ll satisfy on so many levels, and everyone will think you’re a genius!

Please feel free to share!

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