Get ready to experience the most mind-blowing dessert that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate brownies with the irresistible crunch of peanut butter cups! These aren't just ordinary brownies - they're a decadent journey of flavor that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Imagine biting into a perfectly moist, chocolatey square studded with melty peanut butter cup pieces that create a symphony of sweet and salty perfection. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a peanut butter fanatic, or simply someone who appreciates dessert magic, these brownies are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in granulated sugar until well combined and slightly smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until mixture is completely integrated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Roughly chop the mini peanut butter cups into smaller pieces. Reserve about 1/4 cup for topping.
- Fold most of the chopped peanut butter cups into the brownie batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved peanut butter cup pieces on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift brownies out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares. Serve and enjoy your decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownies!
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and better texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense brownies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For extra indulgence, use high-quality cocoa powder and real vanilla extract.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For an extra decadent touch, serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Chop peanut butter cups just before adding to prevent them from melting too much during mixing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
