Fudgy Reese’s Brownies Peanut Butter

Nothing says family treat night quite like these Reese's brownies loaded with gooey chocolate and plenty of peanut butter flavor. With a fudgy interior and irresistible bits of Reese's cups and candy in every bite this dessert has been a gamechanger for birthdays and bake sales at my house.

The first time I made these I left them on the counter to cool and half the pan disappeared before dinnertime. My family votes these as our must have treat for any rainy weekend.

Ingredients

• White sugar: brings both sweetness and helps create crunchy tops look for pure cane sugar for better caramel notes
• All purpose flour: provides structure and chewiness choose unbleached for flavor
• Butter: melted for richness stick with real unsalted and avoid margarine
• Eggs: add moisture and help fudge texture use large eggs at room temperature for best mixing
• Cocoa powder: deepens the chocolate flavor Dutch process or unsweetened work equally well just use high quality for rich color
• Vanilla extract: lifts the peanut butter cocoa notes use pure not imitation for depth
• Baking powder: gives a little lift yielding more tender brownies check dates for freshness
• Salt: balances the sweetness use fine sea salt for even mixing
• Reese’s Baking Cups and Pieces Candy: the star of the show use both for layers of crunch and creamy pockets go for the freshest bags you can get

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Line an eight inch square baking dish with parchment paper this ensures easy removal even for gooey brownies

Make the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl combine sugar flour melted butter eggs cocoa powder vanilla extract baking powder and salt Beat everything together by hand or with an electric mixer until completely smooth and glossy this prevents any flour lumps and ensures rich fudge texture

Create the Layers:

Pour half the brownie batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread evenly Now scatter one bag of Reese’s cups and candy pieces over this first layer Gently pour the rest of the batter on top to cover the candy layer as evenly as possible

Add the Topping:

Take the second bag of Reese’s candy and sprinkle across the very top of the batter Lightly press the candy pieces with your palm so they nestle into the batter for show stopping looks and even melting

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the pan into your preheated three hundred fifty degree oven Set a timer for fifty five to sixty five minutes Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with almost no wet batter but a few fudgy crumbs For extra fudgy brownies err on the shorter end of bake time

Cool and Slice:

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan This makes them easier to cut into clean neat squares I usually lift them out with the parchment and slice with a sharp knife wiping clean between cuts

Save

Growing up I always loved picking through brownies hoping to find an extra piece of peanut butter cup I now top the whole batch so every square is packed with candy bites just like my dream childhood dessert

Storage Tips

These brownies keep soft and fudgy at room temperature for up to three days if sealed tightly For even longer freshness cover and refrigerate up to one week Let them come to room temp before eating for best texture You can freeze sliced brownies for up to three months just wrap well and thaw overnight in the fridge

Ingredient Substitutions

Gluten free all purpose flour blends work well if you swap one for one in this recipe You can also use any chocolate candy or chopped dark chocolate if Reese’s are unavailable or to suit allergies If you crave extra gooeyness add half a cup of chocolate chips to the batter

Save

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert plate These brownies are great tucked into lunchboxes or wrapped as bake sale prizes For parties cut into bite sized pieces and stack on a platter for grab and go treats

A Peek Into Brownie History

Brownies originated from American home baking in the early twentieth century evolving into dozens of variations This peanut butter studded version is a playful nod to classic flavors and mid century candy shop creations With every batch I feel that sense of nostalgia for childhood kitchen moments

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent brownies from drying out?

Use the correct baking time and avoid overbaking. Check with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs.

→ Can I substitute regular butter with another fat?

Butter provides richness and texture; you can try margarine or coconut oil but texture and flavor may vary slightly.

→ What’s the best way to melt the butter evenly?

Gently melt butter over low heat or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring between, to avoid burning.

→ How can I make sure the peanut butter flavor stands out?

Use creamy peanut butter mixed into the batter and generous layering of Reese’s peanut butter cups for bold notes.

→ What type of pan works best for even baking?

An 8×8-inch square pan with parchment lining helps distribute heat evenly and allows easy removal.