If you’ve ever dreamed of merging the intense, fudgy world of brownies with the creamy richness of peanut butter cups, these Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Every bite is a decadent celebration: crackly chocolate top, gooey peanut butter swirls, and pockets of melty peanut butter cups throughout. They’re showstopping enough for special occasions but simple enough to whip up for a Tuesday night treat when you crave comfort and pure chocolate joy.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simplicity: these Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are made from pantry staples plus a hit of glorious peanut butter cups. Each ingredient has a delicious job to do, from building that crackly top to delivering the irresistible swirl—here’s how it all comes together.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Provides richness and fudgy texture, and melted butter means no need for creaming.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): The key to a perfectly chewy crumb and sweet, balanced brownies.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and help with that iconic brownie sheen.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (⅓ cup): Deep, dark chocolate flavor—choose a good quality for maximum impact.
All-purpose flour (½ cup): Just enough to hold everything together without making the brownies cakey.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Brings balance and makes all the flavors pop.
Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Offers a touch of lift to set the fudgy layer.
Peanut butter (½ cup): For swirling and intense peanut flavor throughout.
Mini peanut butter cups (12, chopped): The magic ingredient! Melty, nutty pockets tucked inside every bite.
Semisweet chocolate chips (¼ cup, optional): For those who love extra pools of melted chocolate.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Step 1: Prep The Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You can either grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with a little butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting and fewer dishes. This step keeps your Peanut Butter Cup Brownies from sticking and ensures perfect squares every time.

Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mix looks glossy and comes together. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk again until completely smooth and slightly lighter in color—this adds chewiness and that classic brownie texture.

Step 3: Add The Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold until just combined. Don’t over-mix: you want rich, fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, not cake!

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of your brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth it into the corners. Now, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the top and, using the tip of a knife or a toothpick, lightly swirl it through the batter. The magic is in the marbling—don’t overdo it; you want distinct ribbons of peanut butter.

Step 5: Add Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the chopped mini peanut butter cups over the swirled layer, tucking a few down into the batter for surprise bites. Scatter chocolate chips on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent. This is where the heart of your Peanut Butter Cup Brownies comes alive!

Step 6: Top and Bake

Spread the remaining brownie batter gently over everything. You don’t need absolute perfection—just try to cover most of the peanut butter cups. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet, but not dry either). Let the brownies cool completely before slicing, which may be the hardest part of all!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Garnishes

For extra wow factor, try drizzling a bit of melted chocolate or a little more peanut butter over the cooled Peanut Butter Cup Brownies. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top makes the flavors absolutely sing, and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream creates an instant dessert masterpiece.

Side Dishes

These brownies are rich, so pair them with something bright—like a handful of fresh strawberries or a glass of cold milk. Need something a bit fancier? Try a scoop of berry sorbet or an espresso, which cuts through the nuttiness and complements the chocolate base perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a party, slice the Peanut Butter Cup Brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange on a tiered platter. Layer with extra chopped peanut butter cups for garnish, or wrap individual squares in parchment for a sweet homemade gift. They also work wonders chopped and stirred into ice cream sundaes or even layered into a chocolate trifle for extra flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brownies store so well! Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and become even more irresistible over time. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate—but allow them to come to room temp before enjoying for optimum fudginess.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Peanut Butter Cup Brownies will keep their magical flavor for up to 3 months. When cravings hit, just let a square thaw on the counter or give it a gentle zap in the microwave.

Reheating

Few things are better than a slightly warm Peanut Butter Cup Brownie. Microwave an individual piece for about 10 seconds to reawaken the gooey chocolate and peanut butter layers. For several brownies, pop them in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes and serve warm with ice cream for an instant dessert upgrade.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture and even more peanut flavor. Just expect a bit of extra bite in every swirl, which some folks adore in Peanut Butter Cup Brownies.

Are there substitutes for mini peanut butter cups?

If you can’t find mini peanut butter cups, chop up regular-sized ones or even use a mix of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips as a stand-in. The goal is to get that signature chocolate-peanut butter burst in every bite!

How do I know when my brownies are perfectly baked?

Test the center with a toothpick—look for a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter. Overbaked brownies will be dry, so check right at 25 minutes and keep a close eye for the perfect Peanut Butter Cup Brownies texture.

Can I double the recipe?

You bet! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Start checking for doneness around 28 minutes, but larger batches may need closer to 35 minutes in the oven.

What makes these brownies so fudgy?

The generous amount of butter, the ratio of sugar to flour, and just the right baking time keep these Peanut Butter Cup Brownies dense, fudgy, and decadent. The added peanut butter swirl and the melty cups up the goo factor in the best way!

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for the ultimate chocolate and peanut butter dessert, give these Peanut Butter Cup Brownies a spot at your table. They’re easy enough for any day, special enough for a celebration, and destined to become a go-to recipe. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself—you absolutely deserve it!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe