Reese’s Cup Brownies Recipe

When it comes to chocolate desserts, nothing quite matches the magic of classic brownies—unless you tuck an entire Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup right inside. This Reese’s Cup Brownies recipe is everything you crave in a dessert: rich, fudgy, gooey, and bursting with that beloved chocolate-peanut butter combo. It’s absurdly easy, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, and you won’t believe how a small trick can elevate a box of brownie mix into something that tastes 100% homemade. If you’re searching for a surefire crowd-pleaser or a way to treat yourself after a long day, you’ve just found it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor Combo: Chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in dessert heaven. Each brownie hides a whole Reese’s cup, so you get a melty, peanut-buttery surprise in every bite.
• Ridiculously Easy: Start with your favorite boxed brownie mix. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps. The hardest part is unwrapping the peanut butter cups.
• Quick Prep, Minimal Cleanup: Just one pan, a spatula, and a mixing bowl. It takes about 10 minutes (or less!) to get these into the oven.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a weeknight treat, a potluck, or a birthday party, these brownies guarantee smiles and requests for the recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need (and why!):

• Brownie Mix: Any favorite boxed mix will do—go as classic or as decadent as you like. The richer, the better. Tip: Fudgy or chewy brownie mixes both work, but fudgy delivers the ultimate gooey finish.
• Eggs, Oil, and Water: Check your mix’s instructions for amounts. They bring the batter together and provide moisture.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The star of the show. These get layered into the center of each brownie, delivering that unmistakable peanut butter core.
• Nonstick Spray & Parchment Paper: Ensures every brownie lifts out perfectly—no sticking, no crumbling.

Note: You can absolutely use a gluten-free or dairy-free brownie mix if needed; Reese’s also makes versions for different dietary needs!

Variations

Never be afraid to play with your dessert:

• Chocolate Overload: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks for even richer brownies.
• Salted Twist: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the batter before baking for sweet-and-salty perfection.
• Different Candy Centers: Swap Reese’s for mini Snickers, Milky Way, or caramel-filled chocolates—each option creates a surprise in the center.
• Nutty: Gently fold chopped peanuts or pecans into the top layer of batter for extra crunch.
• Blondie Version: Use blondie (vanilla) brownie mix and white chocolate Reese’s for a twist.

How to Make Reese’s Cup Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. The parchment makes it easy to lift out the finished brownies later—trust me, you’ll appreciate this step.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

Prepare the brownie batter according to the box instructions. It’s perfectly fine (and even encouraged) to use a boxed mix—it keeps things deliciously simple.

Step 3: Layer the Brownie Mix and Reese’s Cups

Spread half of your brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Gently place your Reese’s cups on top of this layer—think four rows of four for a total of sixteen. Each cup should nestle in just a bit.

Step 4: Top with Remaining Batter

Pour the rest of the brownie batter over the peanut butter cups. Use your spatula to gently coax batter over and around every candy until they’re fully covered.

Step 5: Bake

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The edges will set, while the center should still be a little soft for that classic fudgy texture.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan at room temperature. Run a paring knife around the edge, then lift out the whole slab with the parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares—each one hides a Reese’s cup in the center!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overbake: Remove from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs; overbaking leads to dry brownies.
• Uniform Candy Placement: Make sure the Reese’s cups are evenly spaced so every piece gets its own peanut buttery bite.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Cutting too soon can make brownies fall apart, especially with a gooey center. Patience pays off!
• Line the Pan Well: Parchment paper up the sides of the pan makes lifting out brownies a breeze and stops sticking, every single time.

How to Serve

Serve these brownies just as they are—trust, they don’t need much—but there are some fun ways to make them even more special:

• Warm and Melty: Slightly reheat in the microwave for that “just-baked” gooeyness.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top takes things completely over the top.
• Drizzle: Warm chocolate, peanut butter sauce, or caramel can be drizzled right over each square for extra decadence.
• Party Platter: Arrange on a dessert platter with extra Reese’s cups for decoration; you’ll have the most popular treat at any event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These brownies are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Stack them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Brownies freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop into the microwave for a warm treat.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, microwave a brownie square for about 10–15 seconds. The peanut butter cup will get perfectly gooey all over again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed?
Absolutely! If you have a homemade recipe you love, use it. The key is making sure you have enough batter to cover the Reese’s cups in two layers.

What’s the best way to keep the brownies from sticking to the pan?
Line your greased pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting. This works even better than foil.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the edge—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re just right. The center will continue to set as they cool.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You can! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all your ingredients. The bake time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on them starting at the 40-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an over-the-top chocolate and peanut butter dessert that’s almost too simple to believe, these Reese’s Cup Brownies deliver on all fronts. They’re rich, chewy, and boast a gooey, melty peanut butter core in every bite. Try them once, and they’ll become a go-to favorite for busy days, celebrations, or any moment you need a sweet pick-me-up. Go ahead—get a batch in the oven and treat yourself!

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