Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

I absolutely adore making and sharing my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe whenever I want a chocolate-peanut butter treat that just hits all the right notes. There’s something magical about combining rich, fudgy brownies with those irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups hidden inside, topped off with a creamy peanut butter frosting. Every bite is a perfect harmony of gooey chocolate, salty-sweet peanut butter, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a celebration in itself.

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

What truly excites me about this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe is the incredible flavor profile that’s bursting with deep chocolate and peanut butter goodness. You get that moist, slightly chewy brownie base contrasted with the gooey surprise of Reese’s Cups nestled right in the middle. Then, the luscious peanut butter frosting on top brings everything together, creating layers of flavor that feel indulgent but also perfectly balanced. It’s like peanut butter and chocolate had a dream date, and I get to eat the results!

Besides the amazing taste, I find this recipe super approachable and straightforward. Using a boxed brownie mix as the foundation keeps things simple and quick, but adding the peanut butter cups and homemade frosting really elevates the dessert to something special. It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it a perfect choice for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or just because you want to treat yourself on the weekend. I always get excited to share it because it’s such an easy way to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a dessert arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two orange Reese's Peanut Butter Cups packages placed horizontally at the top left, with two white eggs next to them on the right. Below the eggs is a yellow stick of unsalted butter. To the left under the Reese's is a red box of Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix. Next to the brownie mix on the right is a white and blue box of Domino powdered sugar. On the far right side is a red carton of Great Value heavy whipping cream with a silver whisk inside a transparent bowl shown on the carton. Below the brownie mix, there is a jar of Jif creamy peanut butter with a red lid. Next to it are two glass measuring cups, one with a yellow oil and the other with clear water. On the far right at the bottom is a small red and white container of McCormick pure vanilla extract. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient plays a crucial role here — from the base of a rich brownie mix to the creamy peanut butter frosting that crowns it all. I keep this list simple yet purposeful so the final dish delivers on flavor, texture, and that beautiful peanut butter-chocolate combo we all crave.

18 ounce box brownie mix: The convenient base that provides our rich chocolate foundation, plus the eggs, oil, and water called for on the box.
15 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (full-size): The star ingredient adding gooey pockets of peanut butter and milk chocolate right inside the brownies.
¾ cup creamy peanut butter: Key for the smooth and flavorful frosting that enhances the peanut butter theme.
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting, helping it whip up light and fluffy.
2 ¼ cups confectioners sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it a silky texture.
4 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the frosting perfectly spreadable and keeps it from being too dense.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting flavors bringing warmth and depth.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to make removing the brownies a breeze once they’re baked.

Step 2: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions—usually this means combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Then, spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly in your prepared pan.

Step 3: Place all 15 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in a single layer over the brownie batter. I like to press them in gently to make sure they nestle into the batter nicely without sinking all the way through.

Step 4: Carefully spread the remaining brownie batter over the top of the Reese’s Cups, covering them completely so they stay hidden inside as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter sticking to it. If it’s not done, bake a little longer, but be careful not to overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.

Step 6: Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is important before frosting so your frosting doesn’t melt or slide off.

Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the peanut butter frosting. Beat the peanut butter and softened butter together with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Gradually add the confectioners sugar while mixing, scraping the bowl sides as needed. The mixture will thicken up as you work, which is exactly what you want.

Step 9: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip the frosting for 2 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 10: Use the parchment paper edges to carefully lift the cooled brownies out of the pan. Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top with a spatula. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped Reese’s or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.

Step 11: Slice into squares and serve immediately, or store for later indulgence. These brownies always disappear fast!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 15 generous servings, so it’s perfect for sharing at a get-together or keeping a stash in the fridge for peanut butter chocolate cravings. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping, 25 to 30 minutes baking, and at least 30 minutes cooling and frosting the brownies. The total time clocks in around 65 to 70 minutes, but trust me, this wait is absolutely worth it for the delicious results.

How to Serve This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

The image shows nine square pieces of a dessert with three visible layers on each piece. The bottom layer is dark brown and looks like chocolate brownie with a rough texture. The middle layer is a smooth caramel or peanut butter layer in a medium golden brown color. The top layer is a creamy, light tan frosting that looks soft and smooth. Each piece has thin dark chocolate drizzle lines on top, crossing diagonally. On the top layer of each piece, there are small halves and pieces of Reese’s peanut butter cups, adding some texture and detail. The squares are placed on white crumpled paper, on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. In the background, there is an orange Reese’s candy wrapper and a blue cloth near the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, I love to keep it simple — just a fresh cup of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side enhances that peanut butter–chocolate combo perfectly. If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes dust them lightly with cocoa powder or sprinkle on some chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch. Presentation-wise, cutting the brownies into even squares using a sharp knife helps keep that beautiful frosting smooth and clean.

This dessert really shines at parties or family dinners because it feels indulgent yet approachable. I’ve even brought these brownies to holiday gatherings and gotten rave reviews. They’re best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, which firms up the frosting just right but still keeps the brownie soft and gooey on the inside. If you want to warm them up for a fresh-baked vibe, I recommend a quick 10-second zap in the microwave, but don’t overdo it or the frosting can get too melty.

For beverage pairings, I’m a big fan of a robust coffee or a smooth milkshake for non-alcoholic options. If you want a grown-up twist, a sweet dessert wine or even a creamy peanut butter cocktail matches beautifully with these brownies’ flavors. The rich peanut butter and chocolate layers make this dessert an instant crowd-pleaser at any celebration or casual get-together.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe to suit different occasions and tastes. For a gluten-free version, I swap out the boxed brownie mix for my favorite gluten-free alternative, which keeps that fudgy texture intact without compromise. If you prefer a vegan twist, you can find dairy-free brownie mixes and use vegan butter and cream substitutes for the frosting — the peanut butter flavor still shines through wonderfully.

For flavor twists, I sometimes add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting to amplify the peanut butter and chocolate contrast. Another fun idea is to mix in chopped nuts or swirl some melted peanut butter into the batter before baking for even more richness. If you want to take it beyond oven baking, I’ve tried making these in muffin tins for mini brownie bites—perfect for parties and portion control!

Finally, if you’re looking for an extra chocolate punch, adding chocolate chips into the brownie batter or drizzling melted chocolate on top after frosting really kicks it up a notch. The recipe’s flexibility is part of why I love it so much; it’s easy to customize and always delicious no matter what variations you choose.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying these brownies, I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled. Using a container with a tight lid helps keep the brownies moist and the frosting fresh. If refrigerated, I usually let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before eating so the frosting softens a bit.

Freezing

Freezing these brownies is a fantastic way to save time later. I recommend cutting them into individual squares, wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap, and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to avoid condensation making the frosting soggy.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I gently reheat individual brownies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the peanut butter frosting can melt away if too hot. Another option is to let them sit at room temperature for a bit if refrigerated or frozen. I avoid reheating whole pans in the oven because it can dry them out unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, you can use that in place of the boxed mix. Just make sure the batter isn’t too thin so it can properly encase the Reese’s Cups and bake evenly. The key is that your batter should be thick enough to hold the cups in place without them sinking right through.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan? Can I use a different size?

A 9×13-inch pan is ideal for this recipe, but you can use a slightly smaller or larger pan. Just be mindful that bake time will change slightly. If you use a smaller pan, your brownies will be thicker and may need more time, while a larger pan will create thinner brownies that bake faster. Check doneness by using the toothpick test frequently.

Is there a way to make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, try reducing the confectioners sugar by about a quarter cup. You can also add a pinch of salt or a splash of cream cheese to balance the sweetness. Just keep in mind that texture may shift slightly, so add adjustments gradually while mixing.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies actually benefit from some resting time to allow flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up nicely. I often bake them a day ahead of serving and keep them covered at room temperature or in the fridge, which makes slicing cleaner and serving easier.

What other candies can I substitute for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

If you want a fun twist, you could try other peanut butter candies like peanut butter M&Ms, or even swap in different chocolates like Twix or Snickers for a combo of caramel and nougat. Just make sure the candies you choose can hold up to baking without melting into the batter too much.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe a try — it’s a favorite of mine for good reason! It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, satisfies sweet cravings, and makes any occasion feel a little more special. From its gooey surprises to the dreamy peanut butter frosting, these brownies are my go-to treat that I love sharing with friends and family. Once you make them, it won’t be long before you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.