Loaded Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are the ultimate way to satisfy your chocolate and peanut butter cravings. This indulgent dessert starts with a sturdy brownie base, is layered with a rich peanut butter frosting, then topped with a glossy chocolate layer and sprinkled generously with mini Reese’s candies. Whether you’re treating yourself or bringing something show-stopping to a gathering, this recipe delivers big on flavor and fun.
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
You’ll love this recipe because it hits all the best dessert notes: rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy candy bits in every bite. The frosting layer imitates the filling of a peanut butter cup, and the chocolate topping adds a luxe finish. It’s simple enough to follow (especially if you use a boxed brownie base) but special enough to impress. In short: decadent, fun, and share-worthy.
Ingredients
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1 recipe homemade brownies baked and cooled (or a 9×13 inch box-mix brownie prepared and cooled)
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1 cup peanut butter
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½ cup butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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⅓ cup heavy whipping cream (more as needed)
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1 cup white sugar
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6 tbsp butter
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6 tbsp milk
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1 cup chocolate chips
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8 ounces Reese’s Minis (or chopped peanut butter cups)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Loaded Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
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Prepare your brownie layer: Bake a brownie recipe (homemade or box mix) in a 9×13 inch pan, then allow it to completely cool.
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Make the peanut butter frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand-mixer), beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and combined. On low speed, gradually beat in the powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until the mixture is thick and fluffy. If the consistency is too stiff, add more cream a tablespoon at a time until it spreads easily.
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Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownie base.
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Make the chocolate frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the white sugar, butter, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for exactly 60 seconds. Remove from heat, then stir in the chocolate chips until completely melted and smooth.
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Immediately pour the warm chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer and use an offset spatula to gently spread it into an even layer.
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Let the chocolate frosting cool for about 5 minutes – it will begin to set but should still allow you to press in the candies. While it is still slightly soft, sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Minis evenly over the top so they slightly sink in.
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Allow the entire dessert to sit for around 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. This helps everything set and makes for cleaner slices.
Helpful Tips
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If using a boxed brownie mix, choose one sized for a 9×13-inch pan and preferably the “cake” version rather than “fudge” — the firmer texture holds up better under the heavy frosting layers.
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Using high-quality cocoa powder (especially Dutch-processed) in your brownies can help deepen the chocolate flavor.
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Don’t over-beat the mixture once flour is added in homemade brownies: over-mixing increases gluten and can make brownies turn cakier rather than fudgy.
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When pouring the warm chocolate frosting, work quickly so that it spreads smoothly before setting too much.
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Use a hot, sharp knife to cut squares for the cleanest edges; wiping the knife between cuts helps with very rich frosted brownies.
Substitutions And Variations
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Nut-free option: If you’re avoiding peanuts, swap the peanut butter layer with a cookie-butter frosting and use chopped other candies for topping (note: it’s no longer “Reese’s” per se).
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Candy swap: Instead of Reese’s Minis, try chopped full-sized peanut butter cups or replace some of them with peanut butter chips or Reese’s Pieces for extra texture.
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Frosting thickness: If you’d prefer a thinner peanut butter layer, reduce the powdered sugar or increase the cream slightly to lighten it up.
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Brownie base style: Use a homemade fudgy brownie or a faster box-mix version depending on your time and preference — the topping layers carry the wow factor.
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Chocolate type: You could use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness if you find the standard version too rich.
Storage Instructions
Store these brownies in an airtight container. Because of the creamy frosting layers, they are best kept at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. For longer storage, cover tightly and refrigerate – allow them to come closer to room temperature before serving to soften the frosting. You can also freeze individual squares: wrap each in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (approximate):
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Calories: 567 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 72 g
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Protein: 7 g
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Fat: 30 g
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Saturated Fat: 15 g
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Cholesterol: 47 mg
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Sodium: 233 mg
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugar: 68 g
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Fully Loaded Reese’s Brownies in generous squares alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to temper the sweetness and elevate the dessert experience. They’re perfect for bake sales, potlucks, birthday treats, or a special weekend indulgence. Garnish with a few extra Reese’s Minis on each square just before serving for a polished look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the brownie base ahead of time, allow it to cool, then frost and top it when you’re ready to serve. If you’re prepping the whole dessert ahead, you can make it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge (covered), then bring it to room temperature before serving.
Can I use a different candy if I don’t have Reese’s Minis?
Absolutely. While the recipe is built around the peanut butter-chocolate pairing of Reese’s, you can swap in chopped peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, or even other peanut-butter-chocolate candies. Just keep in mind that texture and flavor will shift slightly.
Why does the recipe call for boiling the sugar-butter-milk mixture for exactly 60 seconds?
The short boil helps create that glossy, fudge-style chocolate frosting by emulsifying the sugar, butter and milk, which helps the melted chocolate then set nicely and give a clean, shiny finish. It’s a step that elevates the dessert from basic to bakery-style.
How can I get clean cuts for serving?
Let the brownies cool and set for about 30 minutes after topping. Use a sharp hot knife (dip in hot water, wipe dry) to make your first cut, then wipe the blade between cuts. This helps avoid frosting smearing and gives neat squares.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for choosing this recipe and bringing joy into your kitchen! I hope you find these Fully Loaded Reese’s Brownies as fun to make as they are delicious to eat. With their easy-to-follow steps, rich flavor profile, and wow-factor topping, they’re an absolute treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. Enjoy every decadent bite, share with people you love, and revel in how simple yet satisfying homemade dessert can be. Happy baking, happy tasting, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Loaded Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
Description
Loaded Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are rich, peanut butter and chocolate layered bars with a brownie base, fluffy peanut butter frosting, and a glossy chocolate topping finished with Reese’s Minis. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and sure to become a dessert favorite.
Ingredients
1 recipe homemade brownies baked and cooled
1 cup peanut butter
½ cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream (more as needed)
1 cup white sugar
6 tbsp butter
6 tbsp milk
1 cup chocolate chips
8 ounces Reese’s Minis (or chopped peanut butter cups)
Instructions
-
Prepare your brownie layer: Bake a brownie recipe (homemade or box mix) in a 9×13 inch pan, then allow it to completely cool.
-
Make the peanut butter frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand-mixer), beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and combined. On low speed, gradually beat in the powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until the mixture is thick and fluffy. If the consistency is too stiff, add more cream a tablespoon at a time until it spreads easily.
-
Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownie base.
-
Make the chocolate frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the white sugar, butter, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for exactly 60 seconds. Remove from heat, then stir in the chocolate chips until completely melted and smooth.
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Immediately pour the warm chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer and use an offset spatula to gently spread it into an even layer.
-
Let the chocolate frosting cool for about 5 minutes – it will begin to set but should still allow you to press in the candies. While it is still slightly soft, sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Minis evenly over the top so they slightly sink in.
-
Allow the entire dessert to sit for around 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. This helps everything set and makes for cleaner slices.
Notes
Use the cake-style brownie version if using a box mix for a firmer base. A hot knife helps create clean slices. Refrigerate for firmer layers.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 567
- Sugar: 68g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Protein: 7g