OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. These rich, fudgy brownies are studded with miniature peanut butter cups, making them a perfect treat for gatherings, celebrations, or just a cozy night in. Their gooey texture and delightful flavor combination will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this decadent dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, you can whip these brownies up without any hassle.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, these brownies are sure to please.
- Decadent Texture – The fudgy consistency paired with the crunchy peanut butter cups offers an amazing contrast in every bite.
- Customizable – Feel free to add your favorite nuts or additional chocolate chips for an extra twist.
Tools and Preparation
Creating OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies requires some essential kitchen tools to ensure success. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Heavy-duty foil or parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Silicone spatula
- Ziplock bag
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan – This size ensures even baking, giving you perfectly shaped brownies.
- Silicone spatula – Ideal for mixing batter thoroughly without scratching your bowls or pans.
- Whisk – A must-have for incorporating air into your mixtures, resulting in lighter brownies.
Ingredients
All American Dream Brownies! Peanut butter cups and thick, fudgy chocolate brownies are definitely worthy!
- This recipe is for a 9×13 pan. Divide recipe in half for 8×8 or 9×9 pan of brownies.
- 3 sticks butter (unsalted)
- 4 1/2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate (I used Ghirardelli, roughly chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups 60% Cacao bittersweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
- 6 large eggs (room temp)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (I used Singing Dog Vanilla)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or a really good gluten-free flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 – 12 oz miniature peanut butter cups (I used ALDI’s Choceur Peanut Butter Cups)
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup white baking chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
- 1 – 12 oz miniature peanut butter cups, rough chopped (I used ALDI’s Choceur Peanut Butter Cups, rough chopped)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 baking pan with heavy-duty foil and lightly grease it with vegetable shortening. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the unsweetened chocolate and bittersweet chocolate chips while stirring constantly with a small whisk until everything is melted and smooth. Once done, turn off the heat and let it sit on the burner.
Step 4: Whisk Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and lightly whisk them until blended together.
Step 5: Combine Sugars
In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Then add this mixture to the eggs and mix until just incorporated.
Step 6: Mix in Chocolate
Add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg-sugar mixture. Stir until just combined.
Step 7: Add Vanilla
Briefly whisk in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
Step 8: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula until fully mixed.
Step 9: Layer Batter with Peanut Butter Cups
Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Push down one bag of peanut butter cups throughout the brownie batter before layering on the remaining batter on top.
Step 10: Sprinkle Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle milk chocolate chips over the top layer of brownie batter.
Step 11: Bake Brownies
Bake in preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 12: Add Toppings
Scatter roughly chopped peanut butter cups on top of warm brownies. Refrigerate them briefly so they can set.
Step 13: Prepare Drizzle
While brownies cool, melt together peanut butter and white chocolate in the microwave for one minute. Stir briskly; if needed, return to microwave in increments of fifteen seconds until fully melted.
Step 14: Drizzle Over Brownies
Transfer melted mixture into a ziplock bag; snip off one corner. Drizzle back and forth across cooled brownies.
Step 15: Serve
Once set, cut into squares and enjoy! These brownies are best served at room temperature.
How to Serve OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Serving your OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies can elevate the experience and impress your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance their enjoyment.
Classic with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the fudgy brownies, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
- Chocolate Ice Cream – For chocolate lovers, serve with a scoop of rich chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Drizzled with Sauce
- Hot Fudge Sauce – Warm hot fudge drizzled over the brownies adds a silky richness that complements the peanut butter cups.
- Caramel Sauce – A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a nice sticky texture to each bite.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream – Light and airy whipped cream on top adds a lovely fluffiness that balances the dense brownie.
- Chocolate Whipped Cream – For an extra chocolatey kick, use chocolate-flavored whipped cream to intensify the brownie experience.
Garnished with Nuts
- Chopped Peanuts – Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and a salty contrast to the sweet brownies.
- Pecans or Walnuts – Toasted pecans or walnuts can provide a great texture and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
How to Perfect OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Perfecting your OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies takes practice and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs – This ensures they mix well into the batter, creating a smoother texture in your brownies.
- Melt Chocolate Slowly – Melting chocolate over low heat prevents it from burning, ensuring a smooth blend with butter.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix only until combined to avoid tough brownies; this keeps them fudgy and soft.
- Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for perfect fudgy brownies.
- Cool Before Cutting – Allowing brownies to cool completely helps them set properly, making cutting easier and cleaner.
Best Side Dishes for OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Pairing side dishes with your OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the rich brownies beautifully.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the brownies and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy contrast that pairs well with chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate brings an appealing texture alongside the sweet brownies.
- Coffee or Espresso – A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the flavors of chocolate while providing a nice caffeine boost.
- Nutty Granola Bars – For those who enjoy lighter snacks, nutty granola bars provide crunch without overwhelming sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies can be a delight, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are mistakes to avoid:
Not using room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can affect the texture of your brownies. Always use eggs at room temperature for better mixing and a fudgier result.
Overmixing the batter: Stirring too much can make your brownies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different, so don’t rely solely on the timer. Check your brownies a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
Using incorrect pan size: The recipe is for a 9×13 pan. Using a smaller pan will lead to thicker brownies that may not bake evenly.
Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into warm brownies can result in a messy texture. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm brownies for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies special?
These brownies combine rich chocolate with gooey peanut butter cups, creating an irresistible treat that satisfies all cravings.
Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix and match with dark chocolate, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips based on your personal preference.
How do I store leftover OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to maintain texture and taste.
Are there variations I can try?
You can add nuts, swap out peanut butter cups for other candy bars, or even drizzle caramel on top for extra richness!
Final Thoughts
OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are not only indulgent but also versatile. You can customize this recipe by adding different candies or adjusting sweetness levels. Give this delightful dessert a try; it’s perfect for gatherings or simply treating yourself!
OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Indulge your sweet tooth with OMG Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These fudgy brownies are loaded with miniature peanut butter cups that create an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy nights in. With their gooey texture and heavenly flavor combination, they’re sure to leave everyone craving more. Impress your friends and family with this decadent dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 sticks unsalted butter
- 4 1/2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 12 ounces miniature peanut butter cups (chopped)
- Additional chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a lined 9×13 baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and chocolates over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs; then mix in sugars and salt until combined.
- Stir in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla.
- Sift together flour and baking powder, then fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the pan; layer with chopped peanut butter cups; top with remaining batter and additional chocolate chips.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: To enhance your brownies, consider adding chopped nuts or drizzling caramel on top for added richness. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend.
