Irresistible Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting
If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines deep chocolate indulgence with the creamy, nutty delight of peanut butter, the Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting is your ultimate go-to. This rich, fudgy dessert invites you to dive into layers of gooey brownie packed with luscious Reese’s and topped with a dreamy peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this decadent combination will quickly become a favorite you crave again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Chocolate-Peanut Butter Combo: The Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting perfectly marries two beloved flavors for an irresistible dessert experience.
- Rich and Fudgy Texture: These brownies deliver a dense, moist bite that’s neither cakey nor dry, offering brownie perfection every time.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or pantry staples without any fuss.
- Impressively Simple to Make: Despite its luxurious look and flavor, the recipe uses straightforward steps and common ingredients that anyone can handle.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, parties, or gifting, this dessert always wins hearts and brings smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting isn’t complicated—each ingredient plays a key role in developing flavor, moisture, and that perfect texture you’ll adore. Let’s break down the essentials that come together to craft this showstopper dessert.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides the deep chocolate flavor and rich color that make the brownies stand out.
- Butter: Adds tenderness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the brownie base, crucial for fudgy texture.
- Sugar: Balances the bitterness of the cocoa and creates that soft crust on top.
- Eggs: Act as a binder and help achieve the perfect chewy consistency.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure without making the brownies tough or cakey.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The star ingredient that adds bursts of peanut butter and chocolate within the brownie.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Used to create that dreamy, smooth peanut butter frosting that finishes the dessert.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly without graininess.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Lightens and balances the frosting’s richness for easy spreading.
Variations for Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting
This recipe is super versatile—feel free to switch things up to match your taste or dietary needs. Customizing it is quick and simple, encouraging you to make this treat your very own masterpiece.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter cups with allergy-friendly chocolate or caramel-filled candies for a similar treat without nuts.
- Dark Chocolate Boost: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate pieces inside for an intense, less sweet flavor profile.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and vegan Reese’s alternatives for a fully plant-based delight.
- Smooth Peanut Butter Frosting: Add a pinch of salt or swap creamy peanut butter with natural, no-sugar-added peanut butter for a more savory finish.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in chopped peanuts or Reese’s pieces on top for additional texture and an eye-catching finish.
How to Make Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and sugar while the butter is still warm to create a luscious chocolate mixture. Let it cool slightly before whisking in the eggs and vanilla extract for that smooth, glossy finish. Gradually fold in the flour until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
Step 2: Layer the Reese’s Cups
Pour half of your brownie batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange whole or halved Reese’s peanut butter cups across the batter to create gooey pockets of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite. Pour the remaining batter over the top, carefully covering the candies without mixing them in.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted near the center—when it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your brownies are perfectly fudgy and ready to cool.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened peanut butter and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of heavy cream or milk, whipping until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more liquid or sugar as needed.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the peanut butter frosting generously over the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed Reese’s cups or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting to amp up the presentation.
Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures the batter and frosting mix evenly and avoid lumps.
- Don’t Overbake the Brownies: Pull them out when a toothpick shows moist crumbs for perfect fudginess.
- Chill the Frosting: Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes if it’s too soft to spread smoothly.
- Choose Quality Reese’s: Opt for traditional peanut butter cups for the best melt and flavor contrast inside the brownies.
- Let Brownies Cool Completely: This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, creating a neat finish.
How to Serve Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting
Garnishes
Top with chopped Reese’s cups, roasted peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the nutty sweetness and add a delightful crunch to the creamy frosting.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich flavors and add a cool contrast to the warm brownie.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into squares and layer brownies with frosting into a parfait glass for a stunning dessert presentation, or create brownie pops by inserting sticks and dipping them in melted chocolate and crushed peanuts for a fun party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to preserve freshness and soft texture.
Freezing
Wrap the cut brownies tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive the gooey texture, but avoid heating the frosting to maintain its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the frosting?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your frosting, giving it a delightful nutty crunch alongside the smooth, rich flavor.
What if I don’t have Reese’s peanut butter cups?
Feel free to substitute with any peanut butter-filled chocolate candies or even chopped chocolate bars combined with a spoonful of peanut butter for a similar effect.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, a plant-based milk for the frosting, and find vegan-friendly peanut butter cups or omit them, focusing on the frosting’s flavor.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
How long does it take to prepare this dessert?
The active prep time is around 20 minutes, with an additional 25-30 minutes for baking and time to cool before frosting, making it a quick yet impressive treat.
Final Thoughts
The Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting recipe is a celebration of flavor and texture that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. It invites you to indulge in decadent chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the nostalgic taste of Reese’s in every bite. Whip up a batch and watch how quickly it becomes the dessert everyone asks for again and again—trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
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Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting
The Reese’s Stuffed Brownie and Peanut Butter Frosting is a decadent dessert that perfectly combines rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with gooey Reese’s peanut butter cups inside and a smooth, creamy peanut butter frosting on top. Ideal for special occasions or indulgent everyday treats, this dessert offers a perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavors with a luscious texture that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup (115g) Butter
- 3/4 cup (75g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup (125g) All-Purpose Flour
Filling
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (whole or halved)
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup (115g) Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (125g) Creamy Peanut Butter
- 2 cups (240g) Powdered Sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons Heavy Cream or Milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat. While warm, stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar until fully combined. Let the mixture cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter becomes smooth and glossy. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated to keep the brownies tender.
- Layer the Reese’s Cups: Pour half of the brownie batter into a well-greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange whole or halved Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the batter to ensure every bite has gooey pockets of peanut butter and chocolate. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the Reese’s cups, spreading gently to cover them without mixing.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Peanut Butter Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time, whipping the frosting until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Adjust the consistency with additional liquid or powdered sugar as needed.
- Frost and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, generously spread the peanut butter frosting on top. For an extra special touch, sprinkle crushed Reese’s cups or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and frosting without lumps.
- Don’t overbake the brownies; remove when the toothpick shows moist crumbs for the perfect fudgy texture.
- If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before spreading.
- Use quality Reese’s peanut butter cups for the best flavor contrast inside the brownies.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: brownies, Reese's, peanut butter, dessert, chocolate, fudge, peanut butter frosting