Indulging in something rich and chocolatey is always a good idea, especially when it combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and Reese’s Pieces. These Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies deliver a perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and creamy peanut butter with a crunchy, colorful twist. Whether I’m baking for a family gathering or a casual snack, these brownies never fail to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together classic brownie richness with the playful crunch and sweetness of Reese’s Pieces. The peanut butter swirl adds a creamy texture that complements the deep cocoa flavor beautifully. It’s a simple recipe but yields brownies that feel special—perfect for sharing or treating myself on a cozy day.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup Reese’s Pieces
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions:
Prepare the Brownie Batter:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, I mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Then, I add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients:
I sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently stir them into the wet mixture just until combined. I’m careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
Fold in Reese’s Pieces and Layer Batter:
I fold 3/4 cup of Reese’s Pieces into the batter, spreading it evenly. I pour half the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out to cover the bottom.
Add Peanut Butter Swirl:
I melt the peanut butter in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until soft enough to drizzle. Then I drizzle it over the brownie layer and use a spatula or knife to swirl it slightly.
Finish and Bake:
I pour the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly. Then, I sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Reese’s Pieces on top for extra color and crunch. I bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve:
After baking, I let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. These brownies are perfect on their own or with a glass of milk or vanilla ice cream.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 24 brownies. The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and the baking time is around 30 minutes, making it an easy treat to whip up for any occasion.
Variations
I like to experiment by swapping the creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter if I want extra texture. Sometimes, I add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for even more indulgence. For a twist, using peanut butter cups instead of Reese’s Pieces gives a gooey surprise inside. If I want a slightly lighter version, I’ll reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup without sacrificing too much sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they rarely last that long! For longer storage, I freeze them for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature before serving. If I want to warm them up, I heat individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Related Recipes:
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Pie
- REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUPCAKES
FAQs:
Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?
I recommend using creamy peanut butter for the best swirl texture. Peanut butter powder doesn’t melt the same way, so it won’t create that luscious drizzle.
What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces?
You can substitute with M&M’s, chopped peanut butter cups, or even plain chocolate chips for a similar effect.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
I insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking can make brownies dry.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking, keeping the same measurements.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely. Just use a larger baking pan or two pans, and adjust the baking time slightly. Check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Conclusion:
These Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies are one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the candy crunch creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing—or savoring solo. I’m sure once I try these, they’ll become a staple in my baking rotation.
📖 Recipe:
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Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and fudgy brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter and studded with crunchy, colorful Reese’s Pieces for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup Reese’s Pieces (divided: 3/4 cup for batter, 1/4 cup for topping)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mix until incorporated.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently stir into wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold 3/4 cup Reese’s Pieces into the batter evenly.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.
- Melt peanut butter in microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft. Drizzle over brownie layer and swirl gently with a spatula or knife.
- Pour remaining batter over peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Reese’s Pieces on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
Use creamy peanut butter for best swirl texture; peanut butter powder is not recommended.
Substitute Reese’s Pieces with M&M’s, chopped peanut butter cups, or chocolate chips if needed.
To make gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the same amount.
Try crunchy peanut butter or add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for variation.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat individual brownies in microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx.)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
