Introduction:
Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies are a peanut butter lover’s dream, combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with the crunchy, colorful candy-coated REESE’S PIECES. These brownies offer a delightful contrast of textures—soft and gooey in the center with a crisp, crackly top, and pockets of sweet peanut butter flavor throughout. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or any time you crave a unique twist on the classic brownie, this decadent treat is sure to please both chocolate and peanut butter fans alike.
The History of REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies:
The iconic combination of chocolate and peanut butter has been a favorite in American desserts for decades. REESE’S PIECES, first launched by Hershey in 1978, became a popular candy for their unique peanut butter flavor and candy coating. Brownies, an American classic dating back to the early 1900s, have since seen countless variations. The marriage of these two beloved treats is a relatively modern innovation, combining the fudgy goodness of brownies with the creamy, crunchy excitement of REESE’S PIECES, resulting in a rich, chewy dessert that is hard to resist.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness, creating a fudgy texture.
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and contributes to their chewy texture.
- ¾ cup of light brown sugar: Adds moisture, sweetness, and a subtle caramel flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the brownies.
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup of REESE’S PIECES candy: Adds a crunchy peanut butter flavor and colorful decoration.
- Peanut Butter Swirl:
- ½ cup of creamy peanut butter: Adds a rich, creamy peanut butter flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter swirl.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is thick and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
- Fold in ¾ cup of REESE’S PIECES, reserving ¼ cup for topping.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and combined.
- Assemble the Brownies:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of REESE’S PIECES over the top for added crunch and color.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges should be set, but the center may still appear slightly underbaked; this will result in a chewy texture once cooled.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy the rich, chewy goodness!
Tips for the Perfect Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies:
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: Opt for a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the brownies while baking; they should be just set in the center to ensure a chewy texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- Peanut Butter Consistency: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth swirl; chunky peanut butter may not create the desired texture.
- Customize the Swirl: Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Variations and Customizations:
- Triple Chocolate Brownies: Add ½ cup of white or dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of chocolate flavor.
- Nutty REESE’S Brownies: Fold in ½ cup of chopped peanuts or pecans for additional texture and flavor.
- Salted Peanut Butter Brownies: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top before baking for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Marshmallow Peanut Butter Brownies: Swirl in mini marshmallows along with the peanut butter for a gooey, s’mores-like experience.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies are a decadent dessert that is rich in sugar, fat, and calories. To lighten up the recipe:
- Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
- Substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or coconut sugar.
FAQ:
- Can I make REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness. - How should I store REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. - Can I freeze REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Chewy REESE’S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies
Chewy REESE'S PIECES Peanut Butter Brownies combine fudgy chocolate goodness with a creamy peanut butter swirl and crunchy REESE'S PIECES for the ultimate indulgent treat. Perfect for satisfying both chocolate and peanut butter cravings, these brownies are an irresistible dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup butter melted
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a 11 x 13 metal or glass baking pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift your brownies right out once they are cooled.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the peanut butter, melted butter, white sugar and brown sugar together. Slowly add the eggs, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder.
- Slowly add the flour and baking powder mix to the peanut butter mixture and slowly mix or fold to combine all ingredients. DO NOT OVER MIX! Over mixing will make fluffy cake-like brownies.
- Smooth the batter into the 11 x 13 pan and sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces over the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. They will feel firm on top and moist in the center.
- Allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting them