Description
Dense, chewy brownie bars studded with peanut butter cups and topped with a salted caramel drizzle. This easy 15-minute prep dessert is travel-proof, perfect for tailgating, and tastes like a homemade candy bar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups (about 12–15 small cups) mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 cup (chopped) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, for topping
- 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals. Let cool slightly.
- Whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract vigorously until the mixture is glossy and slightly pale.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups using a spatula until distributed.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Press the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the top of the batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are set and pulling away from the pan, but the center still looks slightly underbaked.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30-60 minutes.
- While brownies cool, microwave chocolate chips and heavy cream in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cooled brownies and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Use the parchment sling to lift brownies out of the pan and cut into 16 squares.
Notes
Do not overbake; the center should remain soft as it firms up while cooling. Room temperature eggs prevent the butter from seizing. For best texture, let brownies cool completely before slicing. They taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: brownies, peanut butter, tailgate, dessert, easy baking, game day, chocolate, caramel drizzle, make-ahead