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To make Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped These ingredients come together to create rich, fudgy brownies with an amazing peanut butter flavor. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in your brownies. Fresh eggs help create a light texture. Good peanut butter adds flavor and creaminess. I recommend using natural peanut butter. It has no added sugars or oils. This choice enhances the taste and texture of your brownies. Also, use high-quality cocoa powder. It gives a deep chocolate flavor. Granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness and moisture. Each ingredient plays a key role in the final product. If you need substitutions, here are some options: - Peanut Butter: You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. - Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil can replace butter. It adds a nice flavor too. - Granulated Sugar: Try coconut sugar or honey for a healthier choice. - All-Purpose Flour: For gluten-free brownies, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. These substitutions allow you to customize your brownies while keeping them delicious! 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Take a 9x13 inch baking dish. Grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This makes removal easier later. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Mix them until they are smooth and fully combined. 4. Next, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Whisk these together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. 5. Now, add 4 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. For the last egg, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds great flavor. 6. In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This helps to remove any lumps. 1. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Don’t overmix; this keeps your brownies soft. 2. Fold in 1 cup of chopped mini peanut butter cups. Make sure they are evenly mixed in the batter. 3. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. 1. Once baked, take the brownies out and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. Leave them for at least 10-15 minutes. 2. After cooling, slice the brownies into squares. For a fun twist, serve them warm with vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle some melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed peanuts for added crunch. Enjoy your creation! Baking can be tricky! Here are some mistakes to watch for: - Not measuring ingredients: Always measure your ingredients. Use the right tools like measuring cups and spoons. - Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing makes brownies tough. - Skipping the cooling time: Let brownies cool before cutting. This helps them set and keeps them from falling apart. For that perfect brownie texture, follow these tips: - Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temp. This helps them mix well. - Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the time. Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. - Add mini peanut butter cups: They melt into the brownies, adding a soft texture and extra flavor. You can make these brownies even better with a few simple tricks: - Use high-quality cocoa powder: Choose a rich cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste. - Add a pinch of espresso powder: This enhances the chocolate flavor without making them taste like coffee. - Top with sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness. {{image_2}} You can switch creamy peanut butter for other nut butters. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well. Each nut butter brings its own flavor. Almond butter adds a nice, mild taste. Cashew butter is creamy and sweet. Sunflower seed butter is great for nut-free diets. Just use the same amount as the peanut butter. Add more fun to your brownies with mix-ins. You can use chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Try adding a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt and create pockets of gooey chocolate. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and a rich flavor. If you like fruity notes, add dried cherries or cranberries. Mix them in after you fold in the peanut butter cups. If you need gluten-free brownies, make simple swaps. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. Many brands blend rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. This keeps your brownies soft and chewy. Always check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy these brownies without worry. To keep your peanut butter cup brownies fresh, use an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. You can layer the brownies with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want to store them longer, wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This extra step keeps them moist and tasty. You can freeze these brownies if you have extras. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. When stored at room temperature, peanut butter cup brownies last about 3 to 5 days. If kept in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before you dive in. If they start to smell off or look strange, it's best to toss them. Enjoying them fresh is always the best option! Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Each type gives a unique flavor. Dark chocolate adds richness, while milk chocolate makes it sweeter. Just remember to adjust the sugar if you swap chocolates. I recommend serving brownies warm. This makes them soft and gooey. If you prefer, you can let them cool completely, but warm brownies taste amazing with ice cream. Just wait 10-15 minutes after baking before cutting. To make these brownies extra special, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top. Just melt chocolate with cream and pour it over the cooled brownies. You can also add extra mini peanut butter cups into the batter for more flavor. Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet and salty treat! This blog post covered many key aspects of baking brownies. We explored ingredient quality, helpful substitutions, and step-by-step instructions for perfect results. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and ways to enhance flavors. You can also try various nut butters and add-ins for fun twists. Finally, proper storage helps keep your brownies fresh longer. Remember, great brownies come from quality ingredients and care in the process. Enjoy your baking journey!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Peanut Butter Cup Brownies! These fudgy delights are made with creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa, and loaded with mini peanut butter cups. Perfect for any occasion, they’re simple to make and will impress your friends and family. Ready in just 45 minutes, you’ll want to dive into this scrumptious recipe today. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and creamy peanut butter. Stir until well blended.

      Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mixture. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

        Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the vanilla extract with the last egg, mixing well after each addition.

          In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

            Gently fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the brownie batter.

              Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

                  Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 12-16

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, drizzled with melted chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peanuts for an extra crunch.