Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies (Fudgy, Loaded & Irresistible)
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These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone obsessed with peanut butter and chocolate. You get a pan of rich, fudgy brownies, a thick layer of creamy peanut butter buttercream, and a full explosion of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top. Every bite is salty‑sweet, decadent, and loaded with peanut‑buttery goodness — the kind of party treats that disappear the second they hit the table. If you love peanut butter cup brownies, Reese’s brownies, or anything peanut butter frosted, this recipe delivers pure dessert bliss.
If you’re all about that PB & C life, you may want to dive into these Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Chocolate Cookies next — they’re another over‑the‑top peanut butter and chocolate dream. And if you’re in the mood for even more party‑ready fun, check out these Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Cookies, Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies and these White Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars! Each one is packed with chocolatey goodness, peanut butter treats, and festive dessert ideas that keep the celebration going long after these brownies disappear.
What You’ll Love About These Brownies
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies are everything PB‑and‑chocolate lovers crave — fudgy, creamy, and loaded with peanut butter cups. They’re easy, crowd‑pleasing party treats that disappear fast.
- Fudgy boxed‑mix brownie base
- Thick, creamy peanut butter frosting
- Tons of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top
- Quick to make and perfect for parties
- A must‑bake for peanut butter & chocolate fans
Why This Recipe Works
- Reliable texture every time — boxed brownie mix ensures consistent fudginess without guesswork.
- Stable peanut butter frosting — using classic creamy PB (not natural) creates a smooth, pipeable buttercream that holds up beautifully.
- Clean peanut butter cup chunks — freezing the cups first prevents melting and gives you perfect “explosion” pieces.
- Balanced sweetness — the salty PB + fudgy chocolate combo keeps the brownies rich but not overly sweet.
- High success rate — minimal steps, simple ingredients, and no special equipment make this recipe nearly foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies:
- Brownie mix for a 9×9 pan (milk chocolate or fudgy)
- Ingredients listed on the box (eggs, oil, water)
- Unsalted butter — room temperature
- Creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy works best)
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Milk of choice
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or chopped full‑size cups
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies come together in three easy steps — bake, frost, and load them up with peanut butter cups.
1. Bake the Brownies
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions.
- Bake in a 9×9 pan until fudgy and set.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Buttercream
- Beat butter + creamy peanut butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla + salt, then mix in the confectioners’ sugar.
- Add milk, a little at a time, until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
3. Assemble
- Spread the peanut butter frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Top with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or chopped full‑size cups.
- Slice and enjoy the peanut‑butter‑chocolate explosion.
Expert Tips
- Freeze the peanut butter cups for 10–15 minutes before chopping — they slice cleaner and don’t smear.
- Slightly underbake the brownies for the best fudgy texture.
- Cool completely before frosting so the peanut butter buttercream stays smooth and fluffy.
- Use Jif or Skippy for the frosting — natural peanut butter can make it oily or too soft.
- Chill before slicing if you want clean, bakery‑style squares.
- Add extra peanut butter cups right before serving for maximum “explosion” effect.
Variations
- Double Chocolate Explosion – drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting before adding the peanut butter cups.
- Extra‑Peanut‑Buttery – swirl warmed peanut butter over the top for a bakery‑style finish.
- Salted PB Cup Brownies – sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet‑salty pop.
- Crunchy Version – add chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips to the frosting.
- Full‑Size PB Cup Layer – press whole Reese’s cups into the warm brownies before frosting.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies
- Serve chilled for clean, sharp brownie squares.
- Serve room temp for the softest, creamiest frosting.
- Add extra chopped peanut butter cups right before serving for maximum “explosion” effect.
- Perfect for parties, bake sales, Halloween trays, or PB‑and‑chocolate dessert boards.
Storage for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies
- Room Temperature: 2–3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days — frosting stays firm and creamy.
- Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge or enjoy slightly frozen.
Best Peanut Butter Cups to Use
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – easiest to sprinkle and create the “explosion” look.
- Full‑Size Reese’s Cups – chop into chunks for dramatic texture.
- Reese’s Thins – slice into strips for a layered, pretty topping.
- Seasonal Shapes (Pumpkins, Trees, Hearts) – chop for extra peanut‑butter‑to‑chocolate ratio.
- Store‑Brand PB Cups – totally fine; freeze before chopping for cleaner cuts.
FAQs for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies
Can I use a homemade brownie recipe instead of boxed mix?
Yes — any fudgy brownie recipe works. Just bake in a 9×9 pan and let the brownies cool completely before adding the peanut butter frosting and peanut butter cups.
Can I use natural peanut butter in the frosting?
It’s not recommended. Natural peanut butter can make the frosting oily or too soft. Jif or Skippy gives the best creamy, stable peanut butter buttercream.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. These peanut butter and chocolate brownies actually taste even better the next day once the frosting sets and the flavors meld.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — bake in a 9×13 pan and increase the frosting and peanut butter cups as needed. They’re perfect for parties, bake sales, and big gatherings.
Do I have to frost them?
Technically no, but the peanut butter buttercream is what makes these “explosion brownies.” It adds that dreamy peanut‑buttery layer everyone loves.
Why freeze the peanut butter cups before chopping?
Freezing helps them slice cleanly without smearing or melting. You get chunkier, prettier pieces on top of your brownies.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes — it adds great texture to the frosting and makes the brownies even more peanut‑buttery.
What kind of peanut butter cups work best?
Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are easiest to sprinkle and create the “explosion” look. Full‑size cups, Reese’s Thins, and seasonal shapes also work — just chop them after freezing.
If you’re loving Reese’s desserts, you’ll definitely want to try this Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie, these Reese’s Pieces Cookies, Reese’s Cream Cheese Cookie Bars, 16 Reese’s Pieces Candy Desserts, and these Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They’re all packed with that irresistible peanut‑butter‑and‑chocolate combo we can never get enough of.
We can all agree that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are one of the most classic chocolate and peanut butter brownies out there. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and always satisfy both chocoholics and peanut butter lovers.
And if you’re like me and can’t resist PB & C, don’t miss The Peanut Butter & Chocolate Desserts I Make On Repeat (And Can’t Stop Eating!) — it’s a roundup of my most‑made, most‑loved, totally addictive peanut butter and chocolate recipes.
Want more quick ideas and dessert inspo? Follow on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook for recipe updates, baking tips, and lots of sweet inspiration.
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- Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Blast Cookies {Soft-Batch Style}
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Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Mix of choice for 9x9 pan
- 1 Box Milk or Fudgy Chocolate Brownies baked in a 9x9 pan and ready to frost
Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter like Jif
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 Tablespoons milk of choice
- 1-2 cups mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or roughly chop if using larger pb cups
Instructions
Brownie Mix of choice for 9x9 pan
- Make brownies in a 9x9 pan with ingredients called out and bake as instructed. Let cool and get ready to frost!
Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
- Using a mixer, cream the butter and peanut butter together for 1-2 minutes.
- Add vanilla and salt and beat and then add in powdered sugar and beat well.
- Add in milk and beat.
- Frost brownies.
- Add mini or chopped up Reese's PB cups to the top! Enjoy!
