Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies + Video
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These frosted brownies are loaded with Reese’s cups and fluffy peanut butter fudge frosting. Make this fudgy brownie recipe for a pb lover!
Recipes like Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies
Chocolate and peanut butter together are simply irresistible, and nobody does it better than Reese’s.
As you can see, I love making all kinds of desserts with these flavors. The secret to this particular recipe is a layer of creamy peanut butter fudge frosting.
For something easy and quick, try my Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge. You only need 4 ingredients, and it comes together in just 10 minutes!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie has a special ingredient in the crust that will blow your mind. This no-bake recipe is perfect for summer or any time of year.
Or, go all out with my Extreme Chocolate Reese’s Cake. It’s the same as this recipe, but scaled up and decorated in the form of a cake!
How To Make Frosted Brownies
These are a lot easier to make than they look!
Start with a layer of homemade brownies topped with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Then, whip up the fluffy fudge frosting and spread that over the cooled dessert. Finish up with more candy and a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Line Your Pan: Using a layer of parchment paper not only prevents sticking, but you can lift the treats right out of the pan for easier slicing.
- Use Quality Cocoa: Not all cocoa powders are alike and each will create a different chocolate flavor. Regular unsweetened is the most commonly used, but Dutch-processed is great for balancing all of the sweetness with a more bitter flavor.
- Cut Some Corners: If you’d like, you can easily use your favorite boxed brownie mix instead. Just follow the directions on the box, then top with the chopped Reese’s and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What You Will Need For Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies
- 9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! The 9×13 is perfect for casseroles and the smaller size is awesome for making half a casserole recipe.
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl with hand mixer for whipping up the frosting.
- Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them. With 3 sizes there is a whisk for every job!
- Offset Spatula – This spatula has so many uses and is perfect for smoothing the peanut butter fudge flavored frosting on top of the brownies.
FAQ – Common Recipe Questions
Do frosted brownies need to be refrigerated?
While they should be fine at room temperature for a few days, they should be kept covered in the refrigerator if you need to store them longer.
Cut slices as you need them to keep them from drying out.
These also freeze really well. Be sure to wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe storage bag. Store for up to 6 months and defrost for 30 minutes before eating.
Is there a way to make these nut-free?
Sure! Replace the peanut butter cups with 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and omit the frosting. They won’t be as rich, but you’ll still end up with deliciously fudgy brownies.
Can I use hot fudge instead of melted chocolate chips?
I don’t see why not, but make sure the temperature isn’t too hot or it may melt the layer of frosting.
Enjoy!
With love from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Fudgy Brownie Recipe Video
To see us make the recipe from start to finish, watch the video at the top of this post.
Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies + Video
Ingredients
Brownie
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, 1 12-ounce bag, cut into quarters (divided)
Peanut Butter Fudge Frosting
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 15 ounce jar natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces milk chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, set aside.
- Place butter in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt completely. Add sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and eggs. Whisk to combine well. Add remaining ingredients. Whisk until completely combined, but do not over mix.
- Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 10-15 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups cut into quarters over batter, press into the batter with a spatula until they are covered. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Place in the freezer to cool, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile: Combine cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add sugar. Beat on low until combined, then switch to medium speed and beat until light and creamy. Add peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Beat mixture until well combined.
- Spread frosting over top of the cooled brownie. Sprinkle remaining peanut butter cups over the top of the frosting.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of brownies. Serve and enjoy.
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published June 2013, updated and republished November 2020
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Am I an evil person for wanting to put a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream on that? I promise I'll do 100 extra crunches tomorrow 😉
There are no words Donna! I need these for my next birthday. I could skip dessert for months if I knew this was coming to the table! The photos are amazing too!
Oh My Heavens! That seriously looks so good! Hope you are both doing well! Miss you! – Kristen
Oh, I love this and would love to have you figure out the dip at The Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant. They will not let me know as it is a secret. But it has cilantro, butter, fajita seasoning in it. It is called Mexican Fajita Dip. Thanking you in advance.
Nice
Making this right now for family dinner tomorrow!! Can’t wait
We just had this for dessert. It was declared the BEST EVER and is the request for all future birthdays dinners. I couldn't bring myself to pour yet more chocolate over the top, though!
Is there a reason why the brownies need to go in the freezer before frosting them? Could I just let them cool naturally on a cooling rack and then frost them? We have no room in our freezer.
Can I use regular peanut butter instead of natural peanut butter? I think I will make my blondie brownies instead of the chocolate one. Instead of the Reese’s cups, I will use the peanut butter ones.
Absolutely, Sheron!
TSRI Team member,
Becca
This is my go to recipe for easy and delicious brownies with or without the frosting! They are delicious either way. My family loves bite size brownies so I make them often in a mini muffin pan and they do not last long at all!