Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that brings together the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies and the nostalgic flavors of s’mores—then these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies are calling your name! Imagine sinking your teeth into a thick brownie layer, topped with gooey marshmallows, sweet peanut butter cups, and a drizzle of melted peanut butter. This treat is perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that is bound to satisfy your sweet tooth!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

– Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic that never disappoints.
– Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip this up in no time.
– Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are great for gatherings and will impress your friends and family.
– Versatile Topping: You can customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredient Rundown

To make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
  • 1-1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Pinch fine salt
• For the Brownie:
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate – chopped
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 4 large cold eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Topping:
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 10 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups – cut in half
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter – melted

Before You Start: Equipment

Make sure you have the following equipment ready:

• 9×13 inch baking pan – to bake the brownies
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Whisk – for blending the brownie batter
• Spatula – for spreading the crust and brownie layers
• Oven – preheat to ensure even baking

Stepwise Method: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, crushed graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of fine salt. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium saucepan, melt the 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the chopped unsweetened chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Sugars

In a large bowl, whisk together the packed light brown sugar and white sugar with the chocolate mixture until well blended. Add the vanilla extract and fine salt, mixing until incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the cold eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the batter is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense brownies.

Step 6: Assemble the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter over the graham cracker crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Add the Toppings

Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately top them with mini marshmallows and halved peanut butter cups. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and golden.

Step 9: Drizzle with Peanut Butter

Once out of the oven, drizzle the melted peanut butter over the top of the brownies. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

You can enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies throughout the year with these fun variations:

• Spring: Add fresh berries on top for a fruity twist.
• Summer: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
• Fall: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Winter: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an extra layer of richness.

What Could Go Wrong

Even the best bakers can face challenges. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your brownies; they should be fudgy and not dry.
• Uneven Baking: Make sure your oven is preheated properly and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Too Much Mixing: Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to a tough texture.
• Burnt Toppings: Keep an eye on the marshmallows; they can go from toasted to burnt quickly.

Save It for Later

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely), here’s how to store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Handy Q&A

Can I substitute the unsweetened chocolate?

Yes, you can use cocoa powder as a substitute, but it will alter the texture slightly. Use about 1/3 cup of cocoa powder combined with 1 tablespoon of oil or melted butter for every ounce of unsweetened chocolate.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?

Ground digestive biscuits or crushed cookies can be a great alternative if you don’t have graham crackers on hand.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.

What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?

You can use regular-sized peanut butter cups, just cut them into quarters for similar coverage, or even use chocolate chips for a different texture.

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Serve & Enjoy

Now that you’ve mastered the art of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies, it’s time to treat yourself and share with loved ones. These brownies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and the nostalgic taste of s’mores. Grab a plate, a glass of milk, and dig in—your taste buds will thank you!