These peanut butter stuffed brownies are rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey, with a hidden layer of creamy peanut butter cups baked right into the center. Finished with a smooth chocolate topping and extra peanut butter cups, they deliver a bakery-style dessert that feels indulgent yet easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies strike the perfect balance between deep chocolate flavor and creamy peanut butter. The texture is moist and dense without being heavy, and every slice reveals a surprise layer that makes them visually impressive and incredibly satisfying. They are simple enough for casual baking but special enough for gatherings, celebrations, or gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brownie Batter
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/3 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Filling
1 bag peanut butter cups, unwrapped
Topping
1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate
1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted unsweetened chocolate and canola oil, stirring until smooth. Add the eggs and sugar, mixing until the batter is glossy and well blended.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Arrange the unwrapped peanut butter cups in a single layer over the batter, pressing them gently into place.
Carefully spread the remaining brownie batter over the peanut butter cups, covering them completely.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot surface. Cover the pan loosely with foil and let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt.
Remove the foil and spread the melted chocolate into a smooth layer. Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups over the top. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 brownies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: approximately 373 kcal per serving
Variations
For extra richness, substitute half of the canola oil with melted butter. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor. If you prefer more peanut butter presence, add a thin drizzle of warmed peanut butter over the melted chocolate topping before sprinkling the chopped cups.
Storage/Reheating
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a warm, just-baked texture, microwave individual brownies for 10 to 15 seconds before serving.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of peanut butter cups?
Natural peanut butter will not hold its shape the same way. Peanut butter cups are recommended for the layered effect and texture.
Do these brownies turn out fudgy or cakey?
They are distinctly fudgy with a dense, moist crumb.
Can I freeze peanut butter stuffed brownies?
Yes, once fully cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
What size pan works best for this recipe?
An 8-inch square pan gives the best thickness and layering.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and moisture.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, milk chocolate works well and creates a sweeter topping.
Why should the brownies cool completely before cutting?
Cooling allows the layers to set, giving clean slices and better structure.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day as the flavors settle.
Are these suitable for parties or bake sales?
Absolutely, they are sturdy, visually appealing, and very popular with chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Conclusion
Peanut butter stuffed brownies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves bold chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe delivers impressive results every time, making it a reliable favorite for both everyday baking and special occasions.
Rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy peanut butter cup center, topped with melted chocolate and chopped peanut butter cups. These indulgent treats are easy to make and perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/3 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 bag peanut butter cups, unwrapped
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix melted chocolate and canola oil until smooth. Add eggs and sugar, stirring until glossy.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Spread half the batter in the pan. Layer unwrapped peanut butter cups evenly over the batter.
Spread the remaining batter on top, covering the cups completely.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot brownies, cover loosely with foil, and let sit for 10 minutes.
Spread melted chocolate evenly. Top with chopped peanut butter cups.
Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Substitute half the oil with butter for extra richness.
Add a drizzle of peanut butter over the topping for more flavor.
Let brownies cool fully before slicing for clean layers.
