Peanut Butter Brownie Cups
Peanut Butter Brownie Cups are the perfect combination of indulgence and comfort. There’s something exceptionally delightful about how rich, fudgy brownie mingles with the creamy, smooth essence of peanut butter. This dessert is not only a feast for the senses but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for a family treat, a special gathering, or that quiet moment when you simply need something delicious. This step-by-step recipe will have you creating these luscious bites in no time, ensuring that your kitchen is filled with warm, inviting aromas that beckon everyone to the dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about Peanut Butter Brownie Cups is how simple and quick they are to make. With minimal ingredients, the preparation becomes a breezy experience for even novice bakers. These brownie cups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter makes them irresistible. Furthermore, they bake in muffin tins, allowing for easy portioning and serving. Once you discover this recipe, it will likely become a go-to for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Rich and creamy, this will form the base of your brownie mixture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and that delightful chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds moistness and depth with its molasses undertones.
- 2 large eggs – These bind the ingredients, giving the brownie cups structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Lends a sweet, aromatic quality that enhances the chocolate.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Provides a sturdy base without overwhelming the fudginess.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder – Rich, aromatic cocoa gives the brownies their intense chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – Smooth and rich, this is the star ingredient that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the peanut butter mixture while ensuring a smooth spreadable texture.
- 1 tablespoon milk – Helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the peanut butter topping.
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping) – Melty chocolate goodness that rounds out the flavor of the brownie cups.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your ingredients. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease the cups.
Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until it’s completely liquid.
Mix Sugars: Stir in the granulated and brown sugars thoroughly until well combined, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is silken and glossy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt, ensuring they are well mixed.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the brownie batter evenly into the muffin tins, filling them about 3/4 of the way full.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix until smooth and spreadable, creating a heavenly topping for your brownie cups.
Top Brownie Cups: Once the brownie cups are mostly cooled, spread the peanut butter mixture generously on top of each one.
Add Chocolate Chips: Press additional chocolate chips into the soft peanut butter topping while it’s still warm.
Let Set: Allow the brownie cups to set at room temperature, or for a faster cool, refrigerate briefly.
Serve: Enjoy these delightful treats warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
Tips & Tricks
- For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor even further.
- Feel free to substitute the creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- These brownie cups can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Peanut Butter Brownie Cups are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also shine alongside a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. Use them as a centerpiece for a dessert table or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
Nutritional Information
Each Peanut Butter Brownie Cup contains approximately 180 calories. They offer a delightful mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, making them a well-rounded treat in moderation. While they are not low in sugar or fat, these brownie cups can satisfy your sweet cravings, making them worth every bite. Just remember to balance your treats with wholesome meals throughout the day!
Storing Tips & Variations
To store these Peanut Butter Brownie Cups, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw and warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
For variations, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top in place of the chocolate chips for an extra layer of decadence. You could also incorporate nuts, such as chopped peanuts or almonds, into the brownie batter for added crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Brownie Cups are a delightful dessert that offers the perfect blend of flavors and textures. They are simple to make, satisfying to eat, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and to share your experiences. Whether you’re baking with family or treating yourself to a sweet moment, these brownie cups are sure to become a cherished favorite.
FAQs
1. Can I make these brownie cups gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
2. How can I keep my brownie cups from sticking to the muffin tin?
Make sure to use muffin liners or grease the tin well with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3. What if I don’t have enough chocolate chips for topping?
You can skip the chocolate chips on top or substitute them with chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
4. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly since it may be less sweet and creamy.
5. How do I know when my brownie cups are done baking?
They are done when the tops look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are fudgy but not raw.
Peanut Butter Brownie Cups
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and fudgy brownie cups topped with creamy peanut butter, perfect for any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in the granulated and brown sugars until well combined.
- Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until combined.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, filling about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until tops are set; cool for 10 minutes.
- Mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture on top of each brownie cup.
- Press additional chocolate chips into the topping and let set.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
