Homemade Reese's Brownie Cups

Name: Homemade Reese's Brownie Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups of sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 cup of all-purpose flour; 1 cup of cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; 1 cup of creamy peanut butter; 1 cup of powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss

I absolutely love making these Homemade Reese's Brownie Cups, especially for gatherings. The blend of rich chocolate brownies topped with creamy peanut butter is simply irresistible. Every time I take a bite, the gooey brownie and the smooth peanut butter filling create a perfect harmony of flavors. It's a delightful treat that doesn’t just satisfy my sweet tooth but also brings everyone together for a fun dessert experience. I can’t wait to share the joy of making these with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-07T21:57:28.028Z

Creating these Homemade Reese's Brownie Cups was an experiment in flavor balance. I wanted something that not only showcased rich chocolate but also highlighted the beloved taste of peanut butter. By using quality cocoa and creamy peanut butter, I discovered a delightful contrast that keeps everyone guessing about the secret ingredients. This treat has been a hit at every event!

During my first attempt, I learned the importance of letting the brownies cool completely before adding the peanut butter layer. This simple step ensures that the fillings don’t melt away into the brownies, creating a beautiful layered effect. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor combined with creamy peanut butter
Fun to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family
Irresistible texture that combines chewy brownies with smooth filling

      

Mastering the Brownie Base

When making the brownie base, it’s essential to ensure that your melted butter isn’t too hot, as this can cook the eggs when combined. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the sugar. Mixing the sugar fully with the butter until smooth is critical, as it helps incorporate air for a light texture. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, taking time to mix well after each addition to ensure each egg is fully integrated, which contributes to the brownie’s structure.

Sifting the dry ingredients together—such as flour, cocoa powder, and salt—creates a uniform mixture that prevents lumps in your brownie batter. This step is often overlooked but is vital for achieving that smooth, fudgy texture. When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can lead to denser brownies. Just mix until no flour streaks remain to keep them chewy and delicious.

Peanut Butter Layer Perfection

For the peanut butter layer, you can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter, but creamy will yield a smoother finish. Ensure that your peanut butter is at room temperature to mix easily with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If you find the mixture too thick, a tablespoon of milk can help loosen it for a better spreadability. This layer is the essence of your brownie cups, providing that heavenly contrast to the rich chocolaty base.

After spreading the peanut butter on the brownies, make sure it’s even and reaches the edges of each cup. This helps seal in moisture and prevents the chocolate topping from separating later. Allow the peanut butter layer to set in the fridge for a short time before pouring the chocolate topping to ensure it adheres well without mixing into the peanut butter.

Chocolate Topping Tips

When melting the chocolate chips for the topping, using a microwave-safe bowl can make the process easier. Microwave in short bursts of 20 seconds to prevent burning, stirring well between each. The addition of vegetable oil not only helps achieve a glossy finish but also makes the chocolate pourable, resulting in a beautiful layer on top. If the chocolate becomes too thick, a touch more oil can help you achieve the right consistency.

Once the chocolate is poured over the peanut butter layer, spread it gently with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for an even surface. Place the brownie cups in the refrigerator to set; typically, 30 minutes is sufficient. If you’re short on time, a freezer can accelerate the setting process, but be cautious not to freeze them for too long to maintain their texture.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious Reese's Brownie Cups!

For the Brownie Base

1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
2 cups of sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Layer

1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For Topping

1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

You are now ready to get started!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious brownie cups!

Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix well until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gradually fold it into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the brownie batter into a lined muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Allow the brownies to cool completely.

Make the Peanut Butter Layer

In a medium bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the brownies have cooled, generously spread a layer of the peanut butter mixture on top of each brownie.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping

Melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly.

Set and Serve

Place the brownie cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate topping to set. Once set, enjoy your delicious Homemade Reese's Brownie Cups!

Enjoy your sweet treats with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra indulgent experience, top your brownie cups with chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These Homemade Reese's Brownie Cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they can last about a week. If you prefer to make them ahead of time, consider preparing the brownie base and peanut butter layer, then topping with chocolate just before serving. This way, they retain their optimum texture and flavor without becoming too firm.

If you have leftover brownie cups, they can also be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer bag. To serve after freezing, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. This keeps the flavors intact and the texture just right.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your brownie cups! Instead of plain peanut butter, you can experiment by adding in ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a dash of sea salt into the peanut butter layer for an elevated flavor. If you prefer a different nut butter, almond or cashew butter works wonderfully, giving a slightly different taste profile while still providing that delightful creamy filling.

Another delicious variation is to substitute the semi-sweet chocolate topping with dark chocolate for a richer taste or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamy finish. You can also drizzle melted chocolate in a contrasting color over the set topping for a decorative touch. Each alteration can change your Homemade Reese's Brownie Cups experience, making them feel new each time you bake a batch!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your brownie cups a delightful texture.

→ How should I store the brownie cups?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze these brownie cups?

Yes! They freeze wonderfully. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

→ What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture as an egg replacement in these brownies.