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Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe with Easy Fudge Frosting

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Rich, fudgy brownies loaded with peanut butter cups and topped with a silky smooth fudge frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are indulgent yet easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup (175g) peanut butter cups, chopped
  • For the Fudge Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk (or dairy-free milk like oat milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
  2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until fully liquid but not browned. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Whisk until smooth and glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, salt, and flour.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Stop as soon as flour disappears.
  7. Gently fold in chopped peanut butter cups.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. While brownies bake, prepare fudge frosting: melt butter and cocoa powder together over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  11. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar alternately with milk until glossy and spreadable. Add vanilla extract last.
  12. Let brownies cool for about 15 minutes before spreading fudge frosting evenly over the top.
  13. Allow frosting to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for even mixing. Melt butter slowly to avoid scorching. Do not overmix batter to keep brownies tender. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. Let brownies cool before frosting to prevent melting. For extra gooey pockets, reserve some peanut butter cups to sprinkle on top before frosting. If frosting thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter cup brownies, fudge frosting, easy brownies, chocolate peanut butter dessert, potluck dessert, homemade brownies

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/decadent-peanut-butter-cup-brownies-recipe-with-easy-fudge-frosting/