Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Gems

Ever wondered what happens when you unite the rich, fudgy delight of a brownie with the creamy, dreamy essence of a peanut butter cup? The answer is simple: pure magic! Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor in every bite with these irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites.

For years, I’ve cherished the joy of baking homemade treats that don’t demand hours of complicated effort. This recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. It gracefully begins with a humble boxed brownie mix, ensuring you achieve that desired deep chocolate, fudgy texture without any unnecessary fuss. It’s an ideal baking project for aspiring young chefs learning their way around the kitchen, or for anyone seeking a quick yet incredibly satisfying dessert.

These delightful morsels are baked in a mini muffin tin, each cradling a miniature peanut butter cup at its heart. The result? Approximately 48 bite-sized treasures, perfectly portioned for sharing with friends and family, or for secretly stashing away for your own indulgence. Trust me, once you taste one, “just one” quickly transforms into “maybe two… or three.” They are incredibly easy to make, nearly impossible to resist, and consistently disappear faster than you can say “peanut butter chocolate heaven” at any gathering!

Simple Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites: A Quick & Easy Treat

This recipe’s charm lies in its absolute simplicity. By leveraging a high-quality box brownie mix, we cut down on prep time without compromising on flavor or texture. Of course, if you have a cherished homemade brownie recipe that yields a dense, fudgy result, feel free to substitute it here. The key is a rich, chocolatey base that complements the creamy peanut butter.

While these brownie bites are utterly delicious in their pure form, you can certainly add festive sprinkles to match any occasion or holiday theme. However, for me, the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter is so inherently perfect, it requires no additional embellishment. The harmonious blend of sweet and salty, rich and smooth, truly speaks for itself.

Why These Peanut Butter Brownie Bites Will Be Your New Favorite

• Unbelievably Easy: Starting with a boxed mix means minimal measuring and fuss, making this recipe perfect for beginner bakers or busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The timeless pairing of chocolate and peanut butter is universally loved, guaranteeing these bites will be a hit at any party, potluck, or family gathering.
• Perfectly Portioned: Their mini size makes them ideal for snacking, sharing, or controlling portion sizes (if you can stop at just one!).
• Kid-Friendly Fun: This recipe is simple enough for children to help with, turning baking into a fun, interactive activity.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors and decorations to suit any season or personal preference.
• Make-Ahead & Freeze: Prepare them in advance and store them in the freezer for a quick dessert anytime a craving strikes.

What You’ll Need for These Decadent Mini Brownie Bites

Key Ingredients Explained for Optimal Results

To create these delightful peanut butter cup brownie bites, you’ll only need a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility:

• Boxed Brownie Mix (18.3 ounce, 13×9 size): This is our convenient foundation. Any brand of fudgy brownie mix will work wonderfully. Check the back of the box for the specific liquid ingredients it calls for, as these can vary slightly. The “13×9 size” ensures you have enough batter for approximately 48 mini bites.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup, or as directed on box): Oil contributes to the moistness and fudgy texture of the brownies. If your specific brownie mix calls for butter or a different amount of oil, always follow the box instructions for best results.
• Water (3 tablespoons, or as directed on box): Water helps to hydrate the dry mix and create the perfect batter consistency. Again, adjust according to your brownie mix’s instructions.
• Eggs (2 large, or as directed on box): Eggs act as a binder, adding structure and richness to the brownies. Using room temperature eggs can sometimes lead to a smoother batter, but it’s not strictly necessary for this forgiving recipe.
• Miniature Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (48 pieces): These are the stars of the show! Make sure they are unwrapped before you begin baking. Standard mini Reese’s peanut butter cups are perfect, but feel free to experiment with other brands or even homemade mini peanut butter cups if you’re feeling ambitious.

Having these ingredients prepped and ready before you start will make the baking process even smoother and more enjoyable.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites: Step-by-Step Guide

The preparation for these treats is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Peanut Butter Cups: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven is heating, take a moment to unwrap all 48 miniature peanut butter cups. This small step upfront saves time and keeps your hands clean during the assembly phase.
2. Prepare Brownie Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the boxed brownie mix with the specified amounts of vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Mix according to the directions on your brownie box. Typically, this involves mixing until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough brownies. The batter should be thick and glossy.
3. Line Muffin Pan & Fill: Line a mini muffin pan with mini foil liners. I highly recommend using foil liners, or liners with a foil exterior, as they offer more structural integrity than all-paper ones. This prevents tearing and ensures the brownie bites release easily once baked. Fill each liner approximately halfway to three-quarters full with the brownie batter.
4. Add Peanut Butter Cups: Gently place one unwrapped miniature peanut butter cup into the center of each brownie batter-filled liner. Press down lightly until the peanut butter cup is mostly submerged and the displaced brownie batter rises to just about the top of the foil liner. This ensures the peanut butter cup is perfectly encased.
5. Bake to Perfection: Once your muffin tin is completely filled, transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. The brownies should be set around the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the brownie (not the peanut butter cup) should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Cool & Enjoy: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the brownie bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps them set further. After 5 minutes, carefully remove them from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, the real challenge begins: try to keep yourself from eating them all, one delicious bite at a time!

Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Brownie Bites Every Time

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing brownie batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, cake-like texture instead of the desired fudgy one. Mix until just combined.
• Use Foil Liners: As mentioned, foil or foil-lined paper cups are superior for these mini bites. They hold their shape better and are less likely to stick to the rich brownie.
• Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your brownies. If they seem too soft after 20 minutes, add another 2-3 minutes. You want them just set, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Cool Completely for Best Texture: While tempting to eat warm, allowing the brownie bites to cool fully enhances their fudginess and makes them easier to handle and store.
• Room Temperature Ingredients (Optional): For a smoother batter, you can bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate more evenly.
• Quality Box Mix Matters: While any box mix works, a higher-quality mix often yields a more intensely chocolatey and fudgier brownie base.

Exciting Variations for Your Brownie Bites from a Mix

While the classic peanut butter cup brownie bite is a masterpiece on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative! A simple box mix provides an excellent canvas for countless variations:

• Crunchy Peanut Butter Surprise: Swap out regular mini peanut butter cups for the crunchy variety to introduce an extra layer of texture and nutty goodness.
• Dark Chocolate Indulgence: For a more sophisticated and deeply rich chocolate flavor, opt for dark chocolate peanut butter cups. This pairs wonderfully with a less sweet brownie mix.
• Salted Caramel Dream: Elevate your bites with a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top while they are still warm. The salt enhances both the chocolate and caramel notes.
• Festive Flair for Any Occasion: Add a burst of color by sprinkling the tops with red and green sprinkles or edible glitter for holiday celebrations. For birthdays, use rainbow sprinkles! Apply them while the brownies are still slightly warm so they adhere.
• Seasonal Peanut Butter Cups: Keep an eye out for seasonal peanut butter cups (like white chocolate with red or green filling during the holidays). These can add a delightful thematic touch to your dessert spread.
• Marshmallow Swirl: After pressing in the peanut butter cup, add a tiny dollop of marshmallow fluff on top before baking for a gooey, s’mores-like twist.
• Nutella Center: Instead of a peanut butter cup, try pressing in a small spoonful of Nutella or another hazelnut spread for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Cookie Dough Stuffed: For an ultimate indulgence, press a small ball of edible cookie dough into the center instead of a peanut butter cup.

Storing Your Delicious Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

Proper storage ensures your peanut butter cup brownie bites remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Their rich, fudgy nature means they hold up well, but a few tips can extend their shelf life:

• Room Temperature Storage: Once the brownie bites have cooled completely to room temperature, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and fudgy for up to 3 days on your counter. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Refrigerator Storage: For extended freshness, store the cooled brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chill will make them slightly firmer, but they’re still incredibly delicious. You can enjoy them cold, or let them come to room temperature for a softer texture.
• Freezing for Later (Perfect for Holiday Baking!): These brownie bites freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option.
  1. Arrange the fully cooled brownie bites in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until the bites are solid. This “flash freezing” prevents them from sticking together when stored in bulk.
  3. Once frozen solid, transfer the brownie bites to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. If using a container, separate layers with parchment paper.
  4. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  5. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a go-to homemade brownie recipe that you love, feel free to use it. Just ensure it’s a fudgy recipe that yields a good amount of batter (equivalent to a 13×9 inch pan mix) for around 48 mini bites.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

You can adapt this recipe for a regular-sized muffin tin or even an 8×8 inch baking pan. For regular muffins, increase baking time to 25-30 minutes. For a pan, pour half the batter, layer with peanut butter cups, then top with the remaining batter and bake as directed for your brownie mix, likely 25-30 minutes, adjusting for thickness.

How do I prevent the brownie bites from sticking to the liners?

Using foil liners or paper liners with a foil exterior is key. They are stronger and less likely to adhere to the rich, fudgy brownie. You can also lightly spray the inside of any liner with non-stick cooking spray for extra insurance.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Many brands offer gluten-free boxed brownie mixes. Simply use a gluten-free mix and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.

My peanut butter cups melted completely into the brownies. What happened?

This can happen if the oven is too hot or if the peanut butter cups were placed too close to the surface and exposed directly to high heat. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate (a thermometer helps!), and make sure the batter fully covers the sides of the peanut butter cup, with the top just level with the batter, so it’s nestled securely inside.

More Irresistible Chocolate & Peanut Butter Recipes to Try

If you’re a devoted fan of the incredible chocolate and peanut butter combination, or simply love clever baking shortcuts, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other delightful recipes:

• For another take on the classic combo, check out these mouth-watering Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies from BlogChef.
• If you appreciate the convenience of a box mix as much as I do, you’ll adore my Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies, a festive and flavorful choice.
• Another fantastic box mix hack is my recipe for Crinkle Cookies Made with a Brownie Mix, offering chewy, crackled perfection with minimal effort.
• Similarly, you can easily start with a cake mix to create incredible desserts like these indulgent Oreo Cupcakes.
• And for a no-bake option that combines two beloved treats, try these fun and crunchy Oreo Krispies, a twist on classic Rice Krispie treats.

📖 Full Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites

An irresistible combination of fudgy brownie and creamy mini peanut butter cups. These delightful treats are perfectly bite-sized and packed with flavor in every single mouthful!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 48 mini bites
• Calories: 106 kcal per serving
• Author: Sula

Ingredients

• 1 (18.3 ounce) package brownie mix (for a 13×9 inch pan size)
• ½ cup vegetable oil*
• 3 tablespoons water*
• 2 large eggs*
• 48 miniature chocolate peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Unwrap all 48 miniature chocolate peanut butter cups and set them aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the brownie mix with the vegetable oil, water, and eggs according to the specific directions on your brownie box. Mix until the batter is just smooth, being careful not to overmix.
3. Line a mini cupcake pan with foil liners. Fill each liner approximately ½ to ¾ full with the prepared brownie batter.
4. Gently place one unwrapped miniature peanut butter cup into the center of each batter-filled liner. Push down lightly until the top of the peanut butter cup is nearly level with the brownie batter.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownie bites to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Video Guide

Notes

Always refer to your specific brownie mix box for the exact proportions of eggs, oil, and water. These might vary slightly by brand or type of mix.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition values are estimates only, calculated using online calculators. Please verify using your own data if precision is required.

• Calories: 106 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 7mg
• Sodium: 59mg
• Potassium: 27mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g
• Vitamin A: 14IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 7mg
• Iron: 1mg