Fudgy Reese Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies

There’s this ongoing tradition in my neighborhood that every October, just before Halloween, we throw a “Midnight Bake-Off” on Ms. Campbell’s porch. The rules? Bake anything sweet, bring a flashlight, and don’t forget the candy.

One year, in a last-minute panic, my friend Tony showed up with nothing but a bag of Reese’s Pieces, a tub of peanut butter, and a promise to wing it in my kitchen. So there we were me, Tony, and his teenage cousin Nora crammed into my apartment at 9 p.m., melting butter and spooning peanut butter straight from the jar, determined to create something worthy of porch praise.

Those Reese Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies weren’t just a hit they disappeared in under five minutes. And since then, every time someone asks me to bake something “fun but grown-up,” this is the recipe I reach for. The combination of nutty richness, buttery fudginess, and a little crunch on top makes them equal parts nostalgic and indulgent. Last week, I brought a batch to our community clean-up day, and the construction crew cleaning out the sidewalks kept sneaking back for seconds between wheelbarrow loads. They called them “dangerously good.”

Whether it’s for a last-minute gathering, a bake sale, or just to flex your peanut butter loyalty, Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies deliver. The recipe doesn’t need fancy tricks or long prep, just a few pantry staples and a craving for comfort in brownie form.

Short Description

These Reese Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies are ultra-fudgy, rich, and perfectly balanced with a pop of candy-coated crunch

Key Ingredients

• ⅔ cup melted butter
• 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup Reese’s Pieces

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper for extra insurance against sticking.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This ensures even distribution before it joins the wet mixture.

Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain overmixing will lead to cakey brownies.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces over the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly cracked, but the center remains soft.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool in the pan on a rack for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment edges to lift the brownies out, then slice into squares.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the edges darken too quickly, tent the pan loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines rich chocolatey texture with creamy peanut butter

Studded with colorful Reese’s Pieces for crunch and sweetness

Easy to make with minimal cleanup

Freezer-friendly and great for gifting

Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or just a rainy afternoon treat

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the batter
This can lead to tough, dry brownies.
Solution: Mix until just combined. Use a spatula, not a mixer, when folding in the flour.

Using cold ingredients
Cold eggs or butter can seize the peanut butter or create uneven texture.
Solution: Let all ingredients reach room temperature before starting.

Undercooking or overcooking
Too little bake time and the center stays raw; too much and they get dry.
Solution: Check at 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Not lining the pan properly
Brownies may stick or be hard to remove cleanly.
Solution: Use parchment with overhang and lightly grease it before adding batter.

Forgetting to cool completely
Cutting warm brownies leads to a gooey mess.
Solution: Wait at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour, before slicing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Pair with cold milk or a salted caramel latte

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate

Cut into smaller squares for a party platter

Wrap in wax paper for lunchbox treats

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 1 week; bring to room temp before eating

Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped squares in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months

Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a just-baked texture

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but it should be well-stirred. Natural peanut butter can be oilier and may change the texture slightly.

2. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely. Fold in up to ¾ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts along with the flour for extra texture.

3. What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Chilling the brownies first can also help with neater edges.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should pull slightly from the pan, and the center should be set but soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.

Tips & Tricks

Warm the peanut butter slightly before mixing for a smoother batter

Press a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top right before baking for vibrant color

Use chunky peanut butter for added texture

Chill the brownies before slicing for cleaner cuts

Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking for a sweet-salty finish

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Swirl Brownies
Melt ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate and swirl it through the batter before baking for a marbled effect.

2. Espresso Kick
Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a subtle coffee depth that enhances the chocolate.

3. Marshmallow Topping
Once baked, layer mini marshmallows on top, broil for 1–2 minutes until golden, and drizzle with peanut butter.

4. Cookie Dough Base
Swap 1 cup of flour with crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for a softer, more buttery base.

5. Mini Muffin Brownie Bites
Spoon the batter into a mini muffin tin and bake for 15–18 minutes for bite-sized treats. Great for parties or lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

When we baked these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Brownies for the first time, we had no idea they’d become a recurring guest at every casual get-together, bake sale, and holiday event. There’s something about the crunchy candy coating, soft brownie middle, and that unmistakable peanut butter aroma that pulls people in kids and adults alike. Even those who “don’t like peanut butter” end up sneaking seconds.

I’ve shared this recipe with friends in college dorms, with tired coworkers during long meetings, and with my aunt who insists on baking everything from scratch. The beauty lies in its simplicity: pantry ingredients, one bowl, and big flavor in every bite. You can dress them up or keep them classic they always hit the sweet spot.

So the next time you’re asked to “just bring something sweet,” this one will have your back. And if you’re baking late at night with nothing but a flashlight and good company? All the better.