Reese’s Brownies with Peanut Butter Fudge Frosting + Video

Reese’s Brownies are loaded with Reese’s cups and fluffy peanut butter fudge frosting. They are the ultimate in decadent desserts but so easy to make! Make brownies with peanut butter frosting for holidays, bake sales, or just an indulgent snack. Perfect for peanut butter lovers! 

Don’t overlook the power of this sweet treat! These loaded Reese’s brownies are made using simple ingredients, and end up being the perfect quick dessert.

While I’m still a big fan of regular brownies, there’s no denying these fudgy Reese’s brownies are at the top of my list. 

Having Reese’s candies is one of those fun twists that give this easy recipe huge flavor. The brownie has a fudgy texture, while the top is loaded with chocolate goodness.

I’ve made Reese’s peanut butter cup brownies for birthdays, a bake sale, parties, and weekend treats, and everyone always takes two of these delicious brownies. 

Some people prefer to use brownie mixes to save on time – and I say do what you need to do. If you want to use a box of brownie mix, go for it!

You’ll still be able to enjoy this easy brownie recipe that way. 

The next time that you have chocolate cravings, keep this Reese’s brownies recipe handy. The great thing about it is that it is the perfect brownie recipe that never disappoints! 

Reese’s Brownies

Chocolate and peanut butter together are simply irresistible, and nobody does it better than Reese’s.

The secret to this particular recipe for Reeses brownies is a layer of creamy peanut butter fudge frosting.

But it doesn’t stop there! Next comes a layer of peanut butter cups and chocolate drizzle to really put this dessert over the top!

Recipe Video

To see us make brownies with peanut butter frosting from start to finish, watch the video in this post!

If you’ve been here for a while, you know I love making all kinds of desserts with these flavors.

For something easy and quick, try my Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge. You only need 4 ingredients, and it comes together in just 10 minutes!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie has a special ingredient in the crust that will blow your mind.

My Reese’s Brownie Cookies have an ooey gooey flavor unlike any other!

Or, go all out with my Extreme Chocolate Reese’s Cake. It’s the same as this recipe, but scaled up and decorated in the form of a cake!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Sugar – You’ll need granulated sugar for the chocolate batter, then powdered sugar to make peanut butter frosting for the brownies.
  
• Peanut Butter – I prefer the flavor of natural peanut butter, but use your favorite! No-stir varieties are easier to work with and will create a creamier frosting.
  
• Chocolate Chips – These are getting melted down for an easy chocolate drizzle. 
  
  Milk chocolate enhances the Reese’s flavor, but semisweet or dark would help tone down the overall sweetness of the dessert.
  
• Peanut Butter Cups – Opt for the miniature kind — wrapped or unwrapped — when making this recipe. 
  
  They’re a bit taller than full-sized cups and will hold their shape better in the batter.
  
  Chop them into quarters for the brownies, then halves or quarters to sprinkle on top of the frosted layer.

Tips for Making Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

• Line Your Pan. 

Using a layer of parchment paper not only prevents sticking, but you can lift the Reese’s brownies right out of the pan for easier slicing.

• Use Quality Cocoa. 

Not all cocoa powders are alike and each will create a different chocolate flavor. 

Regular unsweetened is the most commonly used, but Dutch-processed is great for balancing all of the sweetness with a more bitter flavor.

• Cut Some Corners. 

If you’d like, you can easily use your favorite boxed brownie mix instead! 

Just follow the directions on the box, then top with the chopped Reese’s and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Also, avoid any mixes that have chocolate syrup or fudge to mix into the batter or the texture won’t turn out quite right.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• 9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! The 9×13 is perfect for casseroles, and the smaller size is awesome for making half a casserole recipe.
• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl with hand mixer for whipping up the peanut butter frosting for brownies.
• Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them. With 3 sizes there is a whisk for every job!
• Offset Spatula – This spatula has so many uses and is perfect for smoothing the frosting on top of the brownies.

How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting for Brownies

The process really couldn’t be simpler! You will need to bring both the butter and cream cheese to room temperature before getting started.

Do this by unwrapping both, slicing them into smaller pieces, and letting them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes.

1. Whip the cream cheese. Don’t rush the process! It takes about 3 minutes on medium to get it to the right texture.
   
2. Add the powdered sugar. Reduce the speed to low until incorporated, then kick it back up to medium until light and fluffy.
   
3. Mix in remaining ingredients. Add the peanut butter, salt, and vanilla and beat until creamy and well combined. 

Reeses Brownies FAQ

Storing and Freezing Frosting Brownies

While they should be fine at room temperature for a few days, brownies with peanut butter frosting should be kept covered in the refrigerator if you need to store them longer.

It’s also best to cut slices as you need them to keep them from drying out.

Reeses brownies also freeze really well. Wrap squares tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe storage bag. 

Store for up to 6 months in the freezer and defrost for 30 minutes before eating.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Originally published June 2013, updated and republished October 2024

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