Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1.5 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 pinch fine salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (chopped); 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 0.75 cup white sugar; 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon fine salt; 4 large cold eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups mini marshmallows; 10 mini Reese's peanut butter cups (cut in half); 0.25 cup peanut butter (melted)

There’s nothing quite like the combination of chocolate and peanut butter to send your taste buds into a frenzy. And when you incorporate the nostalgic flavors of s’mores into the mix? Well, we’re talking about a dessert that’s bound to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Today, we’re diving into the delectable world of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies. These brownies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, merging fudgy chocolate brownies with a crunchy graham cracker crust, gooey marshmallows, and, of course, rich peanut butter cups. Let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey!

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies are a perfect blend of textures and flavors that appeal to everyone—from kids to adults. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the brownie layer offers a rich, dense chocolate experience. The mini marshmallows add a fluffy sweetness, and the halved peanut butter cups bring that irresistible nutty flavor to the table. Each bite is a harmony of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy, making it an instant favorite at parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

What You’ll Need

For the Crust:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
- 1-1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch fine salt
For the Brownie:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate – chopped
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 4 large cold eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 10 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups – cut in half
- 1/4 cup peanut butter – melted

Gear Checklist

9×13-inch baking pan – for the perfect brownie size.
Mixing bowls – for combining crust, brownie batter, and toppings.
Whisk and spatula – for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Parchment paper – to line the baking pan for easy removal.
Sharp knife – for cutting the brownies into perfect squares.

How to Prepare Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and achieve that perfect fudgy texture.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well mixed and the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, forming an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and chopped unsweetened chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir until well combined. Then, add the cold eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter over the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately top with the mini marshmallows and halved Reese’s peanut butter cups. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffed.

Step 6: Drizzle with Peanut Butter

After removing the brownies from the oven, drizzle the melted peanut butter over the top. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

In-Season Swaps

For a seasonal twist, consider adding crushed peppermint candy canes during the holidays.
In summer, swap out the peanut butter cups for fresh berries or fruit-infused chocolate chunks.
Experiment with flavored marshmallows, such as vanilla or strawberry, for a unique taste.

Errors to Dodge

Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to tough brownies; mix just until combined.
Not cooling the chocolate mixture slightly before adding eggs can cause them to cook, resulting in scrambled eggs in your batter.
Baking the brownies too long will make them dry; keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Quick Questions

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the brownies?

Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the unsweetened chocolate. Just adjust the sugar in the recipe if you prefer a sweeter brownie.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs; this indicates that the brownies are fudgy and not overbaked.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?

Crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can be excellent substitutes for graham cracker crumbs, providing a similar flavor and texture.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Cook This Next

Next Steps

Now that you have the recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll be begging for the recipe! Happy baking!