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Who can resist the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate? These Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites are the perfect bite-sized treat, combining fudgy brownies with a creamy peanut butter filling and melty chocolate chips. But the best part? This recipe includes a foolproof method for releasing them from the pan every single time, ensuring perfectly shaped and delicious brownie bites.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

These mini brownie bites are destined to become a family favorite. Here’s why:

  • Perfectly portable: Their small size makes them ideal for lunchboxes, parties, or a quick dessert.
  • Intense flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is a classic for a reason.
  • Foolproof pan release: Say goodbye to crumbling brownies! Our secret method guarantees easy removal.
  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can bake these successfully.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s talk about the ingredients that make these brownie bites so irresistible. We’re aiming for a deeply chocolatey brownie base balanced by a sweet and salty peanut butter swirl. The quality of your ingredients plays a big role in the final taste, so let’s break it down.

For the Fudgy Brownie Base:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for our brownies. For a slightly denser, chewier texture, you could substitute with pastry flour.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This is key to that rich chocolate flavor. Using a good quality cocoa powder will make a noticeable difference. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a darker, more intense flavor, but regular unsweetened cocoa powder works perfectly well.
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides a little lift, keeping the brownies from being too dense.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
  • ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and fudgy.
  • 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
  • ½ cup milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter.

For the Peanut Butter Swirl:

  • 1 cup peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is best for this recipe. Avoid using natural peanut butter that separates, as it can make the swirl oily.
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the peanut butter mixture.
  • 1 tablespoon milk: Helps to thin out the peanut butter mixture and make it easier to swirl.

The Finishing Touch:

  • ½ cup chocolate chips: Adds extra chocolatey goodness. Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, depending on your preference. You could even use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Crafting Your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites: Step-by-Step

Ready to bake some amazing brownie bites? This recipe is straightforward, but paying attention to the details will ensure perfect results. The most important part is the pan preparation – that’s our secret weapon for easy release!

  1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Getting the oven to the right temperature is crucial for even baking.
  2. The Foolproof Pan Release Secret: This is where the magic happens! Generously grease a mini muffin tin with shortening. Make sure you get into every nook and cranny. Then, dust the entire tin with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. The shortening creates a barrier, and the cocoa powder adds a non-stick surface and a beautiful matte finish to the brownies. This technique works wonders, even for the stickiest batters.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, which is important for consistent results.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk. It’s important to whisk these ingredients well to create an emulsion, which will help to create a smooth batter.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
  6. Fill the Muffin Cups: Fill each mini muffin cup about halfway with brownie batter. Using a small cookie scoop makes this step easier and ensures that each brownie bite is the same size.
  7. Make the Peanut Butter Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, and milk. Mix until smooth. You may need to add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
  8. Add the Peanut Butter: Drop a small spoonful of the peanut butter mixture on top of the brownie batter in each cup.
  9. Sprinkle with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter layer.
  10. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie comes out with moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as this will make them dry.
  11. Cool and Release: Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows them to set slightly, making them easier to remove. Gently loosen the edges of the brownies with a knife or offset spatula. Invert the muffin tin onto a wire rack to release the brownies. Thanks to our foolproof pan release method, they should pop right out!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites Every Time

Want to take your brownie bite game to the next level? Here are a few tips to ensure baking success:

  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the brownie batter develops the gluten, leading to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
  • Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are important. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk will incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
  • Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts would be delicious additions.
  • Storage: Store these brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites

These brownie bites are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

  • Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance.
  • Coffee or Tea: Pair them with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
  • Milk: A glass of cold milk is a classic pairing for brownies.
  • Enjoying them alongside a handful of our golden cloud cookies would be a great treat too.

Your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I make these brownie bites gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together. Our site features other gluten-free baking options if you are interested. Try our ultimate pecan swirl caramel fudge recipe which is a decadent gluten free treat.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

While you can use natural peanut butter, it’s not recommended for the swirl. Natural peanut butter tends to separate, which can make the swirl oily. If you do use it, make sure to stir it well before measuring and add a little extra powdered sugar to help thicken it.

How do I prevent the peanut butter from sinking to the bottom?

The key is to make sure the brownie batter is thick enough to support the peanut butter swirl. Be careful not to overmix the batter, and make sure you’re using the correct amount of flour. Also, chilling the peanut butter mixture slightly before adding it to the brownie batter can help.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these brownie bites can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before serving.

Enjoy Your Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for delicious Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites that are guaranteed to impress. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and that perfect pan release makes these mini treats a winner every time. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of homemade goodness! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites (Foolproof Pan Release)

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites (Foolproof Pan Release) Save For Later!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Prepare a mini muffin tin: This is the secret! Grease the entire tin with shortening. Then, dust generously with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. This creates a non-stick barrier and gives the brownies a beautiful matte finish.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  6. Fill each mini muffin cup about halfway with brownie batter.
  7. In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, and milk. Mix until smooth.
  8. Drop a small spoonful of peanut butter mixture on top of the brownie batter in each cup.
  9. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter layer.
  10. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie comes out with moist crumbs.
  11. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Gently loosen the edges of the brownies with a knife or offset spatula. Invert the muffin tin onto a wire rack to release the brownies.

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