Indulging in a rich, decadent dessert can transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Imagine sinking your fork into a gooey Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownie, where chocolate meets creamy peanut butter in perfect harmony. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a siren call, tempting you to take that first, irresistible bite. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
- How do I know when my brownies are done?
- Can I freeze these brownies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family gathering or an impromptu Netflix binge session. I recall one rainy Sunday when I whipped up these brownies and my friends raved about them for days. You won’t just taste the flavors; you’ll feel the love baked right in. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter create a heavenly flavor combination. They look stunning with their swirls of cheesecake and brownie layers. Versatile enough to impress guests or just satisfy your sweet tooth at home. [/info_box]
I once served these brownies at a potluck, and they disappeared faster than you can say “dessert.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use good-quality butter for rich flavor; it’s worth the splurge for desserts. Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and depth to your brownies.
Large Eggs: Ensure they are at room temperature to help incorporate air into the batter.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in this delightful treat.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor that makes brownies heavenly.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour gives structure to your brownies while keeping them fudgy.
Peanut Butter Cups: Chop them up for bursts of peanut buttery goodness throughout your brownies.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a smooth, luscious cheesecake layer in this recipe.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake layer without graininess; sift it before using!
Milk: A splash of milk helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency in your cheesecake layer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well with nonstick spray.
Create the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, melt together unsalted butter and both sugars until combined. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy.
Add Cocoa Powder and Flour**: Sift cocoa powder into the mixture along with all-purpose flour. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing as this keeps your brownies fudgy.
Add Peanut Butter Cups**: Fold in chopped peanut butter cups gently into the brownie batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout for delightful surprises in every bite.
Make the Cheesecake Layer**: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar followed by milk until creamy and lump-free.
Create Swirls**: Pour half of brownie batter into prepared pan, then dollop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top. Spoon remaining brownie batter over this, then swirl with a knife for that beautiful marbled effect.
Now bake those beauties! Place them in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until set but still moist in center; check with a toothpick—it should come out slightly sticky but not wet. Sticky Honey Chicken.
Let cool completely before slicing into squares. Trust me when I say that waiting will be excruciating but so worth it! Enjoy each bite of these Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies as they melt delightfully on your tongue! Lemon Cheesecake Squares.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies recipe is a delightful fusion of chocolatey goodness and creamy peanut butter that will elevate your dessert game. The aroma of baking brownies combined with the rich scent of peanut butter will have everyone in your kitchen eager to taste. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the brownie batter, then layer with cheesecake and peanut butter before baking. This sequence ensures even cooking and harmonious flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cream cheese for Greek yogurt or add crushed peanuts for extra crunch. Personalize it to suit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to enjoy warm.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter; this ensures better mixing and texture. When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid excess flour. Let brownies cool completely before cutting for perfect squares. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I brought these Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies to a family gathering. My cousin nearly fainted from joy, declaring them “life-changing.” For more inspiration, check out this Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, natural peanut butter adds a lovely texture but may be slightly less sweet. Big Mac Pasta Salad.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Treat yourself to these luscious Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies, where rich chocolate brownies intertwine with creamy cheesecake and delightful chunks of peanut butter cups. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies will elevate your dessert game and leave everyone craving more. With a gooey texture and a heavenly flavor combination, they are sure to impress at gatherings or provide comfort during cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter with both sugars until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift in cocoa powder and flour; mix gently until just combined. Fold in chopped peanut butter cups.
- For the cheesecake layer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and milk until creamy.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, dollop cream cheese mixture on top, then cover with remaining brownie batter. Swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set but slightly moist in the center. Let cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
